Whether it’s back to school, college, or university, Overclockers UK has all the tech you need to smash your coursework and exams!
In this guide, we are going to go through all of the essential hardware and peripherals for school, college, and university. You can freely skip ahead to whatever section you need and tick off your checklist.
School:
For all those returning to or starting secondary school this year, we’ve got a list of all your essential tech. We’ve included a powerful laptop to help you complete your homework and high-capacity storage drives for backing up all your notes and revision.
Laptop:
Rise to the top of the class with a powerful laptop that is perfect for both work and play.
Medion Erazer Scout E10 Gaming Laptop
Powered by the Intel Core i5-12450H CPU, the Medion Erazer Scout E10 Gaming Laptop comes fully prepared to handle any demanding task a student may throw its way. Whether you are wowing the class with your presentation or writing an A* worthy essay. What’s more, thanks to the included Windows 11 Home, take advantage of all the built-in features to help boost your productivity, such as the ability to create two different desktop screens.
This laptop won’t just carry you to victory in your classes. With an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU, you can enjoy playing all the latest titles with stunning, realistic lighting and graphics.
- Gaming laptop
- 17.3” 114Hz display
- Intel Core i5 12450H CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU
- Windows 11 Home included
MSI Thin 15 Gaming Laptop
Multitasking is made easy, thanks to the MSI Thin 15 Gaming Laptop. Powered by an incredible Intel Core i5-12450H CPU you can easily complete your homework and listen to your favourite tracks, all whilst chatting to your friends, without experiencing any lag or performance loss. This laptop is also extremely portable and will easily fit into your backpack for a long day of classes.
For when the school day is over, the MSI Thin 15 features an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU. With a 15.6” 144Hz FHD display, support for real-time ray tracing, and advanced AI DLSS, experience all your favourite games like never before.
- Gaming laptop
- 15.6” 144HZ display
- Intel Core i5-12450H CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU
- Windows 11 Home included
External Hard Drives:
An external hard drive is an absolute must to keep all of your notes, homework, coursework in one place. Plus, backing up all your precious work is imperative!
Seagate Expansion 1TB External Portable Hard Drive
Perfect to take with you to class, this Seagate Expansion external hard drive comes with 1TB of storage space. Ideal for storing all your important coursework or notes to ensure your files aren’t cluttering up your laptop or PC.
Simply plug into a spare USB 3.2 port and that’s it! You can start saving all your files and projects with a simple drag and drop. Plus, with the included Rescue Data Recovery, you can be ensured that in case of an emergency, all your data is still accessible. If you want some helpful simple tricks on how you can protect your files and back up your PC, check out our dedicated blog post!
- 1TB storage capacity
- USB 3.0 connectivity
- Rescue Data Recovery included
WD Elements 1TB Portable External Hard Drive
Wave goodbye to ever running out of precious storage space with the WD Elements external hard drive. Equipped with 1TB of storage space, you have ample room for all your files, homework, and favourite tracks.
Plus, with an included free trial of WD SmartWave Pro backup, you can safely back up all your important files to the WD Elements drive or to the cloud using a Dropbox account.
- 1TB storage capacity
- USB 3.0 connectivity
- Free trial of WD SmartWave
College:
We’ve got plenty of incredible tech to help those joining or returning to college this year! Our expansive list of hardware includes a powerful laptop for acing your coursework and revision schedule, along with secondary monitors and handy peripherals, to boost your productivity and streamline your study setup.
Laptops:
Pass with flying colours thanks to our range of laptops designed to deliver premium performance and stability that you can take with you anywhere.
ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo Laptop
With the ASUS Zenbook Pro 14 Duo Laptop, you’ll have everything you need to complete your coursework. Equipped with a powerful Intel Core i7-13700H CPU and secondary 12.7” full-width touchscreen, multitasking is easy thanks to Intel thread Director managing workloads and the extra screen real estate. With a 1TB M.2 SSD, this laptop comes with plenty of storage space for all your homework, notes, coursework, and still has extra room for your favourite games!
With an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, this laptop comes packed with the latest cutting-edge features, so you can enjoy your games like never before.
