First off, the single most important item in college is a good reliable computer (I work in a computer center on campus). I personally own a desktop computer and a portable notebook computer. With both computers, I have at least a Pentium Core Duo processor with 2GB+ of RAM and a 256MB video card. I recommend a similar setup for all college students because it definitely has enough power for word processing and regular web browsing, but it packs enough juice for the video games that I occasionally want to play.

I usually work on my desktop machine because I find it more convenient, but I also have the flexibility of working elsewhere if needed with my notebook. I mainly use my laptop as a work-only machine. When I need to study for my exams or have a big paper due soon, I grab my notebook computer and head for the school's library or anywhere else that I feel will make me more productive and relaxed.

You may be wondering why a notebook computer isn't enough - why have two computers to seemingly make everything more confusing? The reason is that I have 2 monitors hooked up to my desktop machine. I highly recommend a dual monitor environment for any college students. I just connect two big Samsung LCD monitors to my desktop and Windows allows me to easily split my computer desktop across both monitors.

The benefit is like working on a large desk versus a small desk. Having dual monitors lets me display my word processor on one monitor and allows me to research on the internet for articles on the other monitor. I can simultaneously look for information while writing my article without the trouble of flipping from one program to the other. And it just makes things so much easier for daily use. I have my e-mail, music, and instant messaging clients on my right monitor, and my web brower and videos on my left monitor. I can view everything that I want to do all at once and it allows for seamlessly easy and efficient multi-tasking.

I find myself constantly working between different computers; sometimes I use my laptop computer, desktop computer, computer at school, friend's house, etc. And every time I use a different computer, I have data files that I need to transfer over or transfer back. What makes using multiple computers very easy is a USB flash drive. USB drives let you store all of your important files in one easy storage unit that you can carry anywhere and use anywhere. So I never say, "Opps! I forgot it at home." Instead, I always carry my Word reports, movies, and other files with me. I currently use an 8gb drive because I have to carry a lot of information, but still have a student budget.

While my computer setup has been a critical part of my academic success in college, Microsoft Office Home and Student 2007 edition has been a critical part of my computer setup. Word 2007, PowerPoint 2007, and Excel 2007 are longtime necessities for almost all students. What's especially nice about the Home and Student edition is that it includes OneNote 2007. This software makes taking notes faster and easier than ever. I can gather many different kinds of information (typed text, images, audio, video) all in one page! There is a lot of flexibility in the way you take notes and it manages all of my notes and data in one convenient place. Instead of a cluttered backpack of notes taken on paper, I can instantly do a search on my computer and find the material I want to study within a few keystrokes. To do well in school, you should always be managing your time, but like your time, you have to manage your data and notes as well. OneNote 2007 makes all of that easy.

Besides computer and technology products, the next item that is a must for college students is a good bed. Students take beds for granted. But the two major necessities of life are food and shelter. Your bed is part of that shelter. You spend a good portion of your time on your bed, so you should make sure you find a bed that makes sleeping comfortable. I used to sleep on a small hard bed that was handed down to me. I would wake up sore and tired the next morning. But after I upgraded beds, I felt energized and ready to go!

Another thing that people usually don't put much consideration into is lighting. Lighting is a crucial part of my workspace. My workspace is lighted by a room lamp and a desk lamp. The room lamp keeps the room generally bright, but it is not enough when I'm working at my desk. I used to constantly strain my eyes when I used my computer and that increased my fatigue. But my desk lamp ensured that my workspace was well lighted and it was so much easier on my eyes. When lighting your workspace, I recommend that you look for not only a good strong room lamp, but a strong desk lamp as well. If you have a roommate with a different sleeping schedule, a desk lamp helps keep you working further into the night while not disturbing your roommate.

And don't forget that everything you spend, you spend for yourself. It is an investment in your future. You pay lots of money for and spend lots of time in school; you should have the best environment to do the best you can. Good luck!