A survey of 1,200 current and former university students has found that laptops, chargers and reusable water bottles have replaced books and kettles as essential items for university life.
Shift in student essentials
The research, commissioned by Samsung alongside the Galaxy Book 6, found that alarm clocks and contact books full of handwritten phone numbers are no longer as vital as they were in the mid-1990s. Back then, books and kettles were considered must-haves for getting through the term, but today laptops, chargers and reusable water bottles have taken their place, with mobile phones, headphones and portable speakers also essential.
While the average student 30 years ago would take as many as 10 books for revision and notetaking, today's students carry just three with them, as everything is used and kept on a laptop or tablet.
Parents' views on technology
Most of those polled (58%) believe university life has become more luxurious than it once was, with nine in 10 Brits believing today's university students rely more heavily on technology than those who studied three decades ago. When asked about how they prepare their children for university, two-thirds of parents (66%) said they believe technology can have a direct impact on their child's academic success. Nearly the same amount (65%) agreed it is one of the most important investments ahead of university.
More than half (55%) of parents said a laptop is the single most important purchase for a child going to university.
Student habits and preferences
Annika Bizon, a spokesperson for Samsung, said: "Thirty years ago, university survival meant a kettle and an alarm clock and something to take notes on. Today it involves keeping on top of lectures, deadlines, part-time work, family life and the admin like food shopping and bills. Parents understand this and are helping their teenagers be more equipped with the right technology that supports their academic needs and everyday life as they navigate their first years away from home."
Overall, 85% agreed the average university student's belongings are different compared with three decades ago. Only a quarter (26%) of Gen Z students physically write notes in a notebook, while 19% take notes with a mix of digital and handwritten methods, and 43% of Gen Z students exclusively use their laptop for notetaking throughout university. According to research by OnePoll.com, 67% of Gen Z admitted they couldn't complete their studies without one.
However, 35% of those who attended university more than 30 years ago wished they could have taken a laptop with them. The top purchases for recent university students was a laptop (53%), with bedding (38%), kitchen essentials (37%) and clothing (33%) not far behind.
Beyond lectures, students today use their laptops to research assignments (76%), keep on top of life admin such as budgeting, timetables and emails (47%), stay connected with family and friends (41%), and stream entertainment (46%).
Six in 10 Gen Z students consider a laptop to be the most essential university possession, compared to only 24% who consider books most essential. When choosing a laptop for university, more than a quarter (26%) of current and recent students prioritised reliability, long battery life and fast performance.
