Detailed below is a list of essentials for the 21st Century college student.
Computer
Computers have become an essential part of a college student’s life. They can be used to create and edit documents, text, graphics, and analyze data. Most importantly, computers can be used to communicate.
Flash Drive
If you can not afford a computer, BCC’s student technology fee, in accordance with the principles established by CUNY, is dedicated to improving technology and expanding access to modern technology; computer labs are available seven days a week, throughout the calendar year. If you are a student who has to transport information from computer to computer you may want to consider investing in a flash drive. Flash drives are also known as "pen drives," "USB drives,” and a wide variety of other names. Flash drives are active only when powered by a computer connection and require no other external power source. Unlike previous forms of portable storage, like the floppy disc, flash drives are impervious to scratches and dust and their durable design means they often survive casual abuse. Interestingly, flash drives is that they can be used on PCs and Macs interchangeably.
E-mail
The college provides e-mail services to students which should be utilized because many opportunities and events are communicated through this medium. With regard to personal e-mail addresses, students should keep a separate e-mail address that is free of nick names for professional correspondences. For example, if you have an email address that reads jimmyjazz@bizz.com don’t use this one to correspond with potential employers or scholarship committees. Use something with your name like jamesjones@bizz.com
or james1981@bizz.com.
(Printed) Dictionary
There is no more important book for college students to own than an accurate, up-to-date dictionary. One way to judge a dictionary is by how well it reflects the latest trends in such areas as science, technology, medicine, and social and political developments, areas of particular importance to students writing research papers or completing difficult reading assignments. Students should also be certain they are using a dictionary of standard American English.
Style Manual(s)
A style manual is a handbook or guide that illustrates the accepted format for citing your references in term papers, theses, articles, etc. One example is the Modern Language Association (MLA) Handbook. The MLA handbook takes students through the research paper process step by step. Other style manuals include, but are not limited to, the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Chicago Style.
Resume
A resume is a personal, individualized summary of your background, experience and education. In many ways a resume must function like a magazine advertisement: an ad placed in a magazine crowded with similar ads that has to attract attention, be easy to read, and be full of benefits to the reader (employer or college admissions officer). Students should always have an updated resume ready for any internship, employment, or scholarship opportunity that may arise. It is advisable for students to store a copy of their resume in their e-mail, flash drive, and computer.
