The back-to-school (or uni) shopping list can feel daunting. And when it comes to tech, sometimes the costs really start to add up. But what if we told you that you could get everything you need for under £500?

Well, we think you can! We’ve put together the ultimate tech checklist for students, from the perfect smartphone to a reliable laptop and a few essential extras. Follow this guide to get fully kitted out for the new academic year without breaking the bank.

Your phone is more than just a messaging machine. It’s your schedule, your lecture notes, your emergency contact, your entertainment centre and your late-night takeaway button. In other words, it's essential.

With iD Mobile’s latest Pay monthly phones, you can grab a new device without a big upfront cost. Budget-friendly doesn’t mean basic either. You’re getting a powerful, modern phone that’ll keep up with your busy student life.

Choose a model like the Google Pixel 9a or the Apple iPhone 16e. They’re packed with Ai features and have amazing cameras and impressive battery life.

• The Google Pixel 9a is a great phone for student life. Features like Call Screen help manage unknown numbers, Recorder can transcribe lectures automatically, and Magic Eraser makes it easy to clean up photos. The camera performs well in low light, and the battery lasts through a full day of use.
• The iPhone 16e is famous for its fast and powerful performance, with a strong camera system that handles tricky lighting thanks to Smart HDR. Tools like Focus mode and Notes are useful for managing study time and keeping organised. And its battery life comfortably covers a full day of typical use.

Pick one up on an iD Mobile Pay Monthly plan starting from just £19.99 per month, with a £99 upfront cost.

Running Total: £99 / £500

Your laptop is the core of your academic toolkit. Whether you're writing essays, joining seminars, researching online, or editing projects, you’ll need a device that’s dependable and suited to your course.

We’ve found two great options from Currys that deliver great value depending on what you need most.

• Best value: Acer 514 14" Chromebook Plus – £249

Fast, secure, and super lightweight, the Acer 514 Chromebook Plus is ideal for web-based coursework, emails, and streaming. It’s simple to use, boots up quickly, and has excellent battery life – so it’s perfect for long library sessions. It’s definitely a smart choice if you use Google Workspace and online platforms.

• Most versatile: HP Pavilion SE 14" laptop – £359

Need to run Microsoft Office, manage heavier workloads, or work with more advanced software? This HP Pavilion Windows laptop is up for the challenge. It’s fast, powerful, and flexible - great for courses involving design, data, or more intensive programs.

Now for the extras that can seriously upgrade your day-to-day student life!

• Your own personal printer – approx. £50

Forget rushing to the library or dealing with the flat’s communal printer that’s always out of ink. A compact, wireless all-in-one printer means you can print coursework, notes, or last-minute essays any time. Trust us, your future self at 2AM will thank you!

• Extra accessories (if you chose the Chromebook)

Go with the Chromebook and you’ll still have around £100 left in your budget. Here’s how to use it wisely:

• Noise-cancelling headphones (£70-ish). Reduce background noise in shared flats, cafés or libraries to help you concentrate. Also helpful for clearer sound on video calls, recorded lectures, or when listening to music during study breaks.
• Wireless mouse (£25-ish). A mouse makes it easier to work on essays, spreadsheets or presentations than using a laptop trackpad. Plus, it’s useful for longer study sessions and easy to carry between home, campus and the library.

Chromebook route:
Smartphone (upfront): £99
Acer Chromebook: £249
Printer: £50
Headphones + Mouse: £95
Total: £493

Windows laptop route:
Smartphone (upfront): £99
HP Laptop: £359
Printer: £40
Total: £498

Yes, it’s totally possible to get everything you need for university - smartphone, laptop, printer, and accessories - for under £500. Whether you’re heading into lectures or late-night study mode, this kit has you covered.

We hope this checklist helps you feel prepared and confident for the year ahead. Good luck. You’ve got this!

Browse the latest iD Mobile Pay Monthly phone deals and explore great-value tech like laptops, printers and accessories at Currys. If you find any bargains we haven’t mentioned above, why not share your thoughts in the comments section below?

*Prices correct as of 16/07/25.