- Dual-screen gaming laptop
- 14.5″ OLED 120Hz display and 12.7″ 120Hz touchscreen
- Intel Core i7-13700H CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU
- Windows 11 Home
MSI Prestige 16 AI Studio Laptop
Become the envy of all your classmates with the MSI Prestige 16 AI Studio Laptop! Powered by the Intel Ultra 7 155H CPU, you will dominate your classes and your enemies thanks to AI enhancement. What’s more, with 32GB of blisteringly-fast DDR5 RAM, experience premium quality response and loading times. Not only this, but the MSI Prestige 16 AI Studio features a 99WHr battery, designed to supply your laptop with sufficient power for longer. Even if you do run out of battery life, this laptop supports ultra-fast charging. Perfect for those intense studying sessions in the library.
Armed with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, unlock incredible gaming potential. Take advantage of intelligent features such as real-time ray tracing and AI DLSS to enjoy stunning realistic lighting and shadows, along with a distinct advantage in battle. Perfect for if you’re planning on joining your college’s esports team!
- AI-enhanced gaming laptop
- 6” QHD+ display
- Intel Ultra 7 155H CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU
- Windows 11 Home
Monitor:
Expand your work and gaming setup by including a high-quality monitor. Utilising a dual-monitor set-up will help streamline your productivity as you wave goodbye to flicking between hundreds of different tabs when researching and writing your coursework.
ASUS 27″ ROG Strix XG27ACS-W Gaming Monitor
Take advantage of an additional monitor and boost your workflow with the ASUS ROG Strix 27” gaming monitor. All you need to utilise this monitor is either an HDMI or DisplayPort on your laptop or PC.
With a 180Hz refresh rate, enjoy fast, smooth frame rates and uncompromised image quality. What’s more, with FreeSync and G-Sync, you will have a distinct edge. Experience seamless high-resolution visuals with virtually no screen tearing or lag. Perfect for if you want to use this monitor to boost your workflow and gaming performance.
- 27” gaming monitor
- IPS display panel
- 2560 x 1440 display resolution
- 180Hz refresh rate
Peripherals:
Enhance your productivity and response times with our range of incredible keyboards and mice.
Ducky One 3 Classic 60% USB Mechanical Keyboard
Built from Ducky’s all-new QUACK mechanics, the Ducky One 3 series, features premium quality construction with stylish aesthetics. Thanks to its 60% form factor, this keyboard won’t take up unnecessary space on your desk. This model comes with Cherry MX Red switches, which deliver a smooth, comfortable linear typing feel. Ideal for those long hours spent completing your coursework.
- Mechanical gaming keyboard
- 60% form factor
- PBT double shot keycaps
- This model comes with Cherry MX Red key switches
- All white design
Glorious Model O Wireless Gaming Mouse
Weighing in at only 69g, the Glorious Model O Mouse features Glorious’ own BAMF sensor for exceptional performance. This optical sensor boasts exceptional tracking to ensure every click is registered. You’ll never have to worry about accidentally misclicking or closing down all your important tabs during a study session! We’ve all been there…
Completely wireless, you won’t accidentally snag on any additional wires or clutter up your desk space. The Glorious Model O has a battery life of up to 71 hours so you can study and game on in confidence. In addition to all of this, this mouse features stylish aesthetics. The etched honeycomb design is illuminated by RGB lighting to add a dramatic, colourful touch to your study setup.
- Wireless gaming mouse
- BAMF sensor
- Battery life of up to 71 hours
- RGB backlighting
- Stylish honeycomb pattern
External Hard Drives:
Save space and keep all your important coursework and revision notes on a powerful external hard drive with a hefty storage space.
WD Elements 4TB Desktop External Hard Drive
A desktop storage solution, this external hard drive has a whooping 4TB storage capacity. You will have plenty of space for all your files, creative projects, and much more! All of which is protected thanks to the included free trial of WD SmartWave Pro. With this back up software, you can save your data to your WD Elements drive or Dropbox account via the cloud.
Plus, thanks to its sleek, all black design, this desktop storage will fit seamlessly on top of your desk without cluttering up your space.
- 4TB storage capacity
- USB 3.0 connectivity
- Free trial of WD SmartWave Pro
University:
Whether you are adding some finishing touches to your dorm room or looking for a reliable laptop to bring with you to class, we’ve got everything you need to tick off your university checklist. Our list includes powerful gaming PCs and laptops, monitors, comfortable gaming chairs, and essential peripherals to make graduating a breeze.
Gaming PCs/Laptop:
Rise to the top of your graduating class thanks to a powerful PC or laptop. Harness the power of cutting-edge tech to complete your coursework and your favourite games.
