Honestly dont stress about the extra gear yet. Grab a Spigen Tough Armor Apple iPad Case because it keeps the screen safe when you toss it in your bag. If you need to type long essays, maybe look at the Logitech Keys-To-Go Ultra-Slim Keyboard later. It is super light and works well without breaking the bank. Keep it simple for now, you will know if you need more later...

> Is a keyboard case worth it for a student or just overkill... Just snag a Logitech Pebble Keys 2 K380s instead. It is way cheaper than a case, super portable, and works with your phone too.

Late to the party but definitely keep it simple. When I first grabbed my tablet for classes, I went way overboard on accessories. Learned the hard way that you really only need a couple things to protect your investment and make it actually usable for school.

• Screen protection is non-negotiable if you are tossing this in a bag with keys and books. I use a ESR Tempered Glass Screen Protector because it is cheap and stops those annoying micro-scratches without ruining the touch sensitivity.
• For note-taking, you dont need the official pen immediately if funds are tight. Check out the Adonit Note+ Stylus for iPad as a decent alternative that feels pretty solid for lectures.
• If you really want a case that covers the screen but isnt as bulky as those armor ones, look for a basic JETech Slim Fit Case for iPad. It has the magnetic sleep/wake function which is honestly a lifesaver for saving battery life. I wouldnt rush into buying a keyboard yet. Just try using the screen for a week. I found that if I am just typing short notes, the on-screen layout is fine. Youll know pretty quickly if your fingers start cramping up during a lecture, and then you can justify the spend. Dont waste money on 'junk' like extra fancy stands or skins until you actually find a workflow that requires them.