College brings back some of the best memories. Though I didn’t realize it then, college presents more freedom and less responsibility than the adult world. Of course, 18-year-olds are just starting out, so any bit of obligation feels huge. In fact, some of the most common reasons why college students drop out in the first year are the balance of work and school, emotional stress, and a lack of academic preparedness.
Fortunately, there are a few items that can make the transition to college easier. We suggest looking into some of these as giveaways for students to encourage them to study hard while having fun and keeping organized. Let’s explore!
Noise-Canceling Headphones
There’s rarely a dull moment on a college campus. Between roommates, friends, and social events, it’s hard to find a quiet place to get work done. That’s why noise-canceling headphones are a must-have for new students. The best headphones are comfortable, durable, and wireless.
Personal Assistant (Amazon Echo, Google Home)
The Echo Dot and Google Home Mini are around $50, so they aren’t terribly expensive. But, they are incredibly useful. These devices act as personal assistants. Students can get weather updates, keep organized with their schedules, and set alarms/reminders. Also, both devices play music and tell jokes.
Folding Bluetooth Keyboard
Bluetooth keyboards connect to any smartphone or tablet, instantly turning these devices into workable computers. This makes it possible to take notes during lectures, perfect for a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) classroom. To make these keyboards even more attractive, they can fold and fit into small spaces like backpacks and desk drawers.
Fitbit One Activity and Sleep Tracker
The Fitbit One is an awesome gadget because it doubles as a sleep tracker. College students aren’t known for getting the best sleep, but this bad habit can put a serious dent in their grades. The Fitbit One provides a bit of motivation to get quality sleep. It tells students how long and how well they slept.
Streaming Stick
Whether it’s Google Chromecast, the Roku, or the Fire TV stick, these nifty gadgets make watching movies and television a breeze. The beauty in using a streaming stick is that you can watch pretty much anything you want, when you want, where you want. Stream YouTube, Hulu, or Netflix on any dorm TV or computer.
Selfie Stick
While no one is exactly proud to carry one of these around, some of the best photos come from them! Selfie sticks give you amazing angles and can include all friends in the frames. Choose one that is durable and extends to a decent length – the longer the better!
All of these tech items make great gifts and incentives for college students. Some are more cost-effective than others, so consider the campaign you plan on using them for and how many students you want to reward. Show your audience that you understand them and can anticipate their needs!
