Laptop for University
I'm wondering just how important it is for university students to have a laptop of their own, compared to relying on computer rooms?
Whilst it seems like a while away, I'll be applying to Scottish universities for 2027 entry (English and history courses). My family doesn't have loads of money, so something like a laptop would require saving up, hence why I'm asking now.
I realise that practicality wise, it would be ideal if I bought a laptop, I'm just wary of the cost - especially since university itself will be so expensive.
I know that a lot of university work and assignments are done online, so I'm unsure if I could really get by without tech. I do, at the moment, prefer hand-writing notes, but I'm also not sure about how realistic that would be for university.
Any advice, including any good laptops that are cheaper, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Whilst it seems like a while away, I'll be applying to Scottish universities for 2027 entry (English and history courses). My family doesn't have loads of money, so something like a laptop would require saving up, hence why I'm asking now.
I realise that practicality wise, it would be ideal if I bought a laptop, I'm just wary of the cost - especially since university itself will be so expensive.
I know that a lot of university work and assignments are done online, so I'm unsure if I could really get by without tech. I do, at the moment, prefer hand-writing notes, but I'm also not sure about how realistic that would be for university.
Any advice, including any good laptops that are cheaper, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Reply 1
Original post
by jasmineva3128I'm wondering just how important it is for university students to have a laptop of their own, compared to relying on computer rooms?
Whilst it seems like a while away, I'll be applying to Scottish universities for 2027 entry (English and history courses). My family doesn't have loads of money, so something like a laptop would require saving up, hence why I'm asking now.
I realise that practicality wise, it would be ideal if I bought a laptop, I'm just wary of the cost - especially since university itself will be so expensive.
I know that a lot of university work and assignments are done online, so I'm unsure if I could really get by without tech. I do, at the moment, prefer hand-writing notes, but I'm also not sure about how realistic that would be for university.
Any advice, including any good laptops that are cheaper, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Whilst it seems like a while away, I'll be applying to Scottish universities for 2027 entry (English and history courses). My family doesn't have loads of money, so something like a laptop would require saving up, hence why I'm asking now.
I realise that practicality wise, it would be ideal if I bought a laptop, I'm just wary of the cost - especially since university itself will be so expensive.
I know that a lot of university work and assignments are done online, so I'm unsure if I could really get by without tech. I do, at the moment, prefer hand-writing notes, but I'm also not sure about how realistic that would be for university.
Any advice, including any good laptops that are cheaper, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Having a laptop at university is essential, it’s pretty much non-negotiable. What will you do if the library is closed (or you can’t get there because there aren’t any public transport options available anymore until time X)? Or if you want or need to work on the go? Or if you require assistive technology because of a disability etc?
You will absolutely need a laptop (a decent/average windows laptop for such course should be fine). I personally wouldn’t recommend getting a Chromebook or a crappy (cheapest possible) windows laptop. Get a decent Windows laptop or an M series MacBook Air.
Get a laptop and have notebook and pen if you prefer handwritten notes.
If you can’t afford the cost of a laptop then how you be certain that you’ll be able to afford other costs (accommodation and all of that)?
Reply 2
Forgot to note that also for some seminars or maybe just lectures in general, you’d be expected to have a working laptop or tablet to use whilst in class to get tasks done.
That’s the case for myself.
Edit: even if your university has a loan scheme similar to mine and LJMU, there’s no guarantee that they’ll always be a laptop available for you to borrow. You can’t predict demand that easily.
That’s the case for myself.
Edit: even if your university has a loan scheme similar to mine and LJMU, there’s no guarantee that they’ll always be a laptop available for you to borrow. You can’t predict demand that easily.
(edited 3 months ago)
Reply 3
Original post
by jasmineva3128I'm wondering just how important it is for university students to have a laptop of their own, compared to relying on computer rooms?
Whilst it seems like a while away, I'll be applying to Scottish universities for 2027 entry (English and history courses). My family doesn't have loads of money, so something like a laptop would require saving up, hence why I'm asking now.
I realise that practicality wise, it would be ideal if I bought a laptop, I'm just wary of the cost - especially since university itself will be so expensive.
I know that a lot of university work and assignments are done online, so I'm unsure if I could really get by without tech. I do, at the moment, prefer hand-writing notes, but I'm also not sure about how realistic that would be for university.
Any advice, including any good laptops that are cheaper, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Whilst it seems like a while away, I'll be applying to Scottish universities for 2027 entry (English and history courses). My family doesn't have loads of money, so something like a laptop would require saving up, hence why I'm asking now.
I realise that practicality wise, it would be ideal if I bought a laptop, I'm just wary of the cost - especially since university itself will be so expensive.
