ipad vs Notebooks in Uni

13

Hey for anyone that’s in uni or is thinking of applying, are you taking an ipad or just using regular notebooks. An ipad seems like it would take up less space and be more efficient in the long run, less mess and paper etc.
Are there more disadvantages to one side?

Thanks

Reply 1

TNGFR

8

Original post

by aminah_001

Hey for anyone that’s in uni or is thinking of applying, are you taking an ipad or just using regular notebooks. An ipad seems like it would take up less space and be more efficient in the long run, less mess and paper etc.
Are there more disadvantages to one side?
Thanks

I wrote a guide for exactly this quandary;

https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=7514688

The tldr is if it's your only computing device that you're taking to uni, go for the laptop unless you're doing a degree where the touch based utility is of genuine use to you, because otherwise having a proper keyboard is going to be far too beneficial to justify giving up when it comes to essay and dissertation writing.

Reply 2

University of Surrey Student Rep

15

Original post

by aminah_001

Hey for anyone that’s in uni or is thinking of applying, are you taking an ipad or just using regular notebooks. An ipad seems like it would take up less space and be more efficient in the long run, less mess and paper etc.
Are there more disadvantages to one side?
Thanks

Hello aminah_001,

I personally use a standard iPad with OneNote to make my notes and I find it better than using a notebook (despite me preferring pen and paper notes). Having my notes on my iPad means that they are all in one place and that I don't need to worry about carrying ring binders. It also means that my notes are better organised (I divide my notes by year of study and degree subject as I do a joint honours degree, then I have the names of the modules as sections).

However some people might argue that having an iPad is expensive and it might be that for your subject, having an iPad might not be as helpful. Also I would make sure that you have a working computer before you get an iPad if you haven't got one already as having a suitable personal computer with a desktop operating system is important.

Let me know if you have anymore questions.

Hope this helps,
Imane
Placement-Year Languages student

Reply 3

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

13

Original post

by aminah_001

Hey for anyone that’s in uni or is thinking of applying, are you taking an ipad or just using regular notebooks. An ipad seems like it would take up less space and be more efficient in the long run, less mess and paper etc.
Are there more disadvantages to one side?
Thanks

Hey,

It really depends on your personal study style and what you find most effective for taking notes. An iPad can be a great option, especially for keeping everything organised digitally, reducing paper clutter, and allowing for quick searches through notes. Apps Notion can be really useful for structuring notes, annotating lecture slides, and even recording lectures to review later. Plus, with the Apple Pencil, you can still get the benefits of handwriting while having everything stored digitally.

On the other hand, some students still prefer traditional notebooks, especially for subjects that involve a lot of equations, diagrams, or handwritten notes. Writing by hand has been shown to help with memory retention for some people, and using a notebook avoids the potential distractions that come with a digital device. Some students also find that physically writing things down helps them process information better compared to typing or using a stylus.

It might be worth speaking to your lecturers or students already on your course to see what they recommend. Some courses might require a lot of handwritten work, while others might provide digital materials that make an iPad more useful. If you’re unsure, you could try a mix of both at first and see what works best for you.

Also, if cost is a factor, check if your university has a laptop or tablet loan service. At the University of Salford, we have a Borrow a Laptop scheme, which allows students to borrow devices if they need them for their studies. Your university might have a similar service, so it’s worth looking into if you’re considering an iPad but don’t want to commit just yet!

Best of luck!
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative

Reply 4

Uni of Southampton Students

Official Rep

16

Original post

by aminah_001

Hey for anyone that’s in uni or is thinking of applying, are you taking an ipad or just using regular notebooks. An ipad seems like it would take up less space and be more efficient in the long run, less mess and paper etc.
Are there more disadvantages to one side?
Thanks

Hello @aminah_001,

It really depends on your personal preference and what will be more useful to you!

Firstly, it is important to have a look at what software you will need for your course. For example, in psychology at Southampton, we use a data program called SPSS which runs best on a laptop/computer. I originally used a Chromebook at the start of first year, but this was an issue as SPSS wouldn't run on it. So I would recommend having a look at this, as it may be easier to type rather than write notes if your course relies heavily on technology. Sometimes it is easier to have notes all in one place, especially if you are expected to type up coursework and hand it in electronically.

For me, I prefer handwriting my notes because I find that I take the content in better that way. It also stops me from copying and pasting the content from the slides straight into my notes document. I then use my laptop to type up coursework and hand it in online. If you are unsure, you could always try one week of handwriting and then one week of typing notes and see which you prefer.

Good luck with your course at uni!

Poppy, 2nd Year Psychology

(edited 9 months ago)

Reply 5

aminah_001

OP

13

Thank you for the replies! :smile:

It seems there’s advantages and disadvantages to both ipads and regular notebooks, I’ll definitely take your answers into consideration and i’ll ask my subject teachers at the uni which device is most suitable

Reply 6

Dunnig Kruger

20

I know someone studying Archaeology. She uses a laptop and an ipad.
She takes the ipad to lectures and downloads the lecture notes to it and adds her own scribbled additions to the official notes.
She uses the laptop for typing assignments, web browsing, email. The laptop is a premium business Dell Latitude 7470 Windows laptop, bought used for about £160. She's had it for 3 or 4 years now.
For someone buying a laptop today, a fully working HP 840 G8 or 845 G7 or G8 for under £250 used from ebay would be a fine choice.

It doesn't have to be an either or. You can have both for reasonable money.

ipad vs Notebooks in Uni

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