TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- Many high school students will soon be turning their tassels and getting ready to head off to college.
"Worrying about where you want to go, what's the right fit for you, visiting colleges... all that's really stressful because you don't want to make the wrong decision," said high school junior Stephen Veliz.
Preparing for college can seem like a full time job, but technology can help ease some of that stress and help you get the most out of higher education.
"Especially if you go from a small learning environment to a large learning environment, you can use technology as a tool to help make that adjustment," said Blake Dowling of Aegis Business Technologies.
Number one students' lists? A laptop.
"It's the major thing. If I had to get rid of everything else, I would just need the laptop. On my laptop, I can type everything in a Word document with note cards, print them, send them to people. It just completely changes my ability to study," said senior Cassidy Craig.
But that computer won't do you any good if you can't find your way around campus and get to class on time.
"Going to a new school is something that is going to be very different experience and trying to figure out where everything is... it's scary," said senior Page Secreast.
That's why many students say a smartphone with a GPS can not only remind them when to get to class, but how to actually get there.
Leaving the comforts of home for the first time can also be a big change, especially if you're used to relying on your parents to help you stay organized.
"Teenagers are messy, I heard this... it's a rumor... so why not get an automated vacuum that can just run around your apartment or dorm when you're not there, and you can control it from your iPhone too," said Dowling.
Getting ready for college isn't just hard on students; it can be stressful for parents as well. So using video conferencing programs can help keep you connected even when your hundreds of miles away.
Of course, with all those new gadgets comes the accessories, and sometimes they can be just as beneficial.
"I could never have my wallet, I always lost it. So for Christmas I got a wallet phone case and I've never lost my wallet since," said junior Reid Ragsdale.
Whatever technology your grad decides to buy, knowing how to use it ahead of time can cut down on a lot of frustration before moving day.
"I think that everyone should get their ducks in a row before they go to college. Get used to all the technology that you have, any watches, phones, laptops and just make sure you know how to utilize them so you can use them to the best of their ability when you go to college," said Craig.
And if don't want to commit to buying a new computer, both FSU and FAMU offer laptop rental options where students can sign out computers for several hours at a time.
