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Starting university is an exciting milestone, and having the right tech tools and applications can make your academic journey smoother and more successful. Whether you’re setting up your study space in your new Collegiate UK accommodation or preparing for university lectures, ensuring you have the right tech essentials and free applications will help you stay organised, efficient, and connected. To help you navigate this, Student Crowd has put together a comprehensive guide for students starting in September.
Laptop or Tablet
A reliable laptop or tablet is at the core of your university toolkit. It’s your gateway to attending online lectures, completing assignments, and collaborating with peers. Depending on your course requirements, you may need a device with specific specifications, such as a larger screen or higher processing power. Popular choices among students include the MacBook Air, Microsoft Surface, and the Dell XPS series. Tablets like the iPad paired with a keyboard can also be a versatile option for note-taking and studying on the go.
External Hard Drive or Cloud Storage
Back up your work regularly to avoid the nightmare of losing an important essay or project. An external hard drive, like the Western Digital My Passport (as rated by PC World), offers ample storage space and portability. Alternatively, cloud storage solutions like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive provide secure and easily accessible backups of your files. Many UK universities offer free cloud storage to students, so check what’s available through your institution.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Whether you’re studying in a bustling café or your shared accommodation, noise-cancelling headphones can help you maintain focus by blocking out distractions. Brands like Bose, Sony, and Sennheiser offer high-quality options that are comfortable to wear for extended study sessions.
Printer
While many assignments are submitted electronically, having a printer on hand can be useful for printing lecture notes, essays, or study materials. Compact and affordable printers like the HP DeskJet series are great for student budgets and small spaces.
Free Essential Applications for UK Students
Microsoft Office 365
As a UK student, you’re likely eligible to download Microsoft Office 365 for free through your university or college. This suite includes essential tools like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, making it indispensable for assignments, presentations, and note-taking. With cloud integration, your documents are accessible from any device, anytime.
Google Workspace
Google Workspace offers a suite of productivity tools similar to Microsoft Office, including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. It’s free for everyone and provides seamless collaboration features, making group projects more manageable. Google Drive also offers free cloud storage, with the option to purchase additional space if needed.
Grammarly
Grammarly is a must-have tool for ensuring your essays, reports, and emails are well-written and free from grammatical errors. The free version is incredibly useful, but students can also access premium features through university subscriptions or discounts, which provide advanced suggestions for clarity, style, and tone.
EndNote
EndNote is an essential tool for students who need to manage citations and references for essays, reports, and research papers. It simplifies the creation of bibliographies in various formats such as APA, MLA, or Harvard. EndNote saves time and ensures your work adheres to proper citation guidelines, making it a valuable resource for academic success.
With the right tools and resources at your fingertips, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of university life with confidence. For more tips and resources, check out the news section on Collegiate UK’s website.
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