One very common question for people who are due to start university after the summer is over is: Is there going to be any way I’ll be able to avoid having to have lectures earlier that about 1pm? That, however, is the sort of question that we do not answer here, as we’re cut from the cloth of those irritating people who always relished a 9am tutorial.

But another question that people ask themselves–and this is one that we’re more than happy to provide an answer to–is: What pieces of technology will I need to make the most of being a student? It’s a very good question, and we’re happy you asked it.

We no longer live in an era where the only bits of kit a student needed for academic success were a pen and a notepad, with gadgets and electronics now enriching our educational experience in many different ways. The only downside to all this is that technology can often be very pricey. You don’t want to find that you’ve shelled out hundreds of pounds for something that has little practical value, and nor do you want to find yourself without something that you really did need as a result of having blown your budget on said useless item.

So, we thought we’d take a look at some of the key things that students consider taking to university, grouping them in three categories: essentials, worthwhile optionals, and extravagances.

The essentials: laptop (£300-£400) and black-and-white laser printer (£40-£60)

Very often students are wowed by the boasts featuring in the prospectus of the university they’re heading to about “state-of-the art computer rooms” or some such. And while many universities do have lots of shiny computers, the reality is that when it comes to essay submission or exam time, there is never, ever enough of them to go round. So do not under any circumstances be fooled into thinking that you won’t need to take a computer to university with you.

While desktop computers are will give you a machine of your own for doing work, a laptop is definitely preferable, mainly for the convenience of being able to take it to the library or a study zone. You’ll be glad you did when your neighbour in halls is playing dubstep at full volume while you’re trying to write an essay.

You won’t need anything flashy, hence the lowish price we’ve quoted here. If the argument that it’s an educational investment worth making hasn’t convinced you, then think also of it like this: a laptop also serves very nicely as a multimedia device, saving you money on a TV and a hi-fi. In fact, if you restrict yourself to iplayer and DVDs for your viewing enjoyment you won’t even have to splash out on a TV licence, which’ll save you a hundred quid or so over the course of the academic year.

A printer is essential for more or less the same reason that relying on university computer rooms is frustrating: you just won’t find yourself able to get easy access to one when you need it the most. Printers are cheap as chips nowadays, though if at all possible get a black-and-white laser one rather than an inkjet one, as you’ll get a lot more pages printed for your money than you will with an inkjet.

Next time we’ll have a look at the worthwhile optionals, but in the meantime do a bit of tentative online window shopping for a shiny new laptop!