#study accessories

With more of our writing being digitised, the fountain pen is often thought of as a redundant instrument from a bygone era. But for me, when taking notes or writing appointments into my diary, I have found that the unparalleled smoothness provided by a fountain pen translates into a clarity of ideas.

 Because of their use in schools to teach better handwriting, and the oft-times ridiculous price tag associated with the more expensive brands, there can be trepidation that occurs when thinking about using a fountain pen. Today I’m going to dispel the fear and misconceptions about fountain pens to try and persuade you to take up this wonderful instrument.   

They Are Affordable 

Fountain pens are tools like any other piece of stationery. Their job is to write and like other writing tools, such as printers or typewriters, there are a variety of features that may increase that price. In the same way that not everyone will get the most use out of a £2,000 gaming laptop, not everyone will feel the benefit of a £200 fountain pen with a 16k gold nib and a filing system. There are many amazing pens for under £20, such as the Kaweco sport, Lamy safari and Pilot metropolitan to name a few, that make great daily writers that will last for years to come. My Kaweco sport is a very good writer and even compares to the writing of some of my more expensive fountain pens.   

They Are Clean 

Despite the horror stories that you’ve heard about tidal waves of black ink projected on your finest, whitest tablecloth, fountain pens are surprisingly clean. Fountain pens are filled with ink which will stain anything that it comes into contact with. However, years of effort on the part of fountain pen makers have refined the models to the point that they will (almost) never leak. In fact, a good way to tell whether or not a fountain pen is in need of service is that it is leaking. I’ve carried around a fountain pen for over a third of my life and I’ve never had one leak in my pocket apart from when the pen was in need of a clean. Smudging is a common sight in the school books of young fountain pen users, and while it is true that fountain pen ink needs more time to dry, smudging isn’t an intrinsic property of fountain pens. In order to avoid leaks, clean your pen roughly every 3-4 weeks by washing it through with warm water until all the ink is cleaned out of the pen.   

They Are Personal 

Your handwriting, whether neat, tidy, big or small, is unique to you and will develop over time. Much like any sensitive piece of equipment or musical instrument, over time a rapport is built up between the user and the pen. This rapport is cultivated every time you write. While the fountain pen will not automatically make your handwriting neater, by reducing the amount of pressure that you need in order to write you will be freer to move around the page. This allows for quicker writing. They are also highly customisable, there is a fountain pen for everyone’s unique writing style and a colour of ink to match the mood and tone of your writing.   If you have any questions about the wide world of fountain pens or want to post pictures of your own pens, be our guest!

As technology continues to evolve, staying updated with the latest gadgets has become essential for students. The right tools can enhance learning, boost productivity, and make academic life more enjoyable. However, finding budget-friendly options that deliver quality and functionality can be challenging. To help students make smart choices, we’ve compiled a list of the top tech gadgets for 2025 that strike the perfect balance between affordability and utility.

1. Affordable Laptops for Study and Beyond

A reliable laptop is a cornerstone of modern student life. In 2025, budget laptops have become more powerful, offering excellent performance for a fraction of the cost. The Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 3i and Acer Aspire 5 are standout options, priced under $500. These laptops come equipped with Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen processors, ample storage, and high-definition displays, making them perfect for online classes, research, and entertainment.

For students on an even tighter budget, Chromebooks like the HP Chromebook 14 provide seamless integration with Google’s ecosystem, making them ideal for note-taking, browsing, and collaborative projects.

2. Tablets and 2-in-1 Devices

Tablets and 2-in-1 devices have become indispensable for note-taking, reading e-books, and sketching. The Microsoft Surface Go 4 and Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 FE stand out as affordable options under $400. These devices offer stylus support and robust multitasking capabilities, enabling students to switch effortlessly between writing essays and watching lectures.

For a lower price point, the Amazon Fire HD 10 remains a reliable choice for basic tasks and media consumption, costing less than $200.

3. Wireless Earbuds and Headphones

Whether for virtual classes or relaxing with music, quality audio devices are a must. The JBL Tune 230NC and Soundcore Life P3 wireless earbuds provide excellent sound quality and noise cancellation for under $100. Over-ear options like the Sony WH-CH710N deliver immersive audio and comfort, perfect for long study sessions.

These gadgets are not only budget-friendly but also durable, ensuring they last throughout the academic year.

4. Smartwatches and Fitness Bands

Balancing academics with a healthy lifestyle is easier with the right wearable tech. Affordable options like the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 and Amazfit Bip U Pro offer fitness tracking, notifications, and long battery life for under $70. These gadgets can remind students to stay active, manage their schedules, and monitor their sleep patterns.

5. Portable Power Banks

With classes, group projects, and extracurriculars, staying charged on the go is crucial. The Anker PowerCore 10,000mAh and RAVPower 20,000mAh power banks are compact, reliable, and priced around $30. They ensure that students’ devices remain powered throughout the day, avoiding any disruptions to their studies.

6. Affordable Smart Speakers

Smart speakers like the Amazon Echo Dot (5th Gen) and Google Nest Mini are excellent study aids, priced under $50. These devices can set reminders, play music, answer queries, and even control other smart devices in a dorm room. Their compact size and functionality make them a perfect addition to any student’s tech arsenal.

7. External Storage Devices

Backing up important files and assignments is essential for students. Affordable external hard drives like the WD My Passport (1TB) or portable SSDs such as the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD provide ample storage and fast data transfer speeds, with prices starting at $60. These gadgets ensure that critical data is safe and easily accessible.

8. LED Desk Lamps with USB Ports

A well-lit workspace is crucial for effective studying. LED desk lamps with built-in USB ports, such as the TaoTronics TT-DL16, offer adjustable lighting modes and the convenience of charging devices. These lamps are available for as little as $30 and add both style and functionality to a student’s desk.

Conclusion