7 gadgets that will make college a hell of a lot easier

Brought to you by DID Electrical.

Exciting times ahead

Once the dreaded Leaving Cert has been dealt with, the next stage of our education gets a bit more interesting. Starting the course of your choice is an exciting time, but starting college can be stressful and expensive, especially if you're moving away from home for the first time. Fear not, as we're here to help. Below is a list of gadgets that will not only make your college life that bit easier, but might also save you money in the long run.

Laptop

It's probably one of the first things you think of buying when heading off to college, but be sure to get one that's right for your course. Maybe talk to your lecturers or people who've already done the course about what programs you might be needing, and see what would be the most practical for you. Your best bet would be to go for something lightweight like a Lenovo IdeaPad if you're going to be spending a lot of time out and about with it. It's better value to go for it as part of a laptop bundle because it includes in the laptop, a bag, a wireless mouse & Microsoft Office (all of which you'd probably end up needing anyway).

Power bank

These can be absolute lifesavers. We can almost guarantee you there will be some mornings where you've forgotten to charge your phone, so having one of these handy can help you get through the day. You should be able to find a high-quality power bank from about €30, rather than going for a cheaper one that you probably won't get half as much use out of. Going without one of these beauties could lead to you being THAT person in a lecture hall leaving their phone charger cable blocking everyone's path. You're better than that.

Noise-cancelling headphones

Think of these as more of an investment in your sanity rather than your finances. There is absolutely nothing worse when you're trying to study than having to put up with a lot of background noise. It could be construction workers banging outside your gaff or being tempted by the sound of your housemate playing FIFA in the next room. Having a good set of headphones that block all of that out could be the difference between you passing or having to sit through repeats during the summer. To get a quality pair of noise-cancelling headphones that will last you a long time, your best bet is a well-known brand like Sennheiser or Skullcandy.

Coffee machine

Even if you aren't much of a coffee drinker, there's a good chance you'll be needing a caffeine boost at some stage during college. Early lectures, nights out and cramming sessions (it's going to happen) all take a lot out of you, so we wouldn't blame you for craving a cup. While most colleges have at least one on-site cafe, going there every day will rack up the costs. You can grab a decent espresso machine from about €45, so you don't even need to splash out on anything too fancy. You'd end up spending €25 if you were to get two €2.50 coffees every day from Monday to Friday, whereas you'll find packets of 10 pods for €2/3 that will last you just as long.

Electronic grill

Another money saver, buying a plug-in grill like a George Foreman is one of the best investments you can make for your kitchen. Some models are as cheap as €25, but there are more advanced versions out there for about €80. They can cook just about any meat, plus it's a tasty and healthy way to do it. Whether you're cooking a few rashers to cure your hungover head in the morning or whipping up a couple of steaks for dinner, it'll work out a lot cheaper than relying on your college's canteen. Plus, you'll be able to make your housemates jealous of your clearly superior cooking skills.

Blender/Smoothie maker

In keeping with the other money-saving gadgets that make delicious things, a good blender or NutriBullet is a good long-term investment. Smoothie bars are expensive, so grabbing one NutriBullet will keep the costs down in the long run. It's a handy way to make a quick healthy snack too, as you could make several smoothies in one batch and save some for the following day.

Slow cooker

These machines are your one-stop shop when it comes to cooking. You can throw the ingredients of a curry or casserole into one of these bad boys, and leave it to work its magic while you go about your day. Considering you should be able to find a good one from €40, it's a good bit cheaper than eating out every day. It'll even heat things back up or keep them warm for you should you have any leftovers. Get College Ready this year with DID Electrical. They've bundles of student savings and everything you need to start college right. To avail of these amazing offers visit any of DID's 23 stores nationwide or check out the DID website. Brought to you by DID Electrical.