I know that a lot of university work and assignments are done online, so I'm unsure if I could really get by without tech. I do, at the moment, prefer hand-writing notes, but I'm also not sure about how realistic that would be for university.
Any advice, including any good laptops that are cheaper, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Hi,
I’d definitely recommend having a laptop if possible. Many universities offer bursaries or technology schemes to help students, so it’s worth checking. Having your own laptop can make things easier for assignments, accessing software, and sessions where you may be expected to bring your own.
However, some university libraries offer loan schemes e.g here at LJMU you can borrow laptops for same-day or 7-day loans so you can check if universities you’re applying to offer the same and whether you can manage without your own device at first.
Hope this helps,
Tayba
Student Rep
Reply 4
Original post
by jasmineva3128I'm wondering just how important it is for university students to have a laptop of their own, compared to relying on computer rooms?
Whilst it seems like a while away, I'll be applying to Scottish universities for 2027 entry (English and history courses). My family doesn't have loads of money, so something like a laptop would require saving up, hence why I'm asking now.
I realise that practicality wise, it would be ideal if I bought a laptop, I'm just wary of the cost - especially since university itself will be so expensive.
I know that a lot of university work and assignments are done online, so I'm unsure if I could really get by without tech. I do, at the moment, prefer hand-writing notes, but I'm also not sure about how realistic that would be for university.
Any advice, including any good laptops that are cheaper, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Whilst it seems like a while away, I'll be applying to Scottish universities for 2027 entry (English and history courses). My family doesn't have loads of money, so something like a laptop would require saving up, hence why I'm asking now.
I realise that practicality wise, it would be ideal if I bought a laptop, I'm just wary of the cost - especially since university itself will be so expensive.
I know that a lot of university work and assignments are done online, so I'm unsure if I could really get by without tech. I do, at the moment, prefer hand-writing notes, but I'm also not sure about how realistic that would be for university.
Any advice, including any good laptops that are cheaper, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Hello, It's absolutely understandable to worry about the cost, and whilst you can get by using university computer rooms and handwriting notes, having your own laptop as a student, even a basic one, makes life easier: you can work assignments anywhere, save and organise your files. Reliable laptop like a budget Lenovo Ideapad slim 3 within £200 + range, window laptops can be within affordable price ranges so have a look.
All the best
Trenyce (Kingston rep)
Reply 5
Original post
by jasmineva3128I'm wondering just how important it is for university students to have a laptop of their own, compared to relying on computer rooms?
Whilst it seems like a while away, I'll be applying to Scottish universities for 2027 entry (English and history courses). My family doesn't have loads of money, so something like a laptop would require saving up, hence why I'm asking now.
I realise that practicality wise, it would be ideal if I bought a laptop, I'm just wary of the cost - especially since university itself will be so expensive.
I know that a lot of university work and assignments are done online, so I'm unsure if I could really get by without tech. I do, at the moment, prefer hand-writing notes, but I'm also not sure about how realistic that would be for university.
Any advice, including any good laptops that are cheaper, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
Whilst it seems like a while away, I'll be applying to Scottish universities for 2027 entry (English and history courses). My family doesn't have loads of money, so something like a laptop would require saving up, hence why I'm asking now.
I realise that practicality wise, it would be ideal if I bought a laptop, I'm just wary of the cost - especially since university itself will be so expensive.
I know that a lot of university work and assignments are done online, so I'm unsure if I could really get by without tech. I do, at the moment, prefer hand-writing notes, but I'm also not sure about how realistic that would be for university.
Any advice, including any good laptops that are cheaper, would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!
I managed to do a Masters degree in English literature without a laptop. It was totally manageable as just like you, I prefer hand written notes. The uni I went to had loads of computer rooms and work spaces and it also had a system of laptop loan for students too so I never had any issues. I did have to spend most of my time in the library computer rooms, rather than working at home but for me it was a good thing,
I know some students were very reliant on their own laptops, making all their seminar notes during the sessions on them though, so it is dependent I think on your preferred way of working.
Hope that helps!
Reply 6
Would under £200 be manageable, cost wise for you for a laptop?
How about £150?
£150 to £200 can get you a spiffingly good laptop when you buy used from ebay or facebook marketplace.
One big thing to decide is what sized laptop is best for you. This will depend on whether you're built like a rugby prop forward or if you have a dainty build or are somewhere inbetween. And it will depend on how much you will carry your laptop (probably quite a bit as a student).
A well engineered used laptop should last you throughout your degree and for a few years beyond for supporting your studies and general personal use.
If you don't need a laptop now, don't buy one till you do. That's because the sweet spot in used laptops is always evolving and the sort of used laptops selling for over £300 now may come down to under £200 in 12 months time...
