For many campus peeps, new semesters kick off in September and new first-year students join the university according to the curriculum. Whether we like it or not, it’s that mix of excitement, dread and dull feelings going to the lecture halls and classrooms.
As a final-year student, I can relate to all that, and my piece of advice is to be equipped well in your college years. So this Back To School shopping guide will help you make your picks.
With the help of the GizMunch team, we’ve collected a range of items intended to help the student in your life succeed.
Check out our picks and recommendations below, which should make your new academic year one to remember.
1 - Logitech Wireless Mouse M170- KES 2,000
This wireless mouse is a good deal. This essential peripheral device works well for macOS, Windows and Linux computers. It is also equipped with longer battery life.
Available at Computer Mart Kenya
2 - Casio Calculator fx 82 MS - KES 1,975
For the math units, you definitely need this calculator for all times sake. Best recommended by the Kenyan curriculum board across high school and university.
Available at Text Book Centre
3 - Card Holder - KES 430
This is for students who don’t rely on wallets nowadays. This item is RFID-secured and can hold a bunch of Credit/Debit cards, Student IDs, National IDs, Business Cards, driver's licenses, and some cash or loose change.
Available at Carrefour
4 - Oraimo Palm Bluetooth Speaker - KES 1,900
A small Bluetooth speaker like Oraimo’s might come in handy for those days you just want to relax and unwind after a long day of academic tussles - or for entertainment in between breaks. This speaker has a powerful bass and it has IPX7 waterproof and IPX6 anti-dust protection.
Available at Oraimo
5 - OfficePoint Counter Book 1Q - KES 148
When it comes to note-taking in class, you might not keep up with the lecturer’s pace and it’s not on you. You might get his secondary source of notes and make some well-summarised notes of it. This kind of book is ideal for such revision notes.
Available at Officemart
6 - HP 15 - KES 37,000
The HP 15 DW1207NIA is a more affordable laptop for campus beginners. Depending on the course itself, this is just recommended for light tasks because of the minimum processor power, useful for writing notes, internet browsing and some binge-watching.
Available at Computer Mart Kenya
7 - CASIO F91 Colourful Series F-91WC-9A - KES 4,000
On campus, being on time is also being in style, so this Casio watch is definitely it. Just perfect for outdoor activities in the rain with a unique Resin band material and an alarm buddy to start that long day ahead.
Available at SaaZone Kenya
8 - Faber Castel Highlighter - KES 85
Highlighters are not your common basic school stationery if you don’t highlight your note summaries for your CATs and End-of-semester exams. It’s good to have one now while you start the semester fresh and use it in your studies.
Available at Carrefour
9 - Oraimo Trumpet 3 HIFI Audio In-ear Earphone - KES 500
Those who are obedient to wired headphones will enjoy this wired pair from Oraimo. Earphones are made with premium materials and they deliver HiFi Audio for those old jams that just sound right, or for that online class you want to listen to clearly.
Available at Oraimo
10 - HP Wings backpack 15.6” - KES 3,000
Get a good and neat backpack to carry your EDC (Everyday Carry). It’s got some extra to hide your essentials or to save space for some other items on the go.
Available at Kenya Gadgets Shop
11 - Transcend External HDD 2TB - KES 10,000
You can have a heavy memory in your coursework, only to lose your work because you didn’t back it up properly. So, having an external storage of 2TB will do, and that’s a lot of storage to use for a while.
Available at Computer Mart Kenya
12 - Xiaomi Redmi 12C - KES 16,000
If you get to start campus life, don’t go all out or big, work within your budget, especially when it comes to deciding what phone to buy. Xiaomi Redmi 12C is the chosen choice since other brands deliver less or are overpriced.
Available at Phone Place Kenya
13 - Apple Magsafe Charger - KES 7,000
MagSafe accessories are essentials for Apple users when it comes to wireless chargers. A student can at least have their iPhones charged overnight and wake up to a juiced-up battery.
Available at Computer Mart Kenya
14 - Water Bottle - KES 720
It’s another essential at least every student needs to carry to hydrate. Measure your water intake per litre and you’ve got nothing to lose
Available at Carrefour
15 - Office Point Sticky Notes - KES 78
Use these notes to jog your memory and reference your entire unit notes for that big upcoming exam. Also useful for personal reminders during your personal study.
Available at Carrefour
16 - Lenovo IdeaPad 3 14ITL6 - KES 85,000
Get into your productive side with this machine. Do some mid-heavy tasks and get a little creative with no compromised specs.
17 - Logitech MK270 Wireless Keyboard and Mouse - KES 5,000
A great combo of wireless peripherals that can be ideal for your PC, Mac or Linux.
Available at Carrefour
18 - Oraimo Traveler 2 20000 mAh Powerbank - KES 3,500
Highly recommended for students who are always on the move in between commutes or school trips during the semester.
Available at Phone Place Kenya
19 - Rubik's cube (3x3) - KES 300
Who said studying is always 100% on books? Solving a Rubik’s cube is fun and it helps you develop strategy planning on the next moves.
Available at Jumia
20 - Pack of Cards - KES 490
Be a magician, have fun and keep yourself preoccupied with a pack of cards around campus with some pals in the classroom.
Available at Nairobi Sports House
