Back-to-School Tech Essentials and Student Deals with Helaine Zhao
Back-to-school season isn’t just about buying textbooks or settling into a dorm—it’s about stepping into your moment. Whether you’re starting your first year on campus or balancing shifts at your part-time job between lectures, you deserve tech that gives you that main-character energy.
Meet Helaine Zhao: college student, digital creator, and seasoned guide to making the most of academics, technology, and travel. Through her social media, she gives hundreds of thousands of followers an inside look at university life, study-abroad adventures, and the digital tools that keep her focused and productive.
“I’m excited to share my tech must-haves with other students, based on my own experiences,” Zhao says. “It’s also amazing to spread the word about T-Mobile’s deals that make top-tier tech more affordable for students.”
She’s also witnessed T-Mobile’s commitment to students beyond discounts.
“At the world’s largest student-run conference for women in tech, I spoke with team members about T-Mobile’s Project 10Million,” she recalls. “Learning about all their youth-focused initiatives was so inspiring. It’s great to partner with a company that genuinely values education and empowering future leaders.”
Tech That Works as Hard as You Do
As a student at one of the most competitive Ivy League universities, Zhao balances a demanding workload with extracurriculars and a social life.
“Technology really sets the tone for a successful semester,” she says.
Her current essentials?
“I film all my content on my iPhone, and after trying the iPhone 16, I was blown away by the camera quality,” she explains. “The speed and Apple Intelligence integration make my workflow smoother—especially in the Notes app, which I rely on for assignments. My iPad is another must-have; it’s so lightweight that I can carry it everywhere without straining my back.”
She also has a tip for budget-conscious students:
“Always look for student discounts, especially around back-to-school season. T-Mobile’s deals this year are some of the best I’ve seen.”
Staying Connected, Anywhere
With a mix of in-person classes and online learning, Zhao says a reliable connection is the most important part of her tech setup.
“I’ve done assignments everywhere—on the grass in Harvard Yard, on trains, in Ubers, even in the dining hall,” she says. “Travel opportunities during the semester mean I’m often juggling coursework while on the move.”
Her T-Mobile plan ensures she’s covered.
“I love working in cafes, and not all have free Wi-Fi. Having hotspot data and access to a dependable 5G network means I never worry about losing connection during meetings or interviews. Since I study across the country from home, free in-flight Wi-Fi has been a lifesaver on those five-hour trips.”
Rethinking Time Management
Zhao admits she once underestimated the Apple Watch—until she tried it.
“I thought it was extra, but it ended up keeping me on track, helping me monitor workouts, and letting me check notifications discreetly in class,” she says.
Her surprise favorite? The Mindfulness app.
“College can be overwhelming, and this feature has really helped me manage stress through guided breathing exercises. I use it almost daily.”
Work Hard, But Make Memories
Zhao believes tech isn’t just for productivity—it’s also for making the most of your college years.
“It might sound cliché, but my biggest advice is to have fun. Yes, academics and work matter, but these four years are unique. Go to concerts, join events, stay up late with friends. I love that T-Mobile’s Magenta Status adds to the experience with perks like event tickets, streaming bundles, and exclusive rewards.”
Meet Helaine Zhao: college student, digital creator, and seasoned guide to making the most of academics, technology, and travel. Through her social media, she gives hundreds of thousands of followers an inside look at university life, study-abroad adventures, and the digital tools that keep her focused and productive.
“I’m excited to share my tech must-haves with other students, based on my own experiences,” Zhao says. “It’s also amazing to spread the word about T-Mobile’s deals that make top-tier tech more affordable for students.”
She’s also witnessed T-Mobile’s commitment to students beyond discounts.
“At the world’s largest student-run conference for women in tech, I spoke with team members about T-Mobile’s Project 10Million,” she recalls. “Learning about all their youth-focused initiatives was so inspiring. It’s great to partner with a company that genuinely values education and empowering future leaders.”
Tech That Works as Hard as You Do
As a student at one of the most competitive Ivy League universities, Zhao balances a demanding workload with extracurriculars and a social life.
“Technology really sets the tone for a successful semester,” she says.
Her current essentials?
“I film all my content on my iPhone, and after trying the iPhone 16, I was blown away by the camera quality,” she explains. “The speed and Apple Intelligence integration make my workflow smoother—especially in the Notes app, which I rely on for assignments. My iPad is another must-have; it’s so lightweight that I can carry it everywhere without straining my back.”
She also has a tip for budget-conscious students:
“Always look for student discounts, especially around back-to-school season. T-Mobile’s deals this year are some of the best I’ve seen.”
Staying Connected, Anywhere
With a mix of in-person classes and online learning, Zhao says a reliable connection is the most important part of her tech setup.
“I’ve done assignments everywhere—on the grass in Harvard Yard, on trains, in Ubers, even in the dining hall,” she says. “Travel opportunities during the semester mean I’m often juggling coursework while on the move.”
Her T-Mobile plan ensures she’s covered.
“I love working in cafes, and not all have free Wi-Fi. Having hotspot data and access to a dependable 5G network means I never worry about losing connection during meetings or interviews. Since I study across the country from home, free in-flight Wi-Fi has been a lifesaver on those five-hour trips.”
Rethinking Time Management
Zhao admits she once underestimated the Apple Watch—until she tried it.
“I thought it was extra, but it ended up keeping me on track, helping me monitor workouts, and letting me check notifications discreetly in class,” she says.
Her surprise favorite? The Mindfulness app.
“College can be overwhelming, and this feature has really helped me manage stress through guided breathing exercises. I use it almost daily.”
Work Hard, But Make Memories
Zhao believes tech isn’t just for productivity—it’s also for making the most of your college years.
“It might sound cliché, but my biggest advice is to have fun. Yes, academics and work matter, but these four years are unique. Go to concerts, join events, stay up late with friends. I love that T-Mobile’s Magenta Status adds to the experience with perks like event tickets, streaming bundles, and exclusive rewards.”
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