“I could also copy and paste graphs, tables, pictures and incorporate those into my notes, which is extremely useful because I’m a visual learner.” The function of writing directly on the iPad’s screen is something most laptops cannot do.īy using an Apple Pencil, students engage in an interactive way of learning instead of having to focus on typing every word a professor says.

“I could download the lectures onto my notes app and take notes directly on the iPad itself,” said Drake Kavanaugh, a junior at UF. If you already handwrite your notes, then you might be able to adjust to an iPad in no time. Then, see if that software are compatible with an iPad or laptop.Ģ80 5 Tips to Get Through Your Freshman Year of Collegeĭo you like to type your notes or handwrite them in a spiral notebook? Check with your university to learn about the required programs or software. “This can range from On Shape, AutoCAD, and other programming and 3D modeling software,” said Piper Cush, an industrial and systems engineering major at the University of Florida. Majors like computer science and engineering require software that may only be compatible with a laptop. Does the functionality align with your major? Other big technology companies such as Microsoft, Dell and Chromebook offer good laptops alternatives to Apple, but these can still range $500 and up. A MacBook Air’s starting price is $999, and it isn’t easy dropping a grand on just one device, especially when you have to pay for food, rent and other costs of living as a college student. While a necessity for school, laptops range on the more expensive side. However, what if college students can replace their laptops with a more portable, cheaper device? Laptops When college students spend late, lonely nights at the library, laptops, papers and water bottles turn into trusty friends accompanying students during their almost inevitable mental breakdowns. Laptops Īlways on their laptops, college students constantly type away at essays and papers or fill out online grammar quizzes and scroll through Canvas.

You might want to consider a few things before buying an iPad or a laptop.

Best apple laptop for college students