As the fall semester of college comes to a close and you’re finishing up the last of your finals, you may be thinking back and wishing that you had managed your time better or been more organized. There are plenty of gadgets out there that allow you to stay on top of things and to complete daily assignments and tasks with much more fluidity. Christmas is fast approaching and, if you haven’t already, it’s high time to upgrade your gadget arsenal. Here are some must-haves for any college student:

1. Laptop (prices depend on specs: $300 - $3000)
Laptops are a growing trend among college campuses and many schools across the nation are starting to require one. Writing papers, doing research, taking lecture notes, and accessing all the information you could ever want at the tips of your fingers. Aside from that, they are far more convenient than the bacteria infested library computers and they allow you to express yourself through various colors and designs. If you haven’t already purchased one then now is the time! There are deals everywhere that can land you an exceptional notebook for discount prices. As a general rule of thumb, you usually want a computer with 4GB of memory and a dual core processor of 2.00 GHz or higher. These specs will allow you to perform all your basic tasks with ease. Whether you get a PC or a Mac is up to you. Do your research, and don’t just go for the cheapest thing out there.

2. Flash Drive (generally $5.00 - $30.00)
A flash drive is a portable, key-sized device that allows you to store information and take it on the go. I find these especially useful when working on group projects, as it allows you to transfer files directly to your group members’ computers. Also, if you’re a commuter, a flash drive allows you to transport your files to school for printing without the need to lug your laptop with you. These make great stocking stuffers, and they come in many designs and colors. Memory varies, but I would suggest getting a 4GB or 8GB one.

3. Smartphone (prices vary depending on brand and plan type: FREE - $1000)

A smart phone is something to seriously consider. Yes, prices can be a little intimidating at first, but if you’re the kind of person that tends to forget about assignments, miss appointments, or just lose track of time, a smart phone could be a potentially smart investment. Smart phones allow you to not only make calls and text, but they also allow you to manage your time. With calendars, tasks, and appointment capabilities, most phones will allow you to set alarms to remind you that something needs to be done. I, personally, use my smart phone all the time to record assignments and make appointments. I also make heavy usage of the calendar utility as well as the highly customizable built in alarm clock that comes with it. Once again, I emphasize that you should do your research before purchasing a device. Get features that fit around you! With some practice, I’m sure that your smart phone will be your new best friend.

4. Graphing Calculator (upwards of $80.00)
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you will not imagine the number people I saw in my Calculus class using traditional scientific calculators. If you are planning on taking courses like Calculus, Statistics, or other advanced math subjects areas, then a graphing calculator is a must! There is no brand out there better than Texas Instruments when it comes to making graphing calculators. If you want to save money then a TI-83+ will do everything you want, and it is typically the device of choice for many students. For those going on to the advanced math courses (such as you math majors out there), you might want to consider going for a higher model, such as the TI-89.

Hopefully you took some of this into consideration and added some new items to your letter to Santa. Happy holidays!!