Back to Class month is not your average round-up for school and university students. Our guide covers the kind of gear you'd be proud to have on your desk whether you're a university fresher or a senior exec. Planning to get fit before the end of the year? We've got advice for your workout gear here too.
Running until the end of August, T3's guide will cover everything from your commute to your home study set-up and, of course, the best tech to buy in your budget. We've got advice, tips and tricks, reviews and expert guidance to help you pick the right products and start September with a spring in your step.
Each week will be dedicated to a different area, and each curated by a different T3 expert editor. So whether you're preparing for your next science class, yoga class or just looking class in the office, there's something here for you.
You'll find links to all of the new content below, as well as some teasers of what to expect in the coming weeks.
Back to Class schedule planner
Week 1: The commuter
Whether you're headed to the lecture hall, business park or studio, you need to arrive in style. While you could join the pack on public transport, arriving on your own set of wheels gives you more freedom.
For week 1 of Back to Class Month, we're looking at the tech options at hand. For those commuting outside of the UK, there are some new electric scooter options – or for when they finally get approval here. We also look at one of the most popular commuting options, the electric bike as well as train-friendly folding bikes.
- I tried a forward-facing e-scooter, and it really is the future of micro-commuting
- Folding vs full-size e-bikes: which is better for commuting?
- Should you use e-bikes for commuting?
- 5 ways to maximise your electric scooter's range
- Busbi Wasp review: affordable e-scooter with zesty performance
Week 2: laptops and tablets
Forget the pen and paper, whether you're writing notes, messages or full-blown essays you need a laptop or tablet. The type of machine you go for will depend on your needs. The best laptop for design or engineering students might need more power than someone just writing emails and browsing the web – though if you also plan to do some gaming on the side, you might want to go for a gaming laptop.
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If you're trying to keep the weight of your bag down, a lightweight laptop can be ideal, and also look more stylish – making them tempting for the office too.
- These 5 laptops are the best for college and uni students
- The 3 reasons to buy a Chromebook, but 2 reasons to not
- These 5 Windows 11 features will make you more productive
- 5 reasons to buy a tablet instead of a laptop for school or uni
- Apple MacBook or Windows laptop – which is best for students?
Week 3: Take me with you
Week three of Back to Class Month is focused on how you carry your tech. We look at the best laptop bags and rucksacks for your commute to work or uni. Plus bigger bags for those longer trips.
If you have to work, why not work in style? You'll find luxury accessories in this week too, from the best fountain pens to the best watches, so you know what time to clock off.
- 9 home essentials you need for school, university and college
- The best student discounts and freebies for 2023
- Why the Logitech Casa Pop Up Desk is a must-have for commuters and students
- Protect your tech with these affordable laptop and tablet cases
- 12 commuter bags and backpacks for work or school
- 5 luxury desk accessories to upgrade your work space
- The Philips VoiceTracer Recording Pen is the coolest gadget I've ever seen
- 13 WFH essentials for a productive work day or study session
Week 4: Work up a sweat
For week four we look at a more active type of class. Whether you're into Crossfit, yoga or spinning, you'll want to make sure you have a good water bottle at the ready and arrive looking the part with a great-looking gym bag.
Your footwear choice might depend on your sport but a pair of good workout shoes is a great place to start. If you're planning a 10k, there's a selection of running shoes just for you too.
- Four space-saving virtual workouts for uni students
- Stay fit at uni (and beyond) with the best free fitness apps for students
Week 5: A better desk top
For the final week, we've got a selection of products to kit out your home set-up or fulfil your audio requirements. Any home office or study space needs a good 4K monitor to hook your laptop up to, and for those Zoom calls you might need a decent webcam.
Whether you're keeping the noise down at home or bringing the music with you on the move, a good pair of headphones are essential. If you're a PS5 or Xbox fan, you can double up with a pair that also work as a gaming headset.
- The 3 best headphones for college and uni students – as tested by a tech expert
- Do you really need a webcam? Here are 3 of the best that are worth buying
- The 3 monitor must-haves for students – and the top 3 models to buy
- 5 ways to improve your WFH office: the best accessories to buy
To stay up-to-date with Back to Class Month, make sure to look out for the T3 Back to Class badge on upcoming articles and check out T3’s Back to Class collection. We’ll also be updating this page every day with our latest articles so make sure to keep it bookmarked.
As T3's Editor-in-Chief, Mat Gallagher has his finger on the pulse for the latest advances in technology. He has written about technology since 2003 and after stints in Beijing, Hong Kong and Chicago is now based in the UK. He’s a true lover of gadgets, but especially anything that involves cameras, Apple, electric cars, musical instruments or travel.