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10 Best Laptops For College Students 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

ASUS Vivobook 15 X1504VA 15.6" Full HD Laptop (Intel i5-1335U, 16GB RAM, 1TB PCIe SSD, Windows 11 Home)

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,266
Battery Life
Performance
Storage
Battery Life
Battery life is decent, though carrying a charger might be necessary for extended use.
Performance
Upgrading the RAM is straightforward, with support up to 40GB after a BIOS update, significantly boosting performance.
Storage
A fantastic value for its specifications, including an Intel i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD.
Operating System
Out-of-the-box updates are necessary but manageable, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

The ASUS Vivobook 15 X1504VA is a solid choice for college students thanks to its well-balanced features. It boasts a powerful Intel Core i5-1335U processor and 16GB of RAM, providing excellent performance for multitasking, running applications, and handling educational tasks smoothly. The 1TB PCIe SSD offers ample storage space for documents, multimedia files, and software, which is great for students who need to store a lot of data.

Additionally, the laptop comes with Windows 11 Home, which offers a modern operating system with enhanced security and user-friendly features. The 15.6-inch Full HD display ensures clear and vibrant visuals, perfect for studying and entertainment. Portability is decent with a weight of 1.7 kg, making it relatively easy to carry around campus. However, it might feel a bit heavy for those looking for ultra-light laptops.

The average battery life is around 8 hours, which should be sufficient for a day of classes but might require carrying a charger for longer sessions. Connectivity options are robust, including multiple USB 3.0 ports, an Ethernet port, and support for the latest Wi-Fi 6 standard, ensuring fast and reliable internet connections. One drawback is the integrated Intel HD Graphics, which might not be suitable for heavy graphic-intensive tasks or gaming. In summary, the ASUS Vivobook 15 X1504VA is a reliable and well-rounded laptop for college students, offering good performance and ample storage, though it could improve in terms of graphics capabilities and weight.

Rating
9.7
Chosen by1,266
Battery Life
Performance
Storage
Battery Life
Battery life is decent, though carrying a charger might be necessary for extended use.
Performance
Upgrading the RAM is straightforward, with support up to 40GB after a BIOS update, significantly boosting performance.
Storage
A fantastic value for its specifications, including an Intel i5 processor, 16GB RAM, and 1TB SSD.
Operating System
Out-of-the-box updates are necessary but manageable, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
#2

Dell Inspiron 16 7640 2-in-1 Laptop 16" 2.5K 90Hz Touch Display, Intel Evo Edition - Intel Core Ultra 7 155H, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Intel Arc Graphics, Windows 11 Home, English-UK Backlit Keyboard

Rating
9.4
Battery Life
Performance
Operating System
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, with estimates of over 16 hours on a single charge when used for browsing and multimedia.
Performance
This laptop handles demanding tasks smoothly, even running Microsoft Flight Simulator at the highest settings without a hitch.
Operating System
Compatibility issues with ARM processors and printers could be a concern for some users.

The Dell Inspiron 16 7640 2-in-1 laptop is a strong contender for college students who need a versatile and powerful device. Its 16-inch 2.5K touch display with a 90Hz refresh rate offers a spacious and responsive screen, ideal for multitasking and creative projects. The 16:10 aspect ratio provides extra vertical space, making it easier to work on multiple documents or applications simultaneously. The laptop's 360° hinge allows it to switch between laptop, tablet, tent, and stand modes, adding to its versatility for different tasks and environments.

With an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 1TB SSD, it delivers solid performance for everyday use, including demanding tasks like video editing and gaming, thanks to the Intel Arc Graphics. Windows 11 Home ensures a user-friendly and updated operating system experience. The laptop also includes a backlit keyboard and a fingerprint reader for added convenience and security. On the downside, the laptop is relatively heavy at 2.18 kg, which might be a concern for students who need to carry it around campus frequently. Additionally, while the battery life specifics are not provided, the inclusion of a 6-cell lithium-ion battery suggests decent endurance, though actual performance may vary depending on usage.

The Dell Inspiron 16 7640 2-in-1 laptop offers a compelling blend of performance, versatility, and a high-quality display. It is a suitable choice for college students who need a dependable and flexible device for both academic and entertainment purposes.

Rating
9.4
Battery Life
Performance
Operating System
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, with estimates of over 16 hours on a single charge when used for browsing and multimedia.
Performance
This laptop handles demanding tasks smoothly, even running Microsoft Flight Simulator at the highest settings without a hitch.
Operating System
Compatibility issues with ARM processors and printers could be a concern for some users.
#3

Acer Aspire Go 15 AG15-31P Laptop - Intel Core i3-N305, 8GB, 256GB SSD, Integrated Graphics, 15.6" Full HD, Windows 11, Silver

Rating
9.2
Performance
Storage
Connectivity
Performance
This laptop is a bargain, offering great performance especially for students starting new courses.
Storage
Boots up quickly thanks to its SSD, making it efficient for opening files and web pages.
Connectivity
All ports function well, though there might be compatibility issues with some external devices.

