Laptops have overtaken books and kettles as the top university essentials, according to a poll of 1,200 students past and present. More than half of parents (55%) said a laptop is the single most important purchase for a child going to university.
Shift in student must-haves
The research found alarm clocks and contact books full of handwritten phone numbers are no longer as vital as they were in the mid-1990s. Books and kettles were once considered must-haves for getting through the term, but now laptops, chargers and reusable water bottles have taken their place. Mobile phones, headphones and portable speakers are now seen as essentials for student life.
The average student 30 years ago would take as many as 10 books for revision and notetaking, but today's students carry just three, as everything is used and kept on a laptop or tablet.
Technology's growing role
Most of those polled (58%) believe university life has become more opulent than it once was, with nine in 10 Brits believing today's students rely more heavily on technology than those who studied three decades ago. Two-thirds of parents (66%) said they believe technology can have a direct impact on their child's academic success, and nearly the same amount (65%) agreed it is one of the most important investments ahead of university.
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. 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."
Changing habits and purchases
Nearly nine in 10 (85%) agreed the average university student's belongings are not the same as they were three decades ago. Only a quarter (26%) of Gen Z students still handwrite their lecture notes in a notebook, while 19% take notes with a mix of digital and handwritten methods, and 43% exclusively use their laptop for notetaking throughout university.
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 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 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 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.
