Just because you're not attending class in a physical classroom doesn't mean that you can show up empty-handed. Besides a reliable laptop or desktop computer, there are several things you'll need to make your online classes go smoothly.

Ready to start preparing for your online classes? Make sure you have these essential supplies before the school year starts.

1. Logitech HD Webcam C525

In case your online class requires the use of webcams, you'll want to make sure that you have a high-quality webcam at the ready. That way, your teacher and fellow students can see and hear you clearly.

The Logitech HD Webcam C525 is the perfect balance of quality and affordability. For the price, you'll get 720p video calling and recording. Although a 1080p webcam would be more ideal, they're on the pricier side---720p is just enough to prevent your picture from appearing too grainy or blurred.

This Logitech webcam comes with an autofocus and light correction feature that automatically sharpens your video, cancels the noise around you, and brightens any dim lighting. Plus, you can't go wrong with this webcam's mobility. You can turn it 360 degrees, and even fold it to take it on-the-go.

2. Logitech USB Headset H390

Even if your webcam comes with a microphone, the microphone quality doesn't always cut it. Your teacher and classmates might not be able to hear you due to the distance between your face and the webcam's built-in microphone. Wearing a headset with a microphone can give your voice much more clarity.

The Logitech USB Headset H390 not only makes your voice sound crisp, but it also lets you better hear your professor. Its padded headband and earpad make it comfortable to wear for your entire class. This Logitech headset also comes with a rotational, noise-canceling microphone that won't make your voice sound muffled.

As for changing the volume on these headphones, you don't have to fiddle with your computer---you can just simply adjust sound controls right on the cord. As a result, this headset can definitely come in handy for participating in class, making presentations, and listening to lectures.

3. Microsoft 365 Personal 12-Month Subscription

A Microsoft 365 Personal Subscription is a must-have for any student. Some schools offer a free subscription to Microsoft 365, so you might want to check with your school before purchasing your own. For a yearly fee, you'll gain access to all Microsoft Office programs.

This means you'll get to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. As you probably know, all of these programs come in handy, whether you're taking an online or an in-person class. In addition to all of these helpful programs, this Microsoft 365 subscription also comes with 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage.

The cloud-based service gives you the ability to store thousands of documents and photos, as well as share them with other devices. OneDrive automatically backs up your PC, so you won't have to worry about losing your precious documents and school assignments.

4. SmugChair Bonded Leather Office Chair

Who wants to attend an online class in an uncomfortable chair? You never really know how important it is to have a comfortable office chair until you're forced to stay seated all day. That's why the SmugChair Bonded Leather Office Chair is a worthy investment.

This rolling office chair is made with smooth bonded leather and has plentiful padding on the seat and armrests. It's fully adjustable---you can swivel, tilt the chair back, and lower or raise it according to your needs. The armrest's curved position also helps you maintain a healthy posture, and won't leave your arms feeling sore after several hours of sitting.

One of the best parts of this chair is its massage feature. Simply plug in the USB cord on the back of the chair, and you can start up a massage! It's perfect for soothing your back while doing schoolwork and studying. With this chair's affordable price and comfort level, you really can't go wrong.

5. HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One Wireless Printer

While you might not think you need a printer for an online class, that's just not the case. Having hard copies of assignments and study material can actually help you keep track of your work. The HP OfficeJet 3830 All-in-One Wireless Printer is a great choice for online classes, as it's budget-friendly and comes with just enough features to help you succeed.

Since this is an all-in-one printer, it can print, copy, scan, and fax documents. This makes it easy to print out assignments and do them by hand. When you're done, you can quickly scan the assignments, upload them to your computer, and then email them to your instructor.

Better yet, the HP OfficeJet 3830 supports wireless printing and is even Alexa-friendly. You can also print files and photos from your smartphone, as well as documents from cloud storage services like Dropbox, iCloud, and Google Drive.

6. CosyFrame Adjustable Laptop Table

Online classes give you the luxury of working from wherever you want, especially if you have a laptop. Don't feel like getting out of bed? Plop the CosyFrame Adjustable Laptop Table on your bed, and you can sit back while getting some work done.

This stand isn't only for doing work in bed---you can also place it on top of a table, or even extend its legs to create a small desk. Each leg is adjustable, allowing you to change its height and angle to suit your position.

When you place your laptop on a solid desk, you might notice your laptop getting hot, thanks to the lack of ventilation. Luckily, the CosyFrame comes with dual cooling fans to keep your laptop from overheating. So, if you're tired of doing work at a desk, you might want to try using this laptop stand while relaxing in bed.

Getting Ready for Your Online Classes

Once you have your supplies in order, you can feel comfortable logging on for your first online classes. Online classes might seem intimidating at first, but you'll soon realize that they're just like in-person classes---only, you'll never have to sit inside of a classroom.

Having an old or slow computer for online classes is a recipe for disaster. When you can't get your computer to run, you'll end up missing classes, and you likely won't be able to get your work done on time. If you need an upgrade, check out these best Windows PC laptops.