It’s that time of year once more to search for discounts, stores, and browse for the finest tech and gear for returning to school. The conclusion of summer and the commencement of the “back to school” period can induce anxiety for many. Although there’s no instant solution for the discomfort of bidding farewell to summer fun and stepping away from school, there are numerous gadgets available to facilitate the transition. The top tech for back to school can enhance your studying experience, help you unwind rapidly, make waking up easier, or simply elevate the overall atmosphere in your dorm room, classroom, or the bustling energy of school drop-off and pick-up.

Additionally, there are plenty of free resources at your disposal, like Libby, an app for e-books and audiobooks that you can access with a library card, and Notion, a completely customizable calendar and task management tool. Notion also provides paid templates, including one tailored for individuals and students with ADHD. You can also make use of Text2Speech.org to listen to an essay aloud for more effective proofreading or to multitask during your study session.

SEE ALSO: We evaluated the premier laptops for college students preparing to return to school.

Bedside tech organizer

Late-night scrolling has just become even more convenient with this bedside caddy for your phone, tablet, chapstick, and anything else you wish to grab easily without standing up.

Extra-long and durable charging cable

This 10-foot cable is ideal for hard-to-access outlets and charging stations. Not only is this Native Union cable exceedingly long, but it also boasts a 4.8-star rating on Amazon with close to 100 reviews, and it won’t wear out after a few uses like many other lengthy cables tend to do.

Electric heating pad

This heating pad could genuinely fry an egg on its maximum setting. OK, that’s an exaggeration, but this heating pad is so compact and practical—it’s perfect to keep in your medicine kit for a sore back or cramps.

Apple AirTag

Nothing is worse than settling into a back-to-school routine and scrambling to find items in the morning. Acquiring an AirTag for your keys, wallet, or Labubu will significantly reduce future hassle.

Portable air pump

If you’re anxious about sending a college student out on their own, this air pump can provide you with some peace of mind at night. With over 100,000 reviews on Amazon, this tire pump transforms a no-air scenario into an easy fix. It’s particularly useful when you need air in your tires and is better than waiting for roadside assistance.

Label maker machine

This compact label maker is perfect for the meticulous student or parent who enjoys labeling everything. It’s also excellent for a creative student wanting to embellish their junk journal with spreads, collages, and entries.

Paperfeel screen protector

Who would have imagined that the secret to acing tests was under $7? This paper-feel screen protector changes iPad and tablet screens from their usual sleek glass to the texture of crisp, blank notebook paper. Writing with an Apple Pencil Pro, also featured on this list, becomes even more tactile with this delightful scratchy surface. It makes taking digital notes simpler and more effective, aiding in information retention, which is what education is all about.

Ban.do sticker book

In the midst of all the tedious charging cords, cubes, converting cables, and wallet-straining purchases, a little splash of color is always enjoyable. Yes, there are countless sticker packs available, but this sticker book, released annually by Ban.do, is filled with numerous quality, beautiful, and creatively designed stickers on every page. Stick them on your folders, tech cases, planners, or anything else!

Neoprene laptop sleeve

This neoprene laptop sleeve is available for under $25 and can entirely shield your laptop from scratches, bumps, and dings that it will naturally acquire from being carried from class to class. Protecting your computer for school can save you far more than the $13.99 that this cover costs.

Single cast iron burner

Dorm life revolves around optimizing your meal and snack management. When you’re not in the mood to venture out to campus for a meal, this single burner can be incredibly useful for warming up or preparing a full-course meal in your dorm. Though don’t expect your roommate to be too thrilled about the aroma of dorm-to-table carbonara.

Anker USB-C 3-port fast compact foldable wall charger

You’re attempting to charge your phone, but it’s taking an eternity to reach 20 percent battery life, meanwhile, the charging brick seems like it could cook an egg. This fast-charging compact brick from Anker features multiple ports, designed to enable simultaneous charging of up to three devices.

Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant

So perhaps you can’t have live plants in your dorm, yet this Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant needs no water and still appears exceptionally cool on your shelf. It’s currently available at a discounted price for $