Note: This blog post contains affiliate links. You can read more about my disclosure policy here.

It's officially that time ladies and gentleman, to get back into the swing of things and get ready for school. Even though I don't start classes in September, I understand that many (including my siblings and friends) start in August. With that in mind, I thought I'd create a list of tech essentials for the new school year.

1. Backup Disk

I honestly can't think of something more important to have as the school year starts. I personally use this 2TB Seagate backup drive to ensure that I always have a second copy just in case my laptop decides to stop working. I also use Google Drive to back up my personal items a bit more frequently, but I seriously don't think you can do any wrong having multiple copies of your documents in case something gets corrupted. In this day and age, you really can't be too careful with your personal docs, and as a soon to be freshman in college I know the nightmare of losing everything is not something I want to experience.

2.  Reusable Insulated Water Bottle

I don't know whether you'd consider this a "tech" find, but I included it anyway because water bottles have really improved from the ones "back in the day" and are now keeping your drinks cooler (or warmer) for longer. I love when school restarts because it typically means I get back to my daily hydrated self. Summer is great, but I normally find that I don't drink nearly as much water as I should, and school helps me to get back into the rhyme of things. I suggest getting an insulated water bottle for school, and I found this great one on Amazon.

3. Laptop Case

It's super important to keep your laptop protected because it's practically an extension of yourself. That's why I suggest getting a laptop case like the one linked here. I was actually sent this one, by the company and have been using it for the past year. With that, I can seriously say it is a great laptop case! I love the fact that it has an outside pocket that makes it super easy to carry school supplies like pens and sticky notes inside of it. I only have three things that detract from my overall love of it. One, it doesn't really have a textured surface and the fabric they used for the outside is tough to keep from slipping in your hands. I also wish that it came in different colors because I love feminine touches included with my school supplies.

4. Alexa Echo Dot

This is definitely not a device that you "must-have", but is something that has made my life abundantly easier. Instead of having my annoying analog alarm clock go off in the morning I can wake up to music of my choosing with my Alexa. It also doubles as a speaker and personal assistant. Don't tell Apple, but I think that Alexa may be a smidge better than Siri - at least for me. It doesn't have quite as many capabilities, but there are a ton of free (and paid for) plugins that can allow you to add things like meditations and games so that it can be customized to your needs. My sister and I actually use to play heads up on my Alexa which is surprisingly more fun than you probably think.

5. iPad 5th Generation

I won't lie I left the iPad train behind in middle school after I got a lapotp for high school, but now that I'm looking to start college it's looking like a great option again. When searching for the best iPad option for me I knew I wanted something that could work with the apple pencil so that I could do handwritten notes. Not only would this be a more environmentally friendly option, but it's also easier to keep up with. After researching my needs I found that the 5th generation iPad would be the Walmart. I know most would now ask, but why didn't you just get the iPad pro, and I'd argue that I don't need that level of processing power since I only plan to take notes on this device. I still have a phone and laptop to use for video and photo editing. Anway, if you want to try out taking notes online or just want to try out digital calligraphy this is a great option that won't break the budget!

Now that July has come to a close, I thought it was only right that I did a monthly update...that was actually on time. July was a much busier month then I expected, but it was still fun and worthwhile.

1 | Late Fourth of July?

This was the first year (that I remember) not celebrating the fourth of July on the actual fourth. It rained and fireworks were basically canceled, but we still got to do smores which were fun. We also grilled out on the sixth and did sparklers then so I guess it wasn't too bad, but I hate the actual day got rained out.

2 | First Time Playing Laser Tag + Getting a Hang of Roller Skating

 It also got me thinking about the things we take for granted in suburban and urban America. Small things like Chikfila and Walmart are hot commodities in these parts.

3 | Returning Home from Virginia

4 | School + Dorm Shopping

5 | VACATION!

I won't go too in depth because I planned on doing a full post on my vacation, but let me just say it was a much-needed break. My family and I headed to Jamaica with a family friend and it was just what the doctor ordered. Not only did I get to stop and spend some time in the sun and on the sandy beaches, but I also got a chance to visit some of my extended family in Kingston. All in all this was the perfect cap to the end of my summer. I just wish it could've been a tad longer.

What did you do this past July?