According to UCAS, 50% of students buy a new laptop for university - and it’s no secret why. If you’re off to uni or going back after summer, you need a device that can juggle note-taking, researching, writing assignments and video calling. So, if your current machine is too bulky or can’t keep up, it might be time for an upgrade.
But which laptops are up to the challenge? Three standout options are the HP OmniBook 3 AI PC, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition and the ASUS Zenbook A16 Copilot+ PC.
So before you start laptop shopping, read our guide to find out which laptop is right for you.
For all-dayers (and all-nighters)
At uni, any surface is a potential study spot. The HP OmniBook 3 AI PC helps you work anywhere with up to 41-hours of battery life. So when you’re in the zone, you won’t have to worry about sudden shutdowns.
Powered by the Snapdragon® X1 AI chip, it's designed to help you get more done. You've also got Copilot on Windows, so you’ll get quick answers and smart suggestions exactly when you need them.
A closer look:
- 14-inch OLED display has vibrant colours that make everything you watch and create pop.
- HP True Vision camera & dual microphones help you stay clear during calls.
- Built-in AI tools such as Live Captions, Paint Cocreator and Windows Studio Effects make everyday tasks easier.
- Lightweight design so you can travel around campus without strain.
When inspiration hits
If you’re on an artsy course, the Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition Copilot+ PC helps tackle creative tasks. Powered by an Intel® Core™ Ultra 7 Series 3 processor, the Yoga Slim makes everything from editing videos to creating digital art smoother. And it has a touchscreen, so you can get hands-on with your projects.
Save your files in the huge 1TB of SSD storage which stores everything from lecture notes to final assignments. And the Lenovo Yoga Slim is packed with AI-powered features to organise projects and make it easier to jump between assignments without losing track of your work.
A closer look:
- Powered by an Intel® Coreâ„¢ Ultra 7 Series 3 processor that delivers quick, powerful performance for multitasking and demanding assignments.
- Ultra-lightweight design weighs under 1kg, making it ideal for carrying around campus.
- 2.8K OLED display gives you rich colours with deep blacks for creative work and evening streaming.
- 5MP camera and dual microphones help you look and sound your best in online classes.
For juggling it all
The ASUS Zenbook A16 Copilot+ PC is ideal for multitasking. Its large 16-inch display makes it easy to work across different documents at once. Plus it only weighs 1.2kg, so it's comfortable to carry between classes.
With inbuilt Copilot+ AI features, it helps you stay productive throughout the day – whether you need help summarising academic papers or overcoming writer's block. And with up to 21 hours of battery, you can do a whole day of lectures without scrambling for a charger.
A closer look:
- 3K ASUS Lumina OLED display means presentations and streaming look amazing.
- Durable Ceraluminum™ chassis is built to handle everyday knocks and travel.
- Powered by a Snapdragon® X2 Elite Extreme processor which delivers lightning-fast performance for multitasking, researching, content creation and AI-powered productivity.
- Immersive audio experience with six speakers, great for online lectures and even better for blasting party playlists.
Ready to upgrade?
The best student laptop is the one that fits your everyday life at uni. Think about what matters most to you — whether that's staying productive all day, finding creative inspiration, or keeping your projects under control. Uni is fun and exciting, but hard work too. So, choosing the right laptop now can make your whole year run more smoothly.
FAQs
Is it worth buying a new laptop?
If your current laptop is sluggish and drains battery quickly, then a newer laptop can make your time at university much easier.
How long should a laptop last?
Most laptops last around 3 to 5 years. However, premium models can stay reliable for longer with proper care.
What should I look for when buying a new laptop?
Focus on battery life, RAM, storage and display quality. You should also think about the weight of the laptop, especially if you’ll be carrying it around campus.
How much RAM do I need in a laptop?
For most people, 16GB of RAM is ideal for everyday use. But if you're using more technical software for your course, consider 32GB or more.
Is a laptop better than a desktop?
For students, laptops tend to be better and give you more flexibility to work from anywhere.
Are Copilot+ PCs worth it?
If you want access to the latest AI features and longer battery life, a Copilot+ PC is worth the investment. They're especially useful for students and professionals who want extra productivity tools built into their laptop.
