There are many benefits to using gadgets while studying at college or university. Not only do gadgets make it easier for you to access all the right information but it also reduces time spent on studying, allowing you to work more productively and efficiently.
Although there are plenty of gadgets that’ll make student life a whole lot easier, we’ve rounded up the 7 gadgets every student needs in 2023.
Before we jump into what these gadgets are, it’s important to first understand what we mean by “gadgets”.
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What Are Gadgets?
Gadgets are electronic or mechanical devices that are created for a particular purpose or function. They’re often used to assist people with a particular task or do something that’s useful to them.
Gadgets are especially beneficial to students, as it allows them to learn and study effectively while at college or university.
How Do Gadgets Help Students Study Effectively?
Gadgets are electronic devices that can be used to make student life easier, more efficient and enjoyable. More than just fun trinkets, these incredible tools can help you stay organised or even aid with a creative project or assignment.
Not only that, but having access to electronic gadgets—such as a smartphone or tablet—gives you instant access to online resources and learning materials that can enhance your knowledge of a topic that you previously didn’t know much about.
In 2023, gadgets will become even more important for students as they seek to take advantage of the latest development in technology.
Now, you may be wondering: Where can students find these gadgets in 2023? Let’s take a look!
Where to Find Budget-Friendly Gadgets in 2023
Although no gadget is cheap, there are a few places where you can get access to budget-friendly gadgets in 2023, namely:
- Fundi Shop
- Rentoza, and
- Takealot.
To help you get a better idea of the budget-friendly benefits of each of the above stores, let’s do a quick breakdown of what they have to offer.
Fundi Shop
At Fundi, all your educational needs can be found in one place—whether you require a student loan, study advice, accommodation or electronic devices from the Fundi Shop.
With the Fundi Shop, you can purchase everything from laptops, mobile phones and tablets all at an affordable price.
If you are unable to afford the electronic gadgets available at the Fundi Shop, then don’t worry! You can take out a study device loan and pay it off in small monthly instalments.
Browse for gadgets at the Fundi Shop.
Rentoza
Rentoza is an online subscription platform that offers everything from electronic gadgets and appliances to gaming and fitness equipment.
At Rentoza, you’re able to gain access to these products by paying a monthly instalment that allows you to upgrade, downgrade or swap out a product at any point—without any penalties!
Subscribing with Rentoza does mean that you’ll never own any of the gadgets they have available, as you’ll be renting them. However, the Rentoza subscription is still a fantastically affordable solution for students who only need certain gadgets for a certain period of time.
*Rentoza currently has a back-to-school offer where you can get 30% off laptops and tablets!
Takealot
As South Africa’s largest online retailer, Takealot has a number of electronic gadgets and devices available for students to purchase—including power banks, storage devices, rechargeable lights and more.
When purchasing a gadget from Takealot, you’ll have the option of either paying full price right away or via an online monthly payment solution known as Payflex. With Payflex, you are able to pay for products in small monthly instalments over a set period of 6 months—interest-free!
Now that you know where to buy gadgets on a student budget, it’s time to find out which gadgets you may need in 2023.
7 Gadgets Every Student Needs in 2023
Although there are plenty of excellent gadgets that can assist you with achieving your academic goals, there are several that are an absolute necessity for students this year.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at our list of 7 gadgets every student should have in 2023.
1. Smartphone
A smartphone is an essential gadget for all students in 2023. There are a multitude of benefits to having a smartphone, which are outlined below:
- Stay connected: Having a smartphone allows you to keep in touch with your friends, family members and other students.
- Download apps: From mobile games and music to educational apps that help you study, there are plenty of applications that you can use to make your life as a student that much simpler.
- Research: With your smartphone, you’ll have access to a plethora of online resources that can help you with your exams and assignments.
- Access student platforms: If you’re studying via distance learning, you may need to access the online student platform so that you can attend lectures and watch recordings.
Tip: Set up a student budget before getting a smartphone, as you don’t want to end up with a mobile phone that you can’t afford.
2. Tablet
If you’re looking for an affordable gadget that will allow you to easily type notes during class, store all your assignments and keep you entertained during breaks, then getting a tablet may be the answer!
With a tablet, you can do everything from browsing the web to streaming Netflix. The best part is, tablets are entirely portable and lightweight, making them easy to slip into your backpack before you attend your lessons.
Tip: Try your best to get a tablet with a keyboard as it’ll make it easier for you to get your tasks and assignments done.
3. Storage Device
As a student, having a storage device is an excellent way to back up your assignments and tasks in case of emergencies (because let’s face it, life happens).
With load shedding and power cuts being a real issue in South Africa, having a storage device—such as an external hard drive—becomes an absolute must when you’re a student. The last thing you want is to be busy with your thesis or a 3 000 word essay, only to have the power go off and lose all your work.
Tip: Get a storage drive with at least 500 GB of storage space so that you have enough space to store all your important data.
4. Power Bank
Speaking of load shedding, you may want to add a power bank to your list of things to save up for.
There are various types of power banks available in South Africa, and the price depends on what you’re looking to get out of it. For example, if you’d like a power bank to support your Wi-Fi, you may consider the DC-UPS-8800MA power bank.
If you’d like a power bank to keep your phone or Nintendo Switch, then the Remax 30000mAh might be more up your alley.
Tip: Remember to check out the charging ports to ensure your cables will fit into the power bank you’d like to purchase.
5. Rechargeable LED Light
A rechargeable LED light is an essential gadget for students to have during power trips and load shedding. With a rechargeable LED light, you won’t have to worry about trying to study for exams in the dark.
A rechargeable LED light also keeps your dorm room well-light for the duration of load shedding, allowing you to carry on with your day-to-day activities without struggling with candles.
Tip: When looking for the optimal rechargeable LED light, try and aim for one that has a cool white light, as it mimics daylight. This makes it easier for your eyes to adjust and read the material.
6. Headphones or Pods/Earbuds
If you’re someone who can only study with music, then headphones, pods or earbuds are an absolute must-have for the 2023 academic year!
Not only do headphones, pods and earbuds allow you to play your best study tracks from Spotify, but they’ll also be able to block out any distractions around you (bonus!).
Tip: Whether you choose to get headphones, pods or earbuds, remember to check the size, dimensions and quality to ensure that they’re a comfortable fit—especially if you’re ordering them online.
7. Smartwatch
Having a smartwatch is a great way for students to stay fit, healthy and organised in 2023. This is because smartwatches have amazing features that allow you to review your day-to-day tasks, monitor your texts and keep track of your heart rate and fitness level.
Tip: Not all smartwatches have the exact same features, so be mindful of what goal you’re trying to achieve by having a smartwatch.
For example, if you’ve made it your 2023 new year’s resolution to get fit this year, you may opt for a Watch Fit or Watch Active to help you track your exercise regime and fitness level.
Get a Study Device Loan with Fundi
With the above gadgets, you’ll have all the tools you need to make your 2023 academic year a success! With that said, the cost of study aids—such as gadgets—can be expensive, which is why it’s important to budget wisely so that you don’t spend all your funding allowances all at once.
If you’re worried about the cost of electronic gadgets, you can always get a study device loan from Fundi!
Fundi offers students funding that covers all their educational needs—from accommodation and tuition fees to electronic devices.
Eager to find out if you qualify for a Fundi loan? Then be sure to check out the Fundi Loan Calculator and start your academic journey today!