Refract Gaming Jade Pre-Built PC
Elevate your gaming and productivity with the Refract Gaming Jade PC. Packed with incredible hardware this PC has been expertly designed to deliver outstanding performance in gaming, work, and content creation. Built and rigorously tested by the OcUK team to ensure premium stability. Ready to handle whatever task you throw its way, this PC comes equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 7700 CPU. Featuring Zen 4 architecture, multitasking is easy. You can write your coursework and listen to music with no performance loss or lag.
For when you’ve completed all your work, the Refract Gaming Jade PC features a powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Ti GPU. Experience high-octane gaming and phenomenal graphics thanks to Real-Time Ray Tracing and AI DLSS. Plus, become the envy of all your dormmates with support for VR gaming!
Along with all of this, all of the Refract Gaming PCs come with our three-year parts and labour warranty. You can be assured that for your entire time at university, your PC and important tech will be well protected.
- Pre-built gaming PC
- Designed for mid-tier gaming and budding content creators
- Built and tested by the OcUK team
- Enjoy games such as Grand Theft Auto V at 160+FPS at 1080p
- Includes three-year parts and labour warranty
All of the Refract Gaming PCs have been tailor-made to suit a multitude of different workloads and gameplay styles. If you want to find out more about our entire range of Refract Gaming pre-built PCs, click the button below!
OcUK Gaming Mach 1 Pre-Built PC
Built with performance and budget in mind, the OcUK Gaming Mach 1 is the perfect choice for any university student with a love for gaming. It pairs an AMD Ryzen 5 5600 CPU with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, making it great for managing all your university workflows and 1080p gaming! What’s more, the 1TB NVMe SSD provides plenty of high-speed storage for all your coursework, assignments, and gaming library.
- Pre-built gaming PC – balancing performance and budget
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600 CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- 16GB DDR4 RAM
Gigabyte AORUS 16X Gaming Laptop
The perfect companion to bring with you to university, the Gigabyte AORUS 16X Gaming Laptop combines exceptional performance and portability into one. Powered by an Intel Core i9-14900HX CPU, experience cutting-edge performance and multitasking, perfect for both studying and gaming.
Plus, the Gigabyte AORUS 16X includes a dedicated NVIDIA 4070 GPU. Perfect for those requiring a creative workstation, you can harness the power of two dedicated graphics cards for premium quality image and video rendering.
- Gaming laptop
- 16″ QHD+ 165Hz display
- Intel Core i9-14900HX CPU
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU
- 16GB DDR5 RAM
- Windows 11 Home
Monitor:
Utilise a high-quality monitor and boost your productivity. Ideal for those who need an advanced set up for work such as design or programming.
Gigabyte 32″ G32QC A Gaming Monitor
This widescreen gaming monitor is everything you need to help improve your workflow and gaming experience. Thanks to its 2560 x 1440 display resolution, you can effectively work on multiple tasks all at once, without having to switch between multiple tabs and programs. You won’t need to spend your precious student loan on purchasing an additional screen to help.
- 32” gaming monitor
- 2560 x 1440 display resolution
- VA panel
- 165Hz refresh rate
- 1ms response time
Gaming Chair:
Study in premium comfort and style with your very own gaming chair that has been tailored with adjustable ergonomics and stylish designs. What else are student loans meant to be spent on?
Thunderx3 TC5 MAX Gaming Chair
Constructed with a durable steel foundation and ThunderX3’s intelligent AIR technology, ace your classes in superior comfort. The ThunderX3 TC5 Max has been designed to suit all body shapes. This gaming chair features latex foam padding in the chair and included head and backrest pillows, to help keep you cool and comfortable during your study marathons.
The included 3D armrests are completely adjustable and can be aligned to your desk to ensure you are always sitting upright to reduce any strain on your back.
- Leatherette upholstery
- Latex foam padding and AIR technology
- Steel frame with 3D armrests
- Adjustable ergonomics
noblechairs EPIC Gaming Chair Black Edition
If you have a little more money to splash, take your study sessions to new heights with a gaming chair worthy of royalty. Your new throne, the noblechairs EPIC Black Edition has been expertly crafted from durable high-tech vinyl leather with breathable cold foam upholstery. The 90-125 degree recline and 4D armrests mean you can tailor this chair to your own comfort for peak performance and productivity. You’ll never find yourself getting distracted and consistently shifting in your chair, especially thanks to the two included cushions.
- High-tech vinyl leather with cold foam upholstery
- 90-125 degree recline
- Adjustable 4D armrests
- Stainless steel frame
- Two cushions included
Peripherals:
Effortlessly flick, click, and glide through all your university work with our range of incredible peripherals.
