6 must-have tech items that’ll set you up for success this school year

Student sitting on steps with coffee and Dell Laptop
(Image credit: Dell)

If there’s a year where you should go all out for back to school, it’s this one. As we prepare to head back to class with hopes of in-person instruction being safe, make sure you have the proper tech and tools to get you through the day… from class to clubs, and perhaps a little late-night streaming.

Dell Store

Don't miss out on some great back to school deals from Dell!

Dell has established itself for more than just computers, though those are pretty excellent too, with a lineup of all things tech from top brands like Bose, Epson, and Logitech to get you ready for back to school. And that’s barely scratching the surface of gaming hardware, cameras, tablets, audio equipment and so much more. 

These are the items you won’t want to overlook on your school supplies checklist. They’re an investment in both academics and your hobbies, two parts of your life that should be aided and fulfilled with great technology. See the must-haves from Dell’s store below. You might even find a flash sale as part of Dell’s back to school deals

 1. A Microsoft 365 subscription  

Microsoft 365 family subscription

 Microsoft 365 Family 1 Year Subscription: from $70   (Image credit: Microsoft)

All productivity begins with a subscription to Microsoft 365. In addition to the tried and true Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, you’ll enjoy a massive 1TB of cloud storage (plenty of space for all the drafts of your manuscript, excessive selfies, or just a good old term paper), be able to collaborate with classmates and have access to your

2. A set of wireless noise-cancelling headphones to block out your roommate 

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 - Triple Black

 Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700: $379  (Image credit: Bose)

 A good set of headphones is an absolute essential, and we know you’re eyeing the best from Bose. You need something with style, performance, and the ability to make things around you absolutely silent. Tune out roommates or pump up the volume as you dance your way to class. However, you just might want to turn off any noise-canceling features so you don’t miss anyone calling your name from across the mall. 

3. Wifi mobile storage to instantly access and transfer files

WD My Passport Wireless Pro

 Western Digital My Passport Wireless Pro: $199  (Image credit: WD)

Travel light, and confidently, knowing your files are easily accessible with the My Passport Wireless Pro. Aspiring Tik Tok influencers can easily transfer videos and photos from a professional camera to your phone or tablet. Suddenly, and almost instantly, your treasured files, photos, and videos can be wirelessly transferred to be accessed while out and about. It’ll even charge your other devices, too!

4.  A wireless mouse that’ll prevent hand cramps

Logitech M510 Mouse

Logitech M510 Mouse: $40 (Image credit: Logitech)

Let’s face it, you’ll have the best experience with a mouse whether you’re gaming, editing videos, or scrolling through pages of research. Logitech’s wireless mouse options are top-notch, with plenty of keyboard options as well, should you need one. For instance, The Logitech M510 mouse is ergonomically designed with a contour shape to stay comfortable as you zoom in and click around the screen with precision. It even has a two-year battery life! 

5. A do-it-all wireless printer with enough ink to share with your roommate 

Epson EcoTank ET-2760 All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer

Epson EcoTank ET-2760 All-in-One Cartridge-Free Supertank Printer: $300  (Image credit: Epson)

You never think you need a printer until you're actually in dire need… so get ahead of the curve as opposed to the alternative: going through your dorm’s floor in a frenzy to find someone who will let you use his printer. Our pick: an Epson printer, specifically a compact sized one perfectly-sized to fit in a dorm, and it can really do it all: print, scan, and copy. Some versions automatically print double-sided and you can even tell it to print with your voice. But the real savings: it swaps out bottles of ink for the traditional ink cartridges, and they last much longer. For perspective, that’s enough ink to print 7,500 pages. That’s at least two-years worth, maybe more.  

6. Ace classwork with this editor-approved laptop

XPS 13 Laptop

XPS 13 Laptop: starting at $999 (Image credit: Dell)

And to top it all off, achieve the most success this school year with the gorgeously designed and super powerful XPS in tow. With a 14-hour battery life, the XPS will last you from class, to study groups at the library, a club meeting, and back to a movie night with the roomie, and that’ll barely put a dent in performance. You’ll be able to multi-task and switch between the 50 Chrome tabs you don’t want to close.