Can I use an iPad for psychology degree at bath or do I need a windows laptop?

freyas2005

I’m debating whether to buy a new iPad or get a laptop for uni so wondering whether I need a windows for running any specific programs that an iPad isn’t capable of running that the course requires me to use. Thank you.

Reply 1

random_matt

Statistical software will require windows or mac.

University of Bath

Bath

Reply 2

University of Bath

Official Rep

Original post by freyas2005

Hi,

This is such a good question, here is what I would recommend as a student at the University of Bath:

In general, if you have the means, having a laptop is more beneficial for University work that having an iPad. This is due to many reasons such as being able to type easier on a laptop for long essays, having similar formatting to other students, making sending work/accessing documents easier. You can also download programmes and software easier on a laptop - which is beneficial not only for Psychology but also for other endeavours you might do whilst at University.

As a good compromise a lot of students have laptops that also have a touch screen element - so they are getting the best of both worlds! This might be worth looking into if you enjoy the touch screen/writing and annotating element of the iPad. There are also students I know that are lucky enough to have both an iPad and a laptop, so they can write long essays/type in lectures on their laptop, but also annotate PowerPoints and write notes on their iPad - this is by no means necessary or expected!

At the end of the day, it is totally up to personal preference, I thought I would just share that it is more common for students to have laptops! I personally brought my family's old laptop to University initially, and when I found what I needed from a laptop specifically for my course and general lifestyle - I purchased a better laptop to suit me!

Sophia (2nd Year Student)