5 Must-Have Tech for First Year University Students

The back to school season has a different ring to it this September for university and college students—especially during their first year. It’s so long high school, hello lecture hall! Exams will be much more difficult (uh oh), but it’s also the beginning of amazing adventures, new friendships, and life-long memories.

Whether you’re a student living on campus in a dorm room or commuting to early morning study sessions, it’s always smart to be equipped with tech that has your back. From note-taking to playlist-making, we’ve gathered the top five gadgets for first-year university students.


Apple iPad with WiFi and Apple Pencil

Apple Pencil Apple iPad London Drugs Back to School

Create, learn, work and play like never before with the Apple iPad with WiFi. This version has all-day battery, so it will stay powered up during every long lecture. The immersive 9.7-inch Multi-Touch Retina display now has Apple Pencil capability—you can take notes, annotate, or sketch with virtually no delay!

HP Sprocket Portable ZINK Photo Printer

HP Sprocket Back to School Tech London Drugs

As a first-year, you’ll be experiencing campus life and making so many memories at college and university! Make sure all those photos don’t just stay on your phone—print them out with the HP Sprocket portable printer. Post them up in your dorm or share them with Mom and Dad back home (you know they’ll love them).

JVC Flats Wireless Headphones

JVC Flats Headphones London Drugs Back to School Tech

Music can be the best way to create soothing background noise as you study—or pump you up for a run to clear your head before exam day! The bluetooth-enabled JVC Flats are fashionable, lightweight headphones that have 11 hours of listening time. Choose pink, blue, black or grey, depending on your personal style.

Logiix Qi Wireless Charger and Stand

Logiix Qi Wireless Charger and Stand London Drugs Back to School

As a student, it’s always nice to have tech that makes your life easier. Just place your Android or iPhone X on the Logiix QI wireless charging stand to charge wirelessly from anywhere. At a fast 10W speed, too! Now, you won’t have to go digging for a cord in your backpack anymore.

Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch London Drugs Back to School Tech

After cramming for tests, sometimes it’s nice to chill out and play a few games. The Nintendo Switch is designed to go wherever you do, transforming from home console to portable system in a snap. If you’re not at home or at your dorm, take your game with you in handheld mode—even to study hall for a quick brain break!


Head to London Drugs in-store or online to find everything you need for back to school tech! Our LD Experts would love to help.

Back to Dorm Essentials Every Student Needs

Back to school shopping is arguably the best part of the beginning of the school year. It’s even more important when you’re heading off to university. But while dorm rooms have the basics covered (bed, desk, at least one roommate you’ll either love or hate), it’s important to bring those little things that will make your space feel like yours (and of course to have on hand all those essentials every student needs). After all, you’ll be spending a lot of time in your dorm room, so it’s got to be comfortable!

Whether you’re heading off to your university dorm for the first time, or returning and looking to elevate your dorm room game, we’ve got tons of suggestions to make your home base more homey.

Back to Dorm London Drugs - Student on Campus

Essential Electronics

Sure, your phone can do basically anything these days, but for some things it’s good to have a backup when the battery dies and you still need to get to class. This iHome Bluetooth alarm clock has USB charging ports, will sync to your phone to play music, and rocks a “Gradual Wake” feature to make waking up a little less awful.

An external hard drive is absolutely essential these days, and even more so for students. You will inevitably accidentally delete an essay or have your computer crash at the worst time. Make sure you have all your files backed up to keep your stress levels down!

Even if you have a cafeteria meal plan, you’ll want a kettle for late night coffee, instant noodles, or tea. Electric kettles are quiet, fast, and only need an outlet to work.

This Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 camera is is more fun than essential, but it’s way better than taking pictures with your phone and it has a “party mode” to help you take clearer photos in low light. Impress your new friends with photo memories of the party where you met them!

London Drugs Back to Dorm - Students on Campus

Wall Decor

Nothing says boring like the plain white walls of a dorm room. Consider making your room more visually appealing—and comforting—by enlarging personal photos to poster size at the London Drugs Photolab! Fill your walls with your friends and family. It will help to reduce homesickness, plus you’ll look cooler than everyone else in your dorm who all have the same Bob Marley poster.

Invest in a good long mirror. It’ll ensure you never head to class in your pyjamas and it’s great for outfit selfies. This one can be hung over a door to save space.

Get Cozy

The most important thing with a new dorm room is to make the space feel comfortable. Grab some luxurious-feeling but inexpensive Egyptian cotton sheets for the bed and a soft velvet Berber throw to turn your bed into a cozy haven. Upgrade your desk chair with a chair pad for those long nights of essay writing.

Good luck with the new school year!