As Fall approaches, a fever pitch of excitement (and nerves) is growing among parents and students preparing to transition from a year of virtual learning from home to an in-person academic experience.
While dusting off last year’s backpack and charging up the trusty Chromebook is a good place to start, there’s a lot you can do to help prepare for a smooth re-entry to the classroom.
“After spending an entire year taking classes online, I can’t wait to finally be back on campus,” says Jada Kennedy, a senior at Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia, who was among the many college students whose education was abruptly interrupted by the pandemic, sending her home to continue studying from her bedroom. With a new semester beginning this month, her school has given the green light for students to return (under strict safety precautions).
Kennedy, who is studying business, says a big part of her back-to-school planning is not only making sure she’s got her schedule organized, textbooks in hand, and a comfortable dorm setup, but also that she’s got the right tech tools to start the year off on the right foot. Her surprising go-to item? The TP-Link Smart Plug, which can turn any gadget into a smart device that can be controlled from an app on her phone.
“I want to give myself the best shot at having a successful senior year, which is why I’m researching and investing in products that I know will give me a leg up in areas, like organization, where I usually need a little extra help,” explains Kennedy.
Whether you have a kindergartener launching from the safety of learning at home to “big kid school,” a teen heading to high school, or a college student returning to campus life, here are some smart upgrades to traditional school supplies (other than the prerequisite laptops and printers) that you might not have thought of.
Focus and attention
Noise-cancelling headphones: Does your kid jam to their favorite tunes a bit too loud? Consider the Puro BT2200 when selecting their next set of headphones. These listeners are a great option when it comes to protecting their developing ears. Useful for both free time and study hours, this stylish, adjustable headset meets volume-limiting test standards and is praised by toddlers and big kids alike.
