5 essential tech tools every student forgets to buy

Published Aug 10, 2026, 10:11 AM EDT Timi is the news and deals reporter for Android Police, who has been reporting on technology since 2008. He has worked in tech retail and also the IT space, providing hardware and software support, which gives him a unique perspective on the tech that he covers. This allows him to effectively break down complex subjects into easy-to-read pieces that even casual readers can enjoy. Before joining Android Police, he was a news writer for XDA, where he eventually transitioned to covering deals. He also worked as an editor and reporter for Neowin, where he covered news and attended major tech events like CES. He also reviewed phones, tablets, PC products, and other devices. In addition, he also created video content for the Neowin YouTube channel. Sign in to your Android Police account School's almost in session across the US, which means another year of gearing up with the essentials and studying hard. While you might already have your charger, charging cables, phones, calculators, and other tech products at the ready, we think that you might have missed a few. These are the five essential tech tools every student forgets to buy. Lexar Dual USB Drive Credit: Lexar Stop messing with adapters and grab this dual-port USB drive from Lexar. You get 128GB of storage and USB-C and USB-A ports for seamless connectivity with any device. Storage devices haven't been cheap lately, but we think this $30 128GB model is reasonable. Lexar D40E 128GB Dual USB Jump Drive Capacity 128GB Speed USB 3.2 Gen 1 Connection USB-A, USB-C Brand Lexar Laptop Privacy Screen Filter Credit: SightPro You never know when someone's going to be looking over your shoulder when you're busy on your laptop. So, protect yourself and your data with this laptop privacy screen. There are a ton of different screen size options, which means this product will work with most laptops. Just be sure to get the right size for your particular model. Laptop Privacy Screen Filter $25 $30 Save $5 Brand SightPro Compatibility Many models Finish Type Matte Adhesion Strips, Tabs Coverage Full Yilador Webcam Cover Credit: Yilador Your webcam might be off, but you can never be too careful. Webcam covers have been a thing for quite some time, but they're now so cheap, it just makes sense to grab a couple for devices around the house. You can stick it on, slide the cover over the camera, and you're good to go. While it will be compatible with most laptops, be sure to check the height clearance of the screen and the case to make sure. Yilador Webcam Cover $4 $6 Save $2 Compatibility Most devices Material Plastic Life360 Tile Credit: Life360 Keep track of all your things with this Life360 Tile smart tag. You can attach it to your bag, toss it in your luggage, pop it on your bike, and keep track of them all from your phone. The great part is that it works for both iOS and Android devices. The Tile tracker has an IP68 rating, making it extremely durable. Furthermore, it provides up to three years of battery life. Life360 Tile $30 $45 Save $15 Brand Life360 Material Plastic Connectivity Bluetooth Battery Up to 3 years Range 350ft / 105m Water Resistance IP68 Max speaker volume 100dB Tech Pouch Credit: FYY A tech pouch is a great way to keep all your cables and accessories organized. This one provides plenty of pockets and compartments of various sizes. The exterior is also water-resistant, providing an extra layer of durability. FYY Tech Pouch