There’s no doubt about it, going back to college can be difficult. Hours of studying, doing assignments, posting to forums, and reading materials can be daunting. This list of gadgets can help you make your life as a college student much more manageable so you can get good grades and even keep up with your job, family, and friends.

Cell Phone
Cell phones are probably the biggest tool students use when it comes to keeping in touch. Whether you stick to a basic cell phone for making calls and texting or opt for a smart phone so you can check your email and surf the Internet, you will be able to communicate with teachers, advisers, class mates, and friends very easily with a cell phone. Some cell phones can even attach to keyboards, head phones, and wireless headsets.

Camera
Having a camera will make preserving memories a snap. Most basic cameras let you take pictures and short videos, then upload them to your computer for editing and sharing through e-mail or online. A camera may also come in handy for assignments and can take a project to the next level. Most cell phones have cameras, but the picture quality and storage capabilities of these aren’t quite as good as a regular camera.

Headphones
Headphones are essential for listening to music or lesson audio from your computer at home or in the computer lab on campus. Noise-canceling headphones are an excellent choice since they let you listen in private and prevent other noises from distracting you while you work on assignments. Whether you are relaxing to your favorite band or listening to a lecture, headphones are a must.

Webcam
Webcams make video chats and video conferencing possible. This is useful for communicating with classmates as well as with friends and family. Many computers come with integrated webcams, or you can get one that plugs into your computer. You can then video chat online or download free software from the Internet.

E-book Reader
A backpack full of books can make walking to class harder than it should be. With e-books you can stop hauling around heavy text books and save your back. E-book readers are small and light, with an ever-increasing library of books. Many textbooks are available in digital format, and at much lower prices. Check with your school to see what options are available for you.

MP3 Players
MP3 players are a must if you are planning on listening to music or lectures, especially on the go. You can even plug your player into lamps, arm bands, picture frames, clocks, speakers, shoes, laser pointers, flashlights, toilet paper holders, jeans, and so many more devices. Life as a colleges student can be even more fun with an MP3 player.

Digital Recorders
A digital recorder lets students record lectures so they can improve their study habits and never miss important information given by an instructor. You can also buy a microphone that plugs into your laptop or cell phone so it can record audio.

Portable Wi-Fi
Connect to the Internet no matter where you are: a dead zone on campus or a classroom with a spotty connection. Portable Wi-Fi devices use cell phone towers to connect to the Internet, turning some of these dead zones into personal Internet hot spots. This gadget makes it easier to stay on top of changes in class schedules and submit assignments wherever you are.

Alarm Clock
Students are always getting up for classes or work and an alarm clock can save you from being late or missing classes. Some clocks play music or light up to get you out of bed. But for people that have a hard time waking up might benefit from alarm clocks that literally jump off nightstands and move around the room making noise. What better way to get moving than by chasing your alarm clock?

Digital Note Takers
These hi-tech pens and paper connect to your computer. The pen is an audio recorder, and the student takes notes on the special paper. The remarkable thing about these devices is that the audio and notes sync up, allowing the student to hear what a professor was saying when they took specific notes, or make quick marks to signal important parts of a lecture.

Gadgets won’t guarantee that a student will succeed when they go back to college. However, they can certainly help a dedicated student and can greatly assist in a college education.