Over the years, we have put out plenty of back to school guides. This year, we’re bringing them altogether so you can make this your one-stop shop for all things learning.
Whether you’re about to start college or university or a returning student, getting fresh supplies for the school year is part of the ritual. We’ve got a breakdown of some of your shopping essentials, as well as plenty of guides to help you get the right kit for your scholastic needs. You’ll be ready for whatever academia throws your way!
Your Back to School Shopping List with Overclockers UK
Back in my day, the back to school shop was all about stationery. But I’m ancient and never had to learn via Zoom. Electronics are required now to get the best out of your education. At Overclockers UK, you can find all the high-performance computing equipment you need, plus all those extras that will make your study space work for you. In fact, we can point you to the specific corners of our website, where you can find all these goodies.
Gaming PCs
A gaming PC will make up the heart of your study space. Whether you’re researching your next paper or working on a creative project, a gaming PC from Overclockers UK is packed with premium hardware to efficiently manage all your workflows. Even when you’re vibing to low-fi beats or chatting to mates while you work. Plus, they are primed for your gaming down time too – and quite rightly so! Featuring the latest innovations from Intel, AMD, NVIDIA, and other big-name brands, your gaming and learning has never run so smooth!
Gaming and Creator Laptops
As a solid alternative to the gaming PC, laptops offer all the same computing performance, but you can take them on the go! Perfect for study sessions in the library, taking notes in class, or gaming on the train ride home. What’s more, you can explore laptops that have been tailored for creative or gaming workflows, whichever fits your curriculum better. Plus, many laptops utilise AI-enhanced processors, to optimise operations like never before.
Gaming Chairs
Being comfortable can make or break your study session – who can concentrate when sitting on a lumpy, old chair with a sinking gas lift?! Gaming chairs have been engineered to provide the support you need, even during those long study sessions. Our selection of gaming chairs covers an incredible range of styles, materials, and budgets, meaning your throne sits amongst them. (And just think of how jealous your classmates will be when they know you’re working from a Special Edition gaming chair!)
Gaming Mouse
Moving onto peripherals, a gaming mouse is a vital addition to your set-up. Their lightweight construction keeps them comfortable to use during longer study (or gaming) sessions, while the premium components deliver reliable performance. Your coursework deserves pixel-precise tracking! Better yet, you can choose from wired or wireless gaming mice, different ergonomic shell shapes, and a rainbow of colour options.
Gaming Keyboard
Much like the mouse, the gaming keyboard is an intrinsic part of your set-up – even if you use a laptop! Their mechanical keys provide satisfying feedback as you type, and the keycaps are sculpted and profiles to be ergonomically placed under your fingers. Plus, I’m sure we can all agree that RGB makes everything better. Our selection of keyboards features a variety of sizes, including compact 60% and 65% models which are perfect for desks with limited space.
Mouse and Keyboard Bundles
Of course, if you are striding out into the world on your own for the first time, your budget may be a limiting factor. That’s where our peripheral bundles come in. Instead of buying a mouse and keyboard separately, you can choose a bundle and save a bunch! The included hardware has been carefully selected to provide cohesive and reliable performance.
Mouse Mat
A mousepad or desk mat’s surface has been designed to optimise mouse performance and gliding action, while the grippy base stands firm. More than this, they’ll give you a smooth, fresh, and even surface to work from. Uni digs often feature well used furniture and could use a gaming surface to cover all those lumps, bumps, knicks, and knocks.
Gaming Headset
For many of us, music is a vital study tool. It helps us to shut out the real world and zone in on the task at hand. (Though, low-key, I will get distracted by a bop from time to time.) A gaming headset is the best way to absorb yourself in your favourite gaming soundtracks as you work. Plus, if you’re studying in public or live in a noisy household, they are a must! Designed for extended use, gaming headsets are plush and comfortable, and fully equipped with premium audio components to deliver warm bass and clear high notes. Better yet, with integrated microphones, you can video call home or catch up with mates in relative privacy!
External Hard Drives
The final item on our shopping is an external hard drive. While it’s hardly the most glamorous tech out there, an external hard drive is a surefire way to ensure you have enough storage space for all your projects, coursework, and files. What’s more, by keeping the bulk of your work on an external drive, your gaming PC or laptop won’t be slowed down by all the clutter, leaving you free to enjoy low latency where it matters. Your gaming.
Back to School Deals
If you’re looking at that list and thinking, “Blimey, that’s a lot,” don’t worry. You can absolutely get all the items on your back to school shopping list and score yourself a bargain, or two, or three. We have a comprehensive deals section, packed with hardware, offers, and big-name brands. This corner of our website is constantly evolving and changing, so if you don’t find the right deal straight away one is sure to come around.
Get Ready for University with Overclockers UK and UNiDAYS!
For university students, we have teamed up with UNiDAYS to get you even more discounts. Check out our dedicated article for more information.
Back to School Guides
If you need a little more help deciding on your school tech, then we have a range of guides and articles designed to do just that!
Savvy Spending: Balancing Studies and Gaming on a Student Budget
Learning to balance your own budget is hard, especially when you’ve got your student loan burning a hole in your pocket. We’ve got some tips and tricks to help your money go a little further.
The Best Laptops to Take Back to School
There are so many gaming laptops available, that it can be a little overwhelming. Which is the right choice for you? We’ve selected some gaming laptops to meet various needs to give you a starting point.
Student Office Set-Up
We put together a student office set-up to help give you an idea of what your space could look like. Decked out with premium hardware, components, and accessories, this lifestyle article will very easily convert into your shopping basket!
Back to School: A Student’s Guide to All the Latest Tech!
This article is split into suitable tech for school, college, and university. Just find the section to match the level of education you’re facing in September, and job’s a good’un!
The Top Five ASUS laptops to take back to school!
ASUS is a big name in the gaming industry. Their high-performance laptops are an excellent addition to your study set-up. We’ve highlighted five of our faves to help narrow down your search.
Back to Uni – The Overclockers UK Way
There’s a lot to think about when packing for university and figuring out what you need for your course. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide, detailing all the tech you need – including the all-important desk buddy.
Back to School Gaming
While you may have enough of school come Friday 3pm, there are some great school-themed games you can play if the mood takes you.
Head Back to School with The Sims 4: High School Years Expansion Pack
The Sims is the perfect vehicle for living out all your chaotic fantasies. The High School Years Expansion Pack lets you do that in the hallowed halls of high school. Adding clothes, items, and ways for teens to interact, High School Years will have you playing well beyond the last bell.
Escape from School and Play These Incredible Games This Weekend!
This round of up school-themed games takes you on magical and heart-felt adventures. Just make sure you leave time to do your homework!
Back to School: Five Games for the New Term
Attend Monster Prom with your boo, tackle academic administration, and even pull off heists between classes. All that and more is possible with this collection of games!
Term Ready
You should now be totally ready for the school year ahead. For those of you starting your university adventures, good luck and have a fantastic time!
- 8 min read
Emily Haylock
Author
Emily is a board and cosy gamer, keyboard obsessive, and content copywriter for Overclockers UK. She has been with Overclockers UK since 2020, writing about everything from noblechairs to 8Pack PCs. She writes from within her desk nest with a foster pup at her feet. (What, a desk duvet is a totally normal thing!) In her downtime, she likes to play board games, farming sims, and old-school Final Fantasy. IX to be specific. It is the best, and that is a hill she will die on.
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