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A students guide to buying a laptop
Finding the right laptop doesn’t have to be complicated. This guide breaks things down so you can pick one that fits your day-to-day.
Performance, battery life, storage – we’ll cover the key things to look out for, so you end up with something that can keep up with you from your first lecture to your final hand-in.
Key things to look for
Price range
Prices can vary quite a bit, so it’s all about finding what suits you. If you’re heading into something creative, it’s worth spending a bit more on a faster processor and extra memory to keep everything running smoothly. But if it’s mainly for notetaking, browsing, and writing essays, there are plenty of options under £500 that’ll do the job.
Battery life
Heading out to lectures or setting up in your go-to coffee spot? You’ll want a laptop that can keep up with your day. Look for something with around 8 to 12 hours of battery to avoid hunting for plug sockets. Just bear in mind, things like screen brightness, the apps you’ve got open, and how you use it can all affect how long it lasts.
Don't forget to look at
RAM
RAM is what helps your laptop keep everything ticking along when you’ve got a few things open. 8GB is fine for everyday bits like essays, browsing, and basic apps. But if you want things to run more smoothly, especially with lots of tabs or heavier tasks, 16GB is the safer bet. It gives you that extra breathing room from the off and helps keep things feeling quick as your workload builds.
Storage
Storage is what keeps all your files, apps, and downloads in one place. While 256GB might cover the basics, it can fill up faster than you’d think once you start adding lectures, software, and course materials. Going for 512GB gives you the extra space you need, so you’re not having to delete files halfway through the year.
Softwares
Some courses rely on specific software, so check what you’ll actually be using before you buy. Lots of everyday tools like Google Docs, Teams, and Notion run straight in your browser, but more specialist courses like design, engineering, or data analysis often need heavier software such as Adobe Creative Cloud or AutoCAD.
It’s also a good idea to see which operating system your course recommends, as some programmes work better on Windows than macOS. And because these tools can be more demanding, you might need extra RAM, storage, or a more powerful processor to keep everything running smoothly.
Processor
The processor is your laptop’s brain – it handles the heavy lifting behind the scenes whenever you click anything. If you’re sticking to basics an Intel® Core™ i3 or AMD Ryzen™ 3 will run essential apps just fine. For everyday studying with essays, research, and plenty of tabs open, an Intel® Core™ i5 or AMD Ryzen™ 5 is a solid option.
But if your course leans more towards creative work or coding, upgrade to an Intel® Core™ i7 or AMD Ryzen™ 7 for that extra bit of power. It means things run faster and you’re not waiting around for larger files to load up.
Display quality
You’ll be staring at your screen for hours, so a good resolution is key. Full HD is a great choice for most students, while creative courses will benefit from higher pixel counts and more accurate colours like a 4K OLED. An anti-glare screen can also help if you’re working in brighter spaces like lecture halls or libraries.
Things students forget to consider
Keyboard comfort
A comfy keyboard can make all the difference when you’ve got a lot of typing up to do, helping those long essay sessions feel that bit easier on your hands.
Webcam quality
As well as giving your mum a quick video call, a good webcam is a must for online lessons and group chats.
Warranty and damage cover
Spills and bumps are part of everyday life, but a warranty gives you peace of mind by covering you for unexpected accidents.
Ports
From USB‑C to HDMI and headphone jacks, having the right ports lets you plug in all your bits and get set up quickly.
Speed
From research to writing and everything in between, a fast laptop keeps things flowing smoothly, so you can get more done without sitting around waiting for it to catch up.
Security
Keeping your files safe is just as important as getting your work done. Built-in security features like fingerprint scanners and facial recognition add an extra layer of protection, so your data stays secure.
Find the right setup for your degree
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Creative guide
Think all things visual — Photography, Graphic Design, Fashion, or Film courses right this way.
The English guide
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The maths guide
Get the figures spot on every time, perfect for maths, finance, accounting, economics, or engineering students.
People Development guide
Heading into Teaching, HR, or Counselling? Your prep starts here.
The Science guide
Love the sciences? Our guide’s got everything you need to study Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
Accessories students may need
Laptop sleeve
If your laptop’s always with you, a sleeve will keep it safe from scratches.
Wireless mouse
For smoother browsing and a bit more control, try a wireless mouse – just don’t forget the batteries.
Headphones
Trying to stay focused or jumping into a call? A good pair of headphones helps you block out distractions and stay on track.
USB
A USB hub gives you more ports to connect chargers, drives, and other devices without juggling cables.
External hard drive
An external hard drive gives you extra room to store and back up your files, so everything stays safe without cluttering up your laptop.
Don't forget stationary
From lectures to last-minute revision, having the right stationery can make staying organised feel a lot more manageable.
Most laptops now come with handy AI tools built in that can help you understand topics and give you a starting point. Take a bit of time to learn how to use prompts properly, and you’ll get much more out of them.
Want to learn more? Check out our Understanding AI page for simple tips on getting started.
