What equipment do I need for my studies?
As you get ready to start at Edinburgh Napier, you'll need to consider buying essential equipment to help in your studies. We also have information on how you can get financial help if you need assistance with these purchases.
What equipment do I need to buy?
Before starting at Edinburgh Napier, you should create a personalised checklist of all the equipment you’ll need for university. Remember to set yourself (and stick to!) a budget when buying your equipment.
Some of the items you might need may include:
- A laptop or desktop
- Pens and pencils
- Notepad(s)
- Highlighters
- Post-it notes
Here are some useful resources to help you to plan what stationery to bring to university:
Purchasing a laptop
Getting the right laptop that is suitable for all your study needs is an important decision you'll need to make before starting your studies.
Getting equipment for your programme of study
Some schools and departments might suggest different device specifications or recommend using additional equipment relevant to your course.
General specification
If you own a Windows or Apple device similar to the specification below, you should be able to work without relying upon computers on campus.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 11 (not S mode), MacOS |
| Processor | Intel Core i3, i5, AMD Ryzen 5 or similar |
| RAM | 8GB or 16GB |
| Storage | 256GB SSD |
| Other | Integrated webcam and mic |
Please note, we do not recommend Chromebooks or tablets (such as iPads, Android) as your main study device.
Before you buy a laptop, consider the following:
- Battery life: Does this laptop have a long battery life? Will this laptop give you the flexibility and freedom to work for long periods of time without needing to frequently recharge it?
- Weight: If you’re commuting or working across our campuses, you may want to consider getting a laptop that will not be too heavy to carry.
- Wi-Fi performance: If you’ve decided on what laptop you’d like to buy, try to read some independent reviews about its Wi-Fi performance to check if it may have any connectivity issues.
- Screen size: if you’re planning to use your laptop to stream videos or solely for essay writing, it’s important to ensure the size of the screen is adequate for all your needs.
For more advice on buying a laptop or desktop, check out these useful links:
Laptops to loan at Edinburgh Napier
If you need to borrow a laptop, you can get one from our self-service Lapsafe lockers. The lockers are located at:
- Craiglockhart library
- Jack Kilby Computing Centre (JKCC), Merchiston
- Merchiston library
- Sighthill (LRC2)
- Bainfield Student Accommodation
Getting your textbooks
To find out what textbooks you'll need to get for your course, you'll need to access your reading list on Moodle. The library stocks copies of books and ebooks on reading lists. Find out more on the Library webpages.
For information about where to buy your textbooks, visit the Library's bookshops and suppliers page.
Accessing financial support at Edinburgh Napier
If you need to access financial support when buying your equipment for university, find out about how to get a long-term laptop loan with the Digital Access Scheme.
Our student funding team offers information, guidance, and support to many students, helping them apply for various funding packages and childcare support. If you need financial help or advice, visit our Money page.
Equipment for disabled students
We provide a range of specialist equipment and additional support to best support you throughout your studies. If you need help or advice visit: