Tech Essentials I Actually Use
A curated collection of my go-to tech for staying organized, productive, and creative as a student. From daily-use devices to tools that help with note-taking, content creation, studying, and everyday efficiency, every...
Sections
5
Apple products
Meta
Apps/Websites for Productivity
Content creation / editing
Other useful tools
Apple products
These are the Apple products I actually use for school productivity and content creation. They fit easily into my daily routine from studying and writing to editing and organizing and work together seamlessly to make everything feel faster and easier...
I use this for that raw, 2016-style video look — grainy, imperfect, and nostalgic in the best way. Perfect for throwback content, experimental filming, and visuals that feel more real and less overproduced.
iPhone 5s - Technical Specifications
I’ve had this for a few years now and it’s still running perfectly. It’s my go-to for school, writing, content creation, and editing fast, reliable, and truly multi-use. With the latest macOS updates adding smooth performance and beautiful customizat...
MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2021) - Technical Specifications
Perfect for note-taking, planning, and everyday productivity. I use this for classes, organizing my life, and light content work — it’s simple, fast, and easy to carry everywhere. The screen is great for reading and writing, and if you want a versati...
Buy iPad
I got these as a Christmas gift and have been using them for about a year now. The noise cancellation is amazing for studying, commuting, and focusing, and transparency mode makes it easy to stay aware when needed. They’re also great in cold weather ...
AirPods Max
I love these for that classic wired vibe — simple, reliable, and stylish. The sound is clean and crisp, perfect for music, study sessions, or editing, and they’re affordable without sacrificing quality.
EarPods (USB-C)
Perfect for student life and content creation. The larger screen makes note-taking, editing, and multitasking easy, while the camera delivers clean photos and smooth video for social content. Fast performance and long battery life mean it keeps up wi...
Buy iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus
Meta
I love these glasses. They automatically turn into sunglasses in sunlight, the sound quality is amazing, and they’re perfect for hands-free recording at concerts or on the go. The built-in AI lets you ask questions anytime, and they even have feature...
META WAYFARER - GEN 1 Sunglasses in Black and Clear - | Ray-Ban® US
Apps/Websites for Productivity
I swear by Notion. I use the calendar to stay organized as a type B trying to become type A, and as a college freshman with a 4.0 GPA, I can confidently say it works. Even with my bad memory, I never forget anything — from finances and budgeting to m...
Notion
I love using Google Calendar to organize my days and keep everything on track. I live by the hex codes to color-code my classes, meetings, deadlines, and personal time — it makes planning so satisfying and easy to follow.
Google Calendar
I use The That Girl App to stay on top of my routines and goals. It keeps me motivated, helps me track habits, and makes daily planning feel simple and satisfying — perfect for staying consistent and productive. If you want to be ThatGirl then you mu...
That Girl - Original App (@thatgirl.app) • Instagram photos and videos
I swear by Rocket Money for budgeting as a young adult trying to level up my financial literacy. I’m a shopaholic and sometimes overspend, but this app helps me track every purchase and subscription so I always know where my money is going. If you’re...
Rocket Money
Perfect for beginners who want to start investing. I’m 18 and swear by this app — it’s easy to navigate, simple to learn, and makes investing approachable even if you’re just getting started.
Fidelity Mobile Apps | Invest, Trade, & Manage Your Money On The Go
I’ve been learning about trading and Kalshi makes it simple to get started. The app offers predictions tailored to each trade category and is perfect for beginners who want to explore the world of trading without feeling overwhelmed.
Kalshi - Prediction Market for Trading the Future
Content creation / editing
A free, all-in-one video editing software I learned through YouTube tutorials and TikTok creators. It has so many features — professional trimming, multi-cam editing, transitions, effects, audio mixing, and excellent color grading. Perfect for conten...
DaVinci Resolve 20
I use both the computer and phone versions to edit mini vlogs for TikTok or longer videos. It’s perfect for creators with features like transitions, effects, text overlays, audio editing, and easy export — all in one app. Great for beginners who want...
CapCut
I love Photoroom for its background removal feature. It also lets you add backgrounds and shadows, making photo editing simple and transforming your content creation game with ease.
Photoroom
Lightroom is my go-to for professional-quality photo editing. Useful on both mobile and desktop, it has many features like advanced color correction, filters, and presets, make it easy to create polished, vibrant images that elevate my content and fe...
Adobe Lightroom
Other useful tools
Snapseed is a powerful photo editing app with tons of features, but my personal favorite is the double exposure tool. I use it to create that special, editorial-style look for my photos.