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A Student’s Guide to Buying a Laptop
Let’s find the perfect laptop for your student life.
Choosing the right laptop as a student can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options, specs, and price tags to consider. Whether you're heading to lectures, editing videos for a creative project, or just need something reliable for note-taking and Netflix, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to make a smart, stress-free decision. Let’s find the perfect laptop for your student life.
Where to start…
Price Range
Prices can vary quite a bit, so it’s all about finding the right fit. If you’re diving into a creative course, you’ll want to splash out on a faster processor and plenty of memory. But if you’re mostly using it for notetaking, browsing the web and writing essays, a laptop under £500 will do the trick.
Compatability
Different brands run on different systems. If you’re already using Apple gear, grabbing a MacBook is a no-brainer – it’ll feel familiar from the get-go. Plus, it plays nicely with your other Apple devices. Same goes for Windows users – keeping things consistent means less faff and more time to focus on your course.
Portability
If you’re planning to take your laptop out and about – whether it’s to lectures, coffee shops, or train journeys – it’s worth thinking about size and weight. A lighter laptop is easier to carry around, and a smaller one is super handy when space is tight. Quick to set up, easy to pack away, and no sore shoulders. Win-win.
Battery Life
Whether you're heading to lectures or studying in your favourite coffee spot, you’ll want a laptop that can keep up. Aim for something with 8 to 12 hours of battery life to stay powered through the day. Just keep in mind that things like screen brightness, the apps you’re running, and how you use it can all make a difference.
Don't forget to look at...
RAM
If you’re juggling loads of browser tabs or using powerful apps like Photoshop, you’ll need a laptop that can keep up. 8GB of RAM is a solid starting point for everyday multitasking and basic apps. But if you’re going all-in with creative software or heavy workloads, more RAM – up to 64GB – is where things really start to fly. The more you’ve got, the smoother everything runs.
Storage
Most of our laptops come with 512GB of storage, which is spot on if your course involves chunky software or big media files. But if you’re mainly working with documents, presentations, and everyday tasks, 256GB means you won’t need to worry about running out of space while you’re cracking on with your course.
Softwares
Some courses need specific software like Adobe Creative Cloud, AutoCAD, or SPSS, and not every laptop (or operating system) will support them. Before you buy, it’s worth checking what your course recommends and making sure your laptop can run it all smoothly. It'll save you a load of hassle later and make sure you're ready to hit the ground running.
Processor
For everyday tasks like researching, writing essays, and putting together presentations, you’ll want a processor that balances speed and efficiency. An Intel® CoreTM i5 or an AMD RyzenTM 5 is a great place to start. But if you’re on a creative course and using demanding software, you’ll need something with more power. Look out for Intel® CoreTM i7 or i9 chips with an “H” label (that’s high performance), or AMD RyzenTM 7 or 9 processors – they’re built to handle the heavy lifting.
Match your laptop to your subject
Creative
If you’re editing, designing, or creating, you’ll be using some pretty powerful software – so your laptop needs to be up to the task. That means higher RAM (think 32GB and above), plenty of storage space, and a fast processor to keep everything running smoothly.
A bigger screen can also make a big difference. It gives you more room for split-screen mode, watching videos, and working with creative tools. Just make sure your laptop can handle the programs you’ll be using.
And don’t forget about battery life. Running lots of apps at once can drain it faster than you’d expect, so go for something with a battery that’s built to last.
Maths
You might not need loads of heavy-duty software, but you’ll still want a laptop that can handle the essentials – like Excel, PowerPoint, and Word – without breaking a sweat. 16GB of RAM is a great shout for smooth multitasking.
A high-resolution display is also a big win. It makes equations and code easier to read and helps reduce eye strain during long study sessions. And when it comes to processors, something like an Intel® Core™ i5 or AMD Ryzen™ 5 will keep everything ticking along nicely. For storage, go for SSD over HDD – it means faster start-up times and quicker access to your files. 256GB is usually plenty, but if you’re working with large datasets, a bit more space won’t hurt.
Business
If your Business Studies course doesn’t rely on demanding software, like design or data modelling tools, you won’t need a top-spec machine to get through your degree. A reliable, budget-friendly laptop is perfect for writing essays, managing spreadsheets, joining online lectures, and keeping up with research. Just make sure it’s got enough storage – around 256GB is ideal for saving all your coursework, apps, and even a few presentation slides, without slowing things down.
You’ll want a solid processor too, like an Intel® Core™ i5 or better, to keep things running smoothly when you’re juggling Excel, PowerPoint, and research tabs. A lighter laptop is a smart choice – it’s easy to carry around campus or pop in your bag. And if you’re studying on the go, a longer battery life means you won’t be hunting for a plug halfway through a lecture.
Science and medical
If your course involves time in labs, extra study sessions, and working with visual content, battery life is key. Go for something with a high battery capacity so you’re not constantly reaching for a charger. A high-resolution display is also a big plus – it makes reading and reviewing visual materials much easier on the eyes.
