The best laptop for students: The guide to choosing a laptop for studies

One of the most important things in studying today is a laptop that can keep up: One that runs heavy software when needed, allows multitasking easily, and remains light enough to carry everywhere—from the classroom, through the library, to the café.

Whether you are a student of architecture, engineering, computer science, or humanities, your needs differ, and your laptop should reflect that. In this guide, we will examine all the critical considerations in choosing a laptop for studies, offer practical tips, and provide examples of prominent models that can fit exactly what you need.

The average student uses their laptop for almost every task: Class notes, presentations, specialized software, homework, and even some Netflix in between. Therefore, the laptop must be both powerful and portable, with a battery that lasts a full study day. But—not every student needs the same specifications. For example, an architecture student will need a strong graphics card and a quality display for 3D software work, while a psychology student will mostly suffice with a lightweight laptop with an energy-efficient processor.

Students in this field require a laptop with a powerful processor, a dedicated graphics card (GPU), and generous RAM. Relevant examples:

• ASUS TUF Gaming FX507VV 15.6 – with i7 13620H processor, 32GB RAM, and RTX 4060 card – the perfect combination for renderings and software like AutoCAD or Revit.

• LENOVO NB LOQ 15IRX9 – equipped with i7 13650HX and RTX 4060, with 1TB storage – ideal for heavy projects.

In these fields, you need a combination of power and portability—up-to-date processors and good performance for code, simulations, or development tools:

• HP Victus Gaming 15 fa2000nj – with i5 13420H and RTX 3050, suitable for running simulation software.

• IdeaPad Slim 3 i7 13620H – a balanced laptop with 16GB RAM and 1TB storage – suitable for both development and daily carrying.

Those writing papers and primarily using Word, PowerPoint, and a browser don’t have to pay for an expensive graphics card. Here, the emphasis is on a good price and light weight:

• ASUS E1504GA (i3 N305) – a lightweight and compact model, excellent for lectures and notes.

• HP Laptop 15s fq5029nj – an i5 laptop with 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD – balanced and student-budget-friendly.

Processor (CPU) – the more advanced it is, the smoother heavy software will run. Engineering/design students are recommended to choose at least i5 12450H or higher.

RAM – 8GB is the minimum today; 16GB is preferable for technical majors or heavy multitasking.

Storage (SSD) – a 512GB SSD or more ensures speed and the ability to save large projects.

Graphics Card (GPU) – needed only for graphic professions or gaming; RTX 3050 and up provide excellent performance.

Battery and Portability – students move between lectures, libraries, and cafeterias – weight up to 1.6-1.8 kg and 6-8 hours battery life is a serious bonus.

Screen – color quality and sharpness are important for design; for gaming and graphics, FHD or 2.8K screens are preferable.

• ASUS Vivobook 15 X1504VA 15.6 (i3 1315U 8G 512G) – suitable for students in humanities/social sciences.

• HP Pavilion X360 Touch 14 ek1005nj (i7 1355U 16G 512G) – versatile touchscreen laptop, good for light engineering and students who like to work also as a tablet.

• Lenovo IP Flex 5 14IAU7 (i7 1255U 16G 1T) – excellent for those needing flexibility between power and portability.

• Check budget versus need – don’t pay for unnecessary power if you don’t need it.

• Look for extended warranty – studies are a marathon; it’s good to ensure peace of mind for the coming years.

• Carry the laptop in the store – yes, physically. It’s important to see how it feels in your bag.