Portable computers are tools for a job.
If you've used Apple computers before, stick with MacBooks. For you the price of a MacBook will be worth it.
If you've used Windows before get a Windows laptop. For most users a sub £200 used premium business laptop is worth it.
If you're a techie person or will be studying Computer Science, get a Windows laptop and install Linux on it.
Chromebooks, I can't see as ever being worth it. Not when you can buy sub £200 used premium business laptops.
What most of your peers have brought and what would be optimum for you to buy are often 2 separate things. Not just with laptops but with so many other things in life.
Most people have no idea how good a used laptop you can buy for £165. Which is fine as it keeps prices down for those in the know.