A poll of 1,200 students past and present has found that alarm clocks and contact books full of handwritten phone numbers are no longer as important as they were in the mid-1990s. Instead, laptops, chargers and reusable water bottles are now considered essentials for incoming university life.
Evolution of University Essentials
Thirty years ago, books and kettles were must-haves for getting through the term. The average student in the mid-90s would take as many as 10 books for revision and notetaking, but today's students carry just three, as study materials are kept on a device.
Nearly six in 10 of those polled (58%) believe university life has become more opulent than it once was, and nine in 10 Brits think today's students rely more heavily on technology than those who studied three decades ago.
Parents' Views on Technology
When asked about preparing their teens for university, two-thirds of parents (66%) said they believe technology can have a direct impact on their child's academic success. A similar number (65%) agreed technology is one of the most important investments for incoming students, and 55% said a laptop is the single most important purchase.
Annika Bizon, a spokesperson for Samsung, which commissioned the research alongside the Galaxy Book 6, said: "Thirty years ago, university survival meant a kettle and an alarm clock and something to take notes on."
Gen Z's Dependence on Laptops
Only a quarter (26%) of Gen Z students still handwrite their lecture notes in a notebook, while 19% use a mix of digital and handwritten methods, and 43% exclusively use their laptop for notetaking. According to research by OnePoll.com, more than two-thirds (67%) of Gen Z admitted they couldn't complete their studies without a laptop.
However, 35% of those who attended university more than 30 years ago wished they had access to a device. The top purchases for recent students were a laptop (53%), with bedding (38%), kitchen essentials (37%) and clothing (33%) not far behind.
Students today use their laptops to research assignments (76%), manage life admin like 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 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. Nearly nine in 10 (85%) agreed the average university student's belongings are not the same as they were 30 years ago.