Endgame Gear XM2we Wireless Mouse
A premium-grade optical gaming mouse, the Endgame Gear XM2we features a high-quality PixArt PMW3370 sensor to ensure optimum precision. Paired with the mechanical Kalih GO switches, every click and flick is registered in lightning-fast speeds. Perfect for when you are relaxing after class by playing your favourite game.
What’s more, this is a wireless gaming mouse so you don’t have to worry about cable clutter when you’re studying on the go.
- Optical gaming mouse
- PMW3370 PixArt sensor
- Kalih GO mechanical switches
- Hybrid skate design
- Wireless
Glorious GMMK 2 65% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Streamline your workflow with the Glorious GMMK 2 65% Mechanical Keyboard. This SSF keyboard will enhance your gaming performance without taking up precious desk space. Equipped with Glorious Fox key switches and double-shot ABS keycaps, enjoy ultra-fast responsiveness and smooth typing. What’s more, thanks to intelligent hot-swappable technology, you can freely swap between different types of key switches, to find the set that perfectly matches your individual preferences.
Complete with its stylish pink design and integrated RGB lighting, this keyboard is the perfect addition to any gaming or study set up.
- Mechanical keyboard
- 65% form factor
- Hot-swappable
- Comes with Glorious Fox key switches
- Double-shot ABS keycaps
Streamplify HUB CTRL 7 USB Hub
Forget about cluttering your study space with thousands of wires! The Streamplify USB Hub makes cable management easy and has seven USB ports. Six of which are USB 3.0 and one USB 2.0A, which you can even use to charge your phone! You can customise the hub with the sixteen swappable acyclic icons and the integrated RGB lighting adds a dramatic touch.
There is even an included cable clip to make maintaining all your cables and devices so simple for stress-free cable management.
- USB hub
- Includes six USB 3.0 ports and 1 x USB 2.0A port
- RGB lighting
- Includes swappable acrylic icons
- LED indicator lights
Streamplify HUB DECK 5 USB Hub
Make organising your gaming and study set up a breeze with the Streamplify HUB Deck. With five USB ports, four of which are USB 3.0 and the other 2.0A, enjoy ultra-fast connectivity and power charging. Each port features its own dedicated power button and LED indicator, making it easy for you to switch off your devices.
What’s more, with seven swappable keycaps and integrated RGB lighting, you can customise the Streamplify HUB Deck to perfectly suit your desired aesthetic.
- USB hub
- Includes five USB ports
- 4 x USB 3.0
- 1 X USB 2.0A
- Dedicated power button and LED indicator lights
- Integrated RGB lighting
External Hard Drives:
An external drive with a hefty capacity is a must whilst studying at university!
Seagate Expansion 6TB External Hard Drive
Forget about having to choose between your favourite game or your important revision notes, and invest in the Seagate Expansion 6TB Desktop External Hard Drive. With a 6TB storage capacity, there is plenty of space for all your notes, revision, essays, and media files. All of which are well protected thanks to the included Rescue Data Recovery Service.
- 6TB storage capacity
- USB 3.0 connectivity
- Rescue Data Recovery included
Will You Be Streaming?
If you’re planning on getting into streaming whilst at university, we’ve got all the hardware you need to kickstart your streaming career! With Streamplify, you have a one-stop shop for premium yet affordable streaming equipment, including 4K webcams, microphones on a range of mounts, and a ring light for every need. Plus, they’ll double up great for any video calls home!
You’ve got the gear, now you need the guides. Thankfully, we’ve put together a one-stop shop of all our streaming guides!
Get Involved with Esports at University!
If you’re planning on taking your gaming PC and all your favourite tech with you, why not think about joining your university’s esports team?
Getting involved with esports at university helps to develop key skills that are desirable for future employers, including teamwork, strategy, and problem solving. Multiple universities across the UK, including Staffordshire University, even have now developed their own esports degree programs and dedicated societies you can join.
These societies typically participate in the esports student championships. Who knows, you could even be at the next Commonwealth games!
Earn Big Savings with OcUK and UNiDAYS!
Did you know you could save big thanks to our partnership with UNiDAYS?
With your student discount you can earn:
- 5% on all Refract Gaming pre-built gaming PCs
- 10% across the entire noblechairs range – including the HERO, EPIC, LEGEND, and ICON.
Are You Ready?
Have you got all everything ticked off your back-to-school checklist? What is the most important piece of tech that you are taking with you? Let us know in the comment section below.
PC specs are subject to change.
- 17 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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