If your course requires installed software or full online-assessment access, choose a laptop or other computer that meets its requirements rather than assuming a tablet or Chromebook will suffice. The University of Law recommends a laptop, PC or Mac for access to all its assessment features; check your own department’s software and assessment rules before choosing Windows, macOS, specialist hardware or accessories.
Ask your department which operating system, applications and hardware your work requires before choosing a device. The University of York warns that some courses have specialist requirements, while Loughborough University gives separate laptop advice for engineering students.
Check the approved device, browser, camera, microphone and accessory rules for your assessments. The University of Law recommends a laptop, PC or Mac as the primary device for its assessment features; the Open University excludes tablets from its online-invigilation setup.
Consider how easily you can carry and use your primary computer for lectures, group work and online sessions. The University of Hertfordshire highlights campus mobility when advising students on laptops, but your course requirements still determine which devices are suitable.
For a primary computer used on campus and online, establish course-software and assessment compatibility first. Then compare portability with the capacity you need for your work over the course.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Course software | Ask your department for compulsory applications, supported operating systems and any specialist hardware requirements. | If compulsory applications determine my device, I need to settle compatibility before comparing other features. Around 33% of consumers would put course software first. |
| Online assessments | Confirm the approved device and browser, plus camera, microphone and accessory rules for your assessment. | I need my computer to work for the exam itself, not just for reading course materials. Assessment access would be the primary concern for around 27% of consumers. |
| Campus portability | Compare carrying weight, screen size, battery expectations and the ports you will use on campus. | Moving between accommodation, teaching rooms and study spaces makes a manageable device important to me. Around 20% of consumers would prioritise portability. |
| Capacity over time | Compare the course minimum with recommended memory and storage, and check the offered warranty terms. | I want room for later applications and course files without choosing capacity my work will not use. For around 20% of consumers, longer-term capacity would come first. |
A device that handles reading and note-taking may not provide full assessment access. The University of Law treats tablets and Chromebooks as secondary devices for its digital assessment platforms.
Check your course applications and assessment platform before relying on either device as your only computer.
If a required application will not run, you may need access to another compatible computer later.
General study requirements do not establish whether specialist software will run. Loughborough University identifies NX as an engineering application that does not work on Apple devices.
Get the department’s application list and supported operating systems, then compare Windows and macOS laptops.
Rules for an ordinary video call may differ from those for an invigilated assessment. The Open University does not allow headsets or earphones in its online-invigilation exams unless an approved adjustment applies.
Check the camera, audio and accessory rules for the particular assessment before buying equipment for it.
A basic access specification may differ from advice for a newly purchased computer intended for continued study. The University of Edinburgh distinguishes those needs in its student guidance.
Compare the minimum with your expected applications and files, and check whether the warranty offered covers the period you need.
Do not rely on one as your only computer until your course confirms it supports every required application and assessment. The University of Law says these devices are not fully supported by all its digital assessment platforms, and the Open University excludes them from its online-invigilation setup.
Choose the operating system your compulsory course software supports. Loughborough University says the distinction matters less for most courses but identifies NX as engineering software that will not run on Apple devices; ask your department about your own application list.
Check your institution’s approved device, operating system, browser, camera, microphone and accessory rules, then follow any practice-test instructions it provides. The University of Law requires a webcam of at least 720p for its proctored assessments, but another institution’s requirements may differ.
You may be able to use a headset for tutorials, but check the rules before using it in an exam. The Open University prohibits headsets and earphones in its online-invigilation exams unless an approved adjustment applies.