Choosing a new computer can feel confusing. This guide covers the key things to consider before you buy.
For most students we recommend:
- A laptop rather than a desktop
- Windows or MacOS
- At least 8GB RAM
- At least 256GB storage (SSD)
- A screen size of 14 inches or larger
- A webcam and microphone
- Enough ports for your needs
- Good battery life
- Built-in Wi-Fi
If your course uses specialist software, you may need a higher specification device.
For more detailed advice, please take a look at the information below to help you find the right device for you.
- Desktop or laptop?
- Operating system
- Memory
- Storage
- Screen size
- Battery life
- Hard drive size
- Do I need to buy Microsoft Office 365 software?
- Specialist software
- Do I need antivirus software?
- Graphics card
- CD/DVD reader and writer
- WiFi capability
- Warranty
- Smartphones
- Save money when buying a device
- Borrow a computer (terms and conditions apply)
- Financial support for students
Desktop or laptop?
A laptop is the best choice for most students because you can:
- Study anywhere on campus
- Take it to lectures and group work
- Join online meetings
- Work from home and on campus
When choosing a laptop, consider:
- Weight
- Screen size
- Battery life
- Available ports (USB, USB-C and HDMI)
A desktop can offer better performance for the price, but it cannot be carried around campus.
Operating system (Windows or Mac)
Windows
A good option for most students.
- Works with a wide range of software
- Often available at different price points
- Widely used across many courses
macOS (Apple)
A popular choice for creative subjects.
- High-quality screens
- Supports many professional applications
- Usually more expensive than Windows devices
Chromebook
Suitable for basic study tasks such as:
- Writing assignments
- Web browsing
However, some specialist software may not work on a Chromebook.
Tip: Keep your operating system up to date to improve security and performance. See https://ask.herts.ac.uk/dealing-with-viruses-and-worms-on-your-pc#update_your_OS.
Memory (RAM)
To get the best performance out of your computer try to get as much memory as you can. We recommend:
Minimum: 8GB RAM
Better long-term option: 16GB RAM
Processor: minimum of Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3, but for longevity and a better experience, we recommend Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5.
Storage (hard drive)
We recommend:
- Minimum: 128GB
- Preferred: 256GB SSD or larger
An SSD (Solid State Drive) is much faster than a traditional hard drive.
You also have access to Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage while you study at Herts, so you do not need to save everything on your device.
Screen size
This depends on personal preference.
For most students:
- 14-inch screens offer a good balance between portability and usability.
- 15-inch screens can be better for design, creative work and detailed editing.
Remember larger screens are usually heavier to carry.
Battery life
Laptop battery life may or may not be important to you, but it’s something else to compare when deciding between different models.
Do I need to buy Microsoft Office?
No. Most students receive free access to free Microsoft applications, including:
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Outlook
- OneDrive
You may see Microsoft Office software as 'included' in a laptop deal, but you don't need to buy this as an extra. You will be able to download the Office applications on up to 15 personal devices – for free. You’ll also get personal cloud storage (One Drive) and email. Find out more: Getting started with Office 365.
Specialist software
Some courses use software that needs a more powerful computer. Examples include:
- Adobe Creative Cloud
- Design software
- Media production software
- Engineering software
If your course requires specialist software, we recommend:
- Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor (or better)
- 16GB RAM
- 256GB SSD storage or larger
Remember: Specialist software is also available on University computers, and some software can be accessed remotely. Find out more about computers and software availability.
Do I need antivirus software?
Yes. To use the University network, your device should:
- Have antivirus protection enabled
- Have a firewall enabled
- Receive regular updates
Most modern Windows and Mac devices include built-in security features. Keep them updated.
AntiVirus software is cheap and usually comes with 12 months of free updates. It can usually be purchased online and downloaded immediately.
- AVG – http://free.avg.com/ (Free version of AVG for Mac & PC)
- F-Secure – http://www.f-secure.com/
- McAfee – http://www.mcafee.com/
- Sophos – http://www.sophos.com (Free antivirus for Mac)
There are other manufacturers of antivirus software (some of it free) or alternatively visit your computer supplier for advice.
For more information see: https://ask.herts.ac.uk/dealing-with-computer-viruses-on-your-pc#antivirus
Graphics card
Most students do not need a graphics card, but you need a dedicated graphics card if your course uses:
- 3D design software
- Video editing software
- Animation software
- CAD software
Check your course requirements before spending extra money.
CD/DVD reader and writer
Most laptops no longer include one, and most students never need one. If required, you can buy an external USB drive.
WiFi capability
Most laptops include Wi-Fi as standard. If you are buying a desktop computer, check that it has built-in Wi-Fi or supports a Wi-Fi adapter.
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Warranty
Check the warranty before you buy, including battery cover and repair options.
Smartphones
A smartphone gives you quick access to University services, including email, StudyNet and the Herts Mobile app.
When choosing a phone:
- Look for good battery life.
- Choose a device that supports modern Wi‑Fi standards.
- Check whether student discounts are available before you buy.
- Shop around to find the best contract or price for your needs.
Buying a second-hand phone
We cannot advise you what device to buy, when to buy it, or what contract to sign up for, but here are some basic things to check:
- How old is the device? Check the build date if you can.
- What version of the operating system (OS) does it use? The newer the OS the more secure and longer-lasting it will be, although it's also likely to be more expensive.
- Is it still receiving security updates from the manufacturer?
- How long will the manufacturer continue to support it? You may need to check on their website as this is not always apparent from the retailer.
You don't need to buy the latest (or most expensive) model to stay safe, but avoid buying phones that are no longer supported by the manufacturer (or whose support period will end soon). If you buy a phone that is no longer supported:
- it won't receive updates that contain new features and performance improvements
- it won't receive the security updates from the manufacturer (and without these your phone is easier to hack)
- some apps may stop working correctly over time
Save money when buying a device
Whatever device you decide to go for you can have a look at https://www.theedustore.co.uk/.
Before you buy:
- Compare prices from different retailers.
- Check whether student discounts are available.
- Look for student offers through UniDays and other student discount schemes.
Remember: most students can access Microsoft 365 apps, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint for free for the duration of their studeis. Check what software is available before paying for it separately.
Not all University of Hertfordshire software licenses will cover students' own personal devices so you may need to factor in some cost for purchasing licenses. Software running on UH Windows PCs can be accessed remotely from Windows or Mac devices.
Borrow a computer
We offer a limited number of laptops for short-term loan.
Find out more about 'Computer loans for students'.
Financial support for students
You may be able to access financial support to help with study-related costs.
- Student Funding and Financial Support (SFFS) offers help and advice for students at the University of Hertfordshire. Find out more: ask.herts.ac.uk/financial-support
- Find out about the grants, bursaries, scholarships, and allowances you could be eligible for. Find out more: herts.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/financial-support