When it comes to storage, SSD is the way to go. It’s faster, more reliable, and perfect for saving lecture notes, PDFs, and textbooks. 256GB is a solid starting point, but 512GB gives you more breathing room.
For RAM, 8GB is great for everyday multitasking, but if you’re working with large datasets, 16GB will give you that extra boost. And don’t forget the processor – an Intel® Core™ i5 or i7, or Apple’s M series chips, will handle tools like MATLAB, SPSS, anatomy software, and research platforms without slowing you down.
Want to learn more?
- What should I look for in a student laptop?
Looking for a student laptop? Go for one with an Intel® CoreTM i5 or an AMD RyzenTM 5 processor, 8GB RAM, and at least 8 hours of battery life – perfect for lectures, essays, and a bit of downtime after. A lightweight design makes it easy to carry, and a Full HD screen keeps everything looking sharp. All that, and you can still find great options without blowing your budget.
- Are Chromebooks good for students?
Chromebooks are brilliant for students who need something simple, speedy, and budget- friendly. They’re great for writing essays, browsing the web, and using Google apps like Docs and Drive. Plus, they’re lightweight with long battery life – perfect for carrying around campus. Just keep in mind they’re not ideal for heavy software like Photoshop or gaming. For everyday study stuff, they’re spot on.
- How much should I spend on a student laptop?
You don’t need to splash out to get something solid. Around £400–£700 will get you a laptop with enough power for essays, video calls, and some streaming too. If you’re doing creative or tech-heavy work, you might want to spend a bit more.
- What’s the difference between Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS?
Windows is super versatile – great for work, gaming, and everything in between. macOS (on Apple devices) is sleek, secure, and ideal for creatives. ChromeOS is lightweight and perfect for students who mostly use the web and Google apps. Each has its perks, so it depends on what you need – power, style, or simplicity. Pick the one that fits your study style best.
- Is a touchscreen laptop worth it for students?
If you love flexibility, a touchscreen laptop can be a game-changer. Great for notetaking, sketching, or flipping into tablet mode for streaming after class. They’re especially handy for creative courses or on-the-go studying. Just keep in mind they can cost a bit more, and battery life might take a slight hit. But they’re great if you like the idea of tapping, swiping, and scribbling
- How important is battery life for student laptops?
A long-lasting battery means you can take notes in lectures, study in the library, and work in coffee shops without constantly hunting for a plug. Aim for 8+ hours to get through a full day of uni without stress. It’s one of the biggest lifesavers for students on the go.
- Can I use a gaming laptop for school?
Gaming laptops are powerful, so they’ll breeze through schoolwork, video editing, and even coding. They’re great if you need extra performance – just keep in mind they’re usually heavier and have shorter battery life. If you’re into gaming or creative courses, they’re a solid choice. Just make sure it fits your backpack and budget.
- What are the best brands for student laptops?
HP and Lenovo are brilliant for value and reliability. Lenovo offers solid performance and build quality, while Acer is great for budget-friendly picks. If you’re after something sleek, Apple is ideal for creatives, and ASUS packs in loads of features for the price. It all depends on your needs.
- Should I get a laptop with a dedicated graphics card?
A dedicated graphics card is great for gaming, video editing, 3D modelling, or anything creative and demanding. For everyday student tasks like essays, browsing, and streaming, integrated graphics are more than enough – and they help keep costs and battery usage down. So, unless your course needs serious visual power, you’re probably better off saving the cash for snacks and coffee.
- Are refurbished laptops a good option for students?
Refurbished laptops can be a smart way to save money without missing out on quality. They’re tested, cleaned, and often come with a warranty – so you’re not buying a dud. Perfect for students on a budget who still want decent performance.
- Best laptop for a creative course?
If you’re studying design, media, or anything creative, go for a laptop with a powerful processor, 16GB RAM, and a dedicated graphics card. A high-res screen (preferably with accurate colours) is a must, and touchscreen or stylus support is a bonus for sketching. Apple’s MacBook Pro is a top pick, but high-end Windows laptops from MSI, ASUS, or Acer are brilliant too.
- Best laptop for a business course?
You’ll want something reliable, fast, and great for multitasking. Look for a laptop with an Intel® CoreTM i3 or an AMD RyzenTM 3, 8GB RAM, and long battery life to power through lectures and group projects. Plus, a comfortable keyboard and Full HD screen are ideal for writing reports and presentations.
- Best laptop for a maths course?
For maths, you’ll want a laptop that’s fast, reliable, and great with numbers. Look for an Intel® CoreTM i5 or an AMD RyzenTM 5, 8GB RAM, and a Full HD screen – perfect for working with spreadsheets, formulas, and software like MATLAB. Long battery life is a bonus for study sessions on the go.
- Best laptop for a science course?
Science students need something powerful and reliable. Go for a laptop with an Intel® CoreTM i7 or an AMD RyzenTM 7, 8GB–16GB RAM, and plenty of storage for data and software. A Full HD screen helps with diagrams and research, and long battery life is a must for lab days. If you're using specialist programs like MATLAB or Python, a bit of extra processing power will go a long way.