The Acer Aspire Go 15 AG15-31P is a solid choice for college students looking for a reliable laptop to handle daily tasks. With its Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM, it offers decent performance for typical student activities such as web browsing, document editing, and media consumption. The 256GB SSD provides sufficient storage for most students' needs, allowing quick access to files and applications.

In terms of portability, the laptop weighs about 2.77 kg, which may be slightly on the heavier side for frequent carrying between classes and libraries. However, its 15.6-inch Full HD display provides a clear and vibrant viewing experience, making it ideal for both study and leisure. Additionally, Windows 11 Home comes pre-installed, providing a modern interface and essential features for student productivity.

The battery life of up to 8.5 hours is reasonable, offering enough power for a full day of classes and study sessions without needing to charge frequently. However, students who require extended battery life for long days may find it somewhat limiting. Connectivity is a strong point, featuring Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) for fast and reliable internet access, and multiple USB ports for peripherals and storage devices. The inclusion of Microsoft's AI-powered Copilot could be an added benefit for students needing quick assistance with tasks or queries.

Even though the integrated graphics are not suitable for gaming or heavy graphics work, they are adequate for general use and light media tasks. The laptop's numeric keypad is a practical feature for those frequently handling numerical data. The Acer Aspire Go 15 serves as a versatile option for students needing a cost-effective, functional laptop for everyday academic tasks and light multimedia use, though the weight and battery life may not be ideal for all users.

Rating
9.2
Performance
Storage
Connectivity
Performance
This laptop is a bargain, offering great performance especially for students starting new courses.
Storage
Boots up quickly thanks to its SSD, making it efficient for opening files and web pages.
Connectivity
All ports function well, though there might be compatibility issues with some external devices.

Buying Guide for the Best Laptops For College Students

Choosing the right laptop for college is crucial as it will be your companion for taking notes, completing assignments, and possibly even for entertainment. The ideal laptop should be portable, powerful enough to handle your coursework, and have a battery life that lasts through your classes. It's important to consider what you'll be using the laptop for, as different fields of study may have different requirements. For instance, an engineering student might need a more powerful machine than a literature student. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a laptop for college.
PortabilityPortability is determined by the size and weight of the laptop. This is important because you'll likely be carrying your laptop around campus all day. Laptops with screen sizes between 11 to 14 inches are generally considered portable and lightweight, making them easy to carry in a backpack. If you need a larger screen for tasks like graphic design, you might opt for a 15-inch model, but keep in mind it will be heavier. Consider how much you'll be moving around with your laptop to decide the right balance between screen size and portability.
Battery LifeBattery life is crucial for students who spend long hours on campus without access to power outlets. A laptop with a battery life of at least 8 hours is ideal for a full day of classes and study sessions. Some laptops offer extended battery life of 10-12 hours, which can be beneficial if you have a particularly long day. Consider your daily schedule and how often you'll be able to charge your laptop to determine the battery life you need.
PerformancePerformance is determined by the processor (CPU), RAM, and storage type. For most students, a laptop with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a solid-state drive (SSD) will provide a good balance of performance and efficiency. If you're studying a field that requires more intensive software, like video editing or 3D modeling, you might need a more powerful processor (like an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7) and more RAM (16GB or more). Consider the software you'll be using for your studies to choose the right performance level.
StorageStorage capacity determines how much data you can keep on your laptop. An SSD is preferred over a traditional hard drive because it is faster and more reliable. For most students, 256GB of SSD storage is sufficient for storing documents, applications, and some media. If you plan to store a lot of large files, such as videos or design projects, you might need 512GB or more. Consider your storage needs based on the type of files you'll be handling.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) is the software that supports a computer's basic functions. The most common options are Windows, macOS, and Chrome OS. Windows is versatile and compatible with most software, making it a good choice for a wide range of students. macOS is popular among students in creative fields due to its design and media capabilities. Chrome OS is lightweight and works well for web-based tasks, making it suitable for students who primarily use cloud-based applications. Consider the software you'll need for your studies and your personal preference when choosing an OS.
ConnectivityConnectivity options like USB ports, HDMI, and Wi-Fi are important for connecting your laptop to other devices and networks. Most students will need at least a couple of USB ports for peripherals like a mouse or external hard drive, and an HDMI port can be useful for connecting to projectors or external monitors. Wi-Fi 6 is the latest standard and offers faster and more reliable connections, which can be beneficial in crowded campus environments. Consider the devices you'll need to connect to and the type of network access you'll have on campus.