Our Get Ready to Study guide is a great place to start strengthening your study skills ready for university. It contains resources that have been created by students, for students. It covers topics such as how to read strategically and purposefully, improving your writing skills, how to reference accurately and understand plagiarism and AI.

Equipment

To help you prepare for your studies, we've put together advice on the best type of device to use at Newcastle University. This information should help you decide whether you need to buy equipment or not, and if so, what equipment is best/permitted.

Laptops

Can I use my current laptop?

If your laptop (Windows or MacBook) is 2-3 years old, it should be fine for university work. However, Chromebooks and tablets (iPads, Android devices) are not recommended as your main study device. They can be useful for note-taking and in-class activities but may not support all necessary software.

What IT facilities are available on campus?

Networked computers across campus and 24/7 study spaces
Fast, free Wi-Fi and docking stations for laptops
Laptop loan system from the library
Access to Microsoft Office 365 and other essential software for free

What laptop should I buy if I need a new one?

If you’re purchasing a laptop, we recommend:

Operating System: Windows 11 or macOS 15 Sequoia
Processor: Intel Core i3/i5 or AMD Ryzen 5
RAM: 16GB minimum
Storage: 128GB SSD (minimum), ideally 256GB SSD
Other: Built-in webcam and microphone

Some degree programmes may have specific requirements, so check with your School, or Degree Programme Director, if unsure.

What if I can’t afford a laptop?

Student Financial Support Fund (UK students) or Financial Assistance Fund (International and EU students) – Financial help for students in hardship
Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) – UK students with disabilities may qualify for support, including specialist equipment.

Calculators

Only calculators from the following ranges are permitted for use in exams:

Casio FX-83
Casio FX-85

As long as your calculator has the above prefix, then it will be permitted (i.e. any letters/numbers after ‘Casio FX-83’ is acceptable eg Casio FX-83GTX is permitted).

No other model of calculator is permitted (eg Casio FX-82 or Casio FX-99 are not allowed). The calculator model must be able to be identified.

For School of Engineering students only:

In addition to the Casio FX-83 and Casio FX-85 ranges, students based in the School of Engineering are also permitted to use the following:

Casio FX-991 EX
Casio FX-991 CW

(Not permitted – Casio FX-991 ES Plus)

Please note that if you already own a Casio FX-83 or Casio FX-85 then it is not essential that you purchase one of the permitted Casio FX-991 models above. Engineering exams will be designed so that any of the permitted calculators can be used.

Students from other Schools are not permitted to use Casio FX-991 calculators for any exams.