How about £150?
£150 to £200 can get you a spiffingly good laptop when you buy used from ebay or facebook marketplace.
One big thing to decide is what sized laptop is best for you. This will depend on whether you're built like a rugby prop forward or if you have a dainty build or are somewhere inbetween. And it will depend on how much you will carry your laptop (probably quite a bit as a student).
A well engineered used laptop should last you throughout your degree and for a few years beyond for supporting your studies and general personal use.
If you don't need a laptop now, don't buy one till you do. That's because the sweet spot in used laptops is always evolving and the sort of used laptops selling for over £300 now may come down to under £200 in 12 months time...
Reply 7
Original post
by Dunnig KrugerWould under £200 be manageable, cost wise for you for a laptop?
How about £150?
£150 to £200 can get you a spiffingly good laptop when you buy used from ebay or facebook marketplace.
One big thing to decide is what sized laptop is best for you. This will depend on whether you're built like a rugby prop forward or if you have a dainty build or are somewhere inbetween. And it will depend on how much you will carry your laptop (probably quite a bit as a student).
A well engineered used laptop should last you throughout your degree and for a few years beyond for supporting your studies and general personal use.
If you don't need a laptop now, don't buy one till you do. That's because the sweet spot in used laptops is always evolving and the sort of used laptops selling for over £300 now may come down to under £200 in 12 months time...
How about £150?
£150 to £200 can get you a spiffingly good laptop when you buy used from ebay or facebook marketplace.
One big thing to decide is what sized laptop is best for you. This will depend on whether you're built like a rugby prop forward or if you have a dainty build or are somewhere inbetween. And it will depend on how much you will carry your laptop (probably quite a bit as a student).
A well engineered used laptop should last you throughout your degree and for a few years beyond for supporting your studies and general personal use.
If you don't need a laptop now, don't buy one till you do. That's because the sweet spot in used laptops is always evolving and the sort of used laptops selling for over £300 now may come down to under £200 in 12 months time...
This exactly what I mean (I knew that this advice would be coming). And you are simply unlikely to get a well engineered laptop at this price in my opinion especially if it’s second hand.
OP, ignore this and get a decent windows laptop (doesn’t need to be £800-£1000+ but even £400-£600 can be good depending on the brand and your needs), much better in the long run. Getting the cheapest possible windows laptop is not a good idea. As much as I hate MacBooks, even getting a second hand M1/M2 MacBook Air at that point would be a better investment.
Reply 8
Original post
by Talkative ToadThis exactly what I mean (I knew that this advice would be coming). And you are simply unlikely to get a well engineered laptop at this price in my opinion especially if it’s second hand.
OP, ignore this and get a decent windows laptop (doesn’t need to be £800-£1000+ but even £400-£600 can be good depending on the brand and your needs), much better in the long run. Getting the cheapest possible windows laptop is not a good idea. As much as I hate MacBooks, even getting a second hand M1/M2 MacBook Air at that point would be a better investment.
OP, ignore this and get a decent windows laptop (doesn’t need to be £800-£1000+ but even £400-£600 can be good depending on the brand and your needs), much better in the long run. Getting the cheapest possible windows laptop is not a good idea. As much as I hate MacBooks, even getting a second hand M1/M2 MacBook Air at that point would be a better investment.
Anyone following my experience and expertise WILL get a well engineered laptop for under £200.
Especially if they pass any particular deals by me before they pull the trigger on it.
For a 14" laptop, the sweet spot has been the HP 840 G8 and 845 G8 for a while now.
HP 840 G9's are starting to come down towards the £200 price point.
The depreciation on business IT equipment can be a fantastic thing for the canny buyer.
HP and Dell premium business laptops are a prime example of this.
In some ways, the HP 840 G8 is a better engineered laptop than the MacBook Air.
The HP 840 G8 has:
Plug-in RAM instead of soldered RAM
A screwed in battery instead of a glued-in battery
A plug-in SSD instead of a soldered-in SSD
Ease of installing and running Linux with KDE instead of being pushed down the MacOS route.
Longer travel keys on the keyboard, making the typing experience better on the HP 840 G8.
Getting the cheapest possible laptop would be a great idea.
The cheapest possible laptop is free!
Write to the IT departments of nearby large companies and ask them if they have any old laptops they can give you. Mention any charity work you'll do on the laptop.
For History and English, the internal bits don't matter that much. A good keyboard is important, as you'll be typing a lot of assignments.
I know students doing a similar course to jasmineva3128 that are perfectly happy with their Dell Latitude 7470 laptops - that date from 2016 - that they bought used a few years ago for peanuts.
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