Are you starting college and wondering if you’ll need a laptop? You may have gotten by with a notebook in high school, but will this do for more difficult college classes?
I had the same question when I started college a couple of years ago. Laptops can be expensive so it’s definitely something to think about.
Do I Need a Laptop for College?
A laptop is very useful for college. Certain assignments and important documents will only be available online. In order to complete them, you’ll need to access a computer or laptop. During class and lectures a laptop won’t be required but it will be useful for taking notes.
In this post, I share 6 reasons why you need a laptop for college and 5 ways to get through college without a laptop. I also discuss a laptop alternative and give two laptop recommendations.
6 Reasons Why You Need a Laptop For College
Taking Notes
If you bring a laptop to class you will be able to use it for taking notes. Some students prefer the traditional way of taking notes with a pen and paper, however nowadays many students will use their laptop or iPad.
Using a device will allow you to make clean and organized notes. You can also take information and graphics from online which you can insert into your notes.
Related: Should You Get an iPad for College
Online Assignments
The most important reason that you need a laptop is for online assignments. Nowadays, many teachers will give online assignments instead of in person assignments. Without a laptop, it will be super hard to complete your homework.
A good portion of your grade will be made up of online assignments so having a laptop will be super useful.
Online Documents
At times you will be required to review documents or do readings online. Without a laptop, it will be hard to stay on top of what is required from you.
Having a laptop will allow you to do your readings straight from your dorm room. Your laptop will be used a lot throughout your time in college.
Connecting With Your Classmates
For group projects, you are going to have to connect with your classmates. There are services like google docs where you and your group will be able to work on the same document remotely.
Google docs can be accessed on your phone but it isn’t super easy to use. On the laptop, it’s significantly more efficient and user friendly.
In college, I studied business so I always had group projects. Google docs became part of my every day routine. Without a laptop I would have really struggled when it came to working with classmates.
Convenience
The convenience of having your own laptop is very important. You’ll be able to study and do assignments whenever and wherever you are.
Whether you’re in your dorm room, have a long break between classes or eating, your laptop will be with you. Having the ability to complete your work whenever you want will give you much more control over your day.
If you don’t have a laptop, you’ll have to use the computers in the library or computer labs. At times they can get really busy and you won’t be able to find a computer. You will either have to wait for a computer or come back at another time.
Organization
If you’re like me and have trouble staying organized a laptop will solve a lot of your problems. I would always have messy notes but with a laptop it’s impossible to have messy notes.
I would also lose a lot of papers. Now that everything is given online, I never have to worry about misplacing a paper. At the beginning of the semester, I create folders on my laptop for each class and I keep the documents together.
5 Ways to Get Through College Without a Laptop
Having a laptop will make your life much easier in college, but it is possible to get through it without one. I understand that some students don’t have access to a laptop, so here are some helpful tips if you’re in this situation.
Libraries and Computer Labs
If you don’t have a laptop you will be frequently going to libraries and computer labs. School libraries and computer labs will have computers that you can use for free.
You are going to want to pay attention to the times they are busy to build your schedule around it. If you are relying on the public computers to do an assignment, never wait till the last minute.
The computers will work well but there is no guarantee that you will have access to one when the library or lab gets busy. Be sure to plan ahead.
Hand Written Notes
Many students will use their computer to take notes but you will have to take them by hand. There is no problem with hand written notes, just make sure that your writing is clear so you can study off of them.
Many students find that they retain information better by writing their notes by hand. It’s very common to see students taking notes on their laptops or on a notebook.
Stay Organized
Many students struggle with being organized in college. If you don’t have a laptop you are going to have to go above and beyond to stay organized.
You are going to want clean notes and keep track of important assignment dates. You will also have to pay attention to when the library and computer lab is open.
You will need to stay on top of assignments and when you have group work you will have to coordinate how you are going to complete it with your group.
Staying organized is detrimental to your success in college.
Have Access to a Computer Outside of School
If you don’t have a laptop, you will still need access to a laptop, desktop or iPad outside of school.
Whether it’s your roommates, the computer at work, or a desktop at home you will be wanting to have access to it when you leave school. That way you can at least do readings, complete assignments and do group work remotely.
On weekends you won’t want to go to college. Some college and university buildings won’t even stay open on weekends. So find a computer outside of school that you can access somewhat regularly.
Use Your Phone
It won’t be easy, but you can do assignments on your phone. Google docs has an app on the App store so you can work directly on documents from your phone.
If you have online assignments, sometimes they can be accessed on your phone. I think that it is harder to work on the phone, but if you’re really stuck this tip will help.
Laptop Alternative – iPad
Many students will also use iPads in college. With the iPad you will be able to take notes, do assignments and it is lightweight and compact. The iPad comes at a cheaper price point then most laptops making it really affordable for students.
I recommend the iPad for all new college and university students. I think the iPad can do everything a laptop can do but for a more reasonable price.
You can get the Apple Pencil for writing notes and the iPad can be connected to a keyboard so you can use it like a laptop.
The iPad is a great product for college and university students. If you are interested in an for college iPad check out this article: Why You Need an iPad for College
Laptop Recommendations
I’m no tech expert, but I am someone who’s been to college and have seen what other students use and like. Most students use apple products such as MacBooks and iPads. You’ll also find that at certain times, Apple offers discounts and promotions for students.
Personally, I think Apple makes great products for students. They have good battery life, are reliable and are fast. There are plenty of good options out there, but these are the two that I’ve used throughout college.
MacBook Air
The MacBook Air was the first laptop I got for college. It had a great battery life was fast and I never had any problems with it. As a student it did everything I needed it to do.
It was great for doing assignments, was lightweight and I never had any problems with it. If you are considering getting a laptop for college the MacBook Air is a great choice.
MacBook Pro
During the pandemic, college shifted to being fully online. Knowing that I would be doing zoom calls and using my computer much more I thought maybe it’s time to upgrade. I got the 2019 MacBook Pro and it’s been amazing.
During the year where school was fully online it was great to have such a good computer. Sure it’s expensive, but Macs always have value. I was able to sell my old MacBook Air and put the money toward the Macbook Pro which made it only a few hundred dollars to upgrade.
To this day, I use my MacBook Pro and I still love it!
Final Thoughts on Do I Need A Laptop For College
If you’re just about to start college you want to be as prepared as possible. In this post, we went over 6 reasons why you need a laptop, 5 ways you can get through college without a laptop (if you need to) , a laptop alternatives and laptop recommendations.
Do you think a laptop is needed for college? Which one do you recommend? Please let me know in the comments below.