Five Tech Essentials to Survive College Life

It's not only the little ones who will be heading back to school - there's plenty of young adults headed to begin their first year of campus life in a few weeks.

For those who are moving into a dorm room or find space in a shared house, the key to survival - self-sufficiency.

Making sure you can keep in touch with family and friends as much as know about what's happening in your new city and with new friends, technology is the key to make it all happen with the new found independence.

For students who will soon be frequenting their fave electronics section, LG's Frank Lee has five suggestions for what will make student life easier, practical, fun and fit into the dorm room.

1. The Smartphone - For the generation darkening the doors of post-secondary institutions, the mobile phone is the lifeline to everyone in their world. "The smart phone allows several functions which make life easier, "explains Lee, "from being able to call, text, browse, record audio or video or take photos." Lee explained that many students have access to free campus WIFI and should look for a smartphone that can be used without a data plan.

2. The Laptop - The laptop is the best choice for the student, especially with limited space within a dorm room. The computer is a practical tool for homework, and can be used as an entertainment centre for gaming with friends, watching movie or tv programs as well as be able to sync with other technology. As Lee says, the laptop is the partner to the smart phone.

3. Software - With the focus on increased connectivity due to the availability of WIFI, the student according to Lee, should download these three applications:
- Evernote - a note-taking app which can be synced with all tech devices
- Dropbox -share files easily, without using the internet
- Tango - free video calling service for use on mobile, laptop or tablet

4. Memory Storage - Do you backup your files? Or will it be you at 3am Monday morning, scrambling to finish the project, the computer decides to shut down and you lose everything? Photos, music, videos, documents - these should all be backed up regularly. New storage devices are easier to use says Lee, and can offer storage which can be accessed remotely, even via a smartphone.

5. Television - When heading off to school, Mom and Dad upgrade and you get the old tv. But, it may become the best gift ever and you the envy of the dorm. "TV can become more than just that with LG Smart TV, "explains Lee. "Smart TV enables any television with an HDMI connection the ability to access WIFI and be able to live-stream television programming, show off photos, watch video or access Netflix."