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10 Best Laptops For College Students 2025 in the UK

#1

Winner

9.9 score

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

Portability: 1.7 kg
Battery Life: 8 Hours
Performance: Intel Core i5-1335U, 16GB RAM
Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD
Operating System: Windows 11 Home
Connectivity: USB 3.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6

Chosen by 1257 this week

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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
9.9
Chosen by1,257
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
9.9
Chosen by1,257
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 15 3535 15.6 inch FHD+ (1920 x 1080) Laptop, AMD Ryzen 5 7520U Processor, AMD Radeon Graphics, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Windows 11 Home, English Keyboard, Carboon Black

Rating
9.8
Performance
Storage
Performance
Performance is impressive for everyday tasks, with faster boot times and application launches compared to older models.
Storage
Storage capacity is generous, though actual available space is slightly reduced due to pre-installed software, easily expandable with an external SSD.

The Dell Inspiron 15 3535 is a solid choice for college students, primarily due to its combination of performance, storage, and display features. With a 15.6-inch Full HD display, enhanced by a 120Hz refresh rate and anti-glare coating, it offers clear and vibrant visuals that are ideal for studying and media consumption. The AMD Ryzen 5 processor ensures competent performance for everyday tasks and the 8GB of RAM allows for multitasking, which is suitable for typical college workloads.

For storage, the laptop is equipped with a 512GB SSD, providing quick access to files and fast boot-up times, which are beneficial for students who need to manage large files and multiple applications. Running on Windows 11 Home, it provides a familiar and user-friendly interface for students. In terms of portability, the laptop weighs 1.66 kg, which is manageable for carrying between lectures and study sessions. However, some might find it slightly on the heavier side for daily commute. The battery life, with 41 Watt hours, should be sufficient for moderate use, but might require additional charging throughout the day for more intensive usage.

Connectivity is a strong point with this model, offering Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, and a variety of ports including HDMI and USB, making it easy to connect to other devices and networks. This flexibility is great for students needing to connect with projectors or other peripherals. While it lacks an optical drive, this may not be a significant drawback for most modern users, who rely more on USB and digital downloads. The backlit keyboard is a nice addition, aiding in late-night study sessions. The Dell Inspiron 15 3535 effectively balances performance and features, making it a reliable choice for college students looking for a laptop that can handle both academic and entertainment needs.

Rating
9.8
Performance
Storage
Performance
Performance is impressive for everyday tasks, with faster boot times and application launches compared to older models.
Storage
Storage capacity is generous, though actual available space is slightly reduced due to pre-installed software, easily expandable with an external SSD.
#3

Dell Inspiron 16 5645 Laptop 16" FHD+ Display, AMD Ryzen 7 8840U, Radeon Graphics, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Windows 11 Home, Fingerprint Reader, English-UK Backlit Keyboard, Midnight Blue

Rating
9.5
Battery Life
Performance
Storage
Battery Life
Battery life is good overall, supporting several hours of daily use before needing a recharge.
Performance
Performance remains speedy even after extended use, handling video editing and multitasking smoothly.
Storage
The inclusion of a full SD card slot is a convenient feature for easy transfer from cameras without extra adapters.
Operating System
Windows 11 runs well on the laptop, and it serves as a solid upgrade for those moving from older Windows 10 systems.
Connectivity
There is no Ethernet port, which could be a limitation for users needing wired internet connections.

The Dell Inspiron 16 5645 is a solid choice for college students who want a large, clear screen and strong performance. Its 16-inch Full HD+ display with a 16:10 aspect ratio offers sharp visuals, which is great for both studying and entertainment. The AMD Ryzen 7 processor combined with 16GB of DDR5 RAM provides smooth multitasking and can handle demanding applications, making it reliable for coursework and some creative tasks. With a 1TB SSD, it offers plenty of fast storage for documents, media, and software.

Portability is moderate—the laptop weighs a bit over 2 kg and is almost 2 cm thick, so it’s not the lightest, but still manageable to carry around campus. Battery life is decent with its 54Wh battery, but expect to recharge during long days if you use it heavily. The Windows 11 Home operating system is up-to-date and user-friendly, with added security from the fingerprint reader. Connectivity options include the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth, ensuring fast internet and easy connection to accessories. The built-in webcam and dual microphones are enhanced with AI noise reduction, perfect for virtual classes and meetings.

One downside is the lack of an optical drive, which might not affect most students but is worth noting if you use DVDs. Also, although the screen reduces blue light to protect your eyes, the laptop’s size and weight might not suit those prioritizing ultra-light, highly portable devices. This laptop suits students who want a powerful, spacious display and solid performance but don’t mind carrying a slightly larger machine.

Rating
9.5
Battery Life
Performance
Storage
Battery Life
Battery life is good overall, supporting several hours of daily use before needing a recharge.
Performance
Performance remains speedy even after extended use, handling video editing and multitasking smoothly.
Storage
The inclusion of a full SD card slot is a convenient feature for easy transfer from cameras without extra adapters.
Operating System
Windows 11 runs well on the laptop, and it serves as a solid upgrade for those moving from older Windows 10 systems.
Connectivity
There is no Ethernet port, which could be a limitation for users needing wired internet connections.

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.