Student Hut

Recommended for

2021

Want to know the best laptop for students about to embark on an all-night study session? How about the best student bank account for making your loan go that extra mile? Maybe you want to know who does the best student broadband packages.

Whatever you’re after, we have the answers. We surveyed our student community to find out which essential products they would recommend for other students. With 13 categories, ranging from tech, games, and phone contracts, to insurance, banking, and streaming platforms, we’ve got something for everyone.

Top Laptops for 2021

1. Google Pixelbook Go

Google's Pixelbook Go is the top premium Chromebook on the market, thanks to its incredible battery life, 1080p HD webcam and state-of-the-art keyboard. You cannot go wrong with one of these.

2. Dell XPS 13

The XPS 13 oozes class. The tiny frame can be deceiving, but don't be put off; with high specs, a decent memory, and a battery that can last you all day, this machine really is as good as it gets.

3. Acer Aspire 5

With decent battery life, good performance, and an HD webcam, Acer's Aspire 5 is a solid laptop for students.

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Top Bank Accounts for 2021

1. Starling Bank 

Launching in 2014, Starling has quickly taken the world of student banking by storm. Renowned for its award-winning app, this flexible bank features excellent customer support and budgeting tools. 

2. Monzo 

So popular that it's spawned the phrase "Monzo me the cash", this bank is ideal for students and travellers alike.
Monzo's coral red card could be perfect for you, with an easy-to-use app interface and no charges for international transactions.

3. Nationwide Flex Student 

Nationwide’s FlexStudent account is a firm favourite with students, and it’s easy to see why. As well as being the UK's only fee-free provider, they offer a tiered overdraft scheme of up to £3,000 over your three years at uni. 

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Top Credit Cards for 2021

1. Aqua Rewards 

If you're looking for a foolproof way of building your credit score, Aqua Reward is the card for you.
As the only card to offer 0.5% cash back rewards, it's perfect for managing your day-to-day expenses. 

2. NatWest

With low rates and 0% transfers, it's easy to see why NatWest is still one of Britain's most widely-used credit card providers after all these years.

3. Tesco Bank Foundation Card

The grocery giants are a great option for your first credit card. With oversight into every spend, credit alerts and score factors, you’ll be able to curate a fantastic credit rating for the future.

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 Top Broadband Providers for 2021

1. Post Office Broadband

With network speeds to match their rapid delivery times, the Post Office's low-cost packages are perfect for students.
Monthly rates start from as low as £17, and there are no upfront costs involved. 

2. Hyperoptic Fibre Broadband

Hyperoptic is a brand new provider that packs a hell of a punch compared to its competitors, thanks to its low cost and high speeds.
They can offer gigabit broadband, and prices start from £19.95 a month.

3. BT Broadband

The nation's number one network provider still has a solid foothold in the broadband game, with speeds of up to 67MB and good fibre-optic options. 

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Top Phone Contracts for 2021

1. Voxi

Launched by Vodafone in 2017 with a young audience in mind, Voxi has now been opened up to users of all ages. Despite this, it remains the number one student network, with competitive tariffs and good coverage. Their 'friends with benefits' scheme allow you to win goodies and vouchers for signing your mates up to the network.

2. Sky

The television and news giant do decent phone contracts too, as it turns out. With a solid selection of SIM-only deals and cross-compatibility with Sky TV, these guys have some great options for students. 

3. Tesco Mobile

Every little helps, especially when it comes to saving on your phone contract. Tesco Mobile have tons of good deals to choose from.  

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Top Home Insurance for 2021

1. Home Protect

Spilt your tea on your laptop? Dropped your phone on your tiled floor? Home Protect has you covered. Living in a range of different houses with changing circumstances, this might be the insurance provider you're looking for.

2. More Than

These guys allow you to replace old items with new ones and offer up to £200 home emergency assistance. Offering building and contents cover, More Than goes the extra mile. 

3. Admiral

Admiral is a tried-and-true option for students across the country. In a big win for students, it covers communal spaces as well as your room, perfect for halls and student housing. 

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Top Energy Providers for 2021

1. Octopus

For the second year running, their affordable deals have given Octopus Energy the top spot. With customers saving around £222 compared to the average variable tariff, there's a reason students use Octopus.

2. N Power

Npower has built a reputation for being easy to use, flexible and student-friendly. Their mobile app makes everything easier, from meter readings to online account management and loads of other useful features.

3. EDF Energy

EDF are the UK's largest producer of low-carbon electricity. They also offer fast quotes online, making a tricky process a lot smoother. Check out their deals today, and you won't be disappointed. 

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Top Smartwatches for 2021

1. Fossil Sport

Blending style with substance, Fossil's Sport is as durable as it is sleek.

Offering high-quality workout tracking features, the watch is also swim-resistant. Expect to pay around £219 for this model. 

2. Apple Watch 6

Apple's latest smartwatch is a thing of beauty, thanks to its crisp graphics and lightweight design.
With all the features and functionality we've come to expect from Apple's products, this watch has you covered from sleep tracking to step counting.

3. Fitbit Versa 3

The pioneering Versa 3 is the first Fitbit to incorporate GPS tracking, adding a whole new dimension to the much-loved brand's fitness tracking products.

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Top Tablets for 2021

1. Apple iPad Pro (2020)

With processing power to rival most laptops, the 2020 iPad Pro is a real top-of-the-range heavyweight.

Featuring an edge-to-edge Liquid Retina display, this tablet's graphics are far superior to any of its competitors. The iPad Pro is capable of demanding tasks, such as editing 4K video and designing 3D models, making it a great choice for tech-savvy, creative student.

2. Microsoft Surface Go 2

Up next, we have Microsoft's Surface Go 2. This device packs a real punch with processing power that rivals most laptops of a similar price range.

It's 10.5 inch LCD touchscreen makes it suitable for both essay writing and Netflix binging. And, at £399, it won't make as much of a dent in your student loan as the iPad Pro.

3. Galaxy Tab A7

If you're looking to make that loan stretch further, then the A7 might be the tablet for you.

This device packs a real punch for its price, with long battery life, an excellent display, and high-quality speakers. A bargain for the sum of just £179. 

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Top Mobiles for 2021

1. OnePlus 8 Pro

The OnePlus 8 Pro is everything you need from a smartphone, with a state-of-the-art display and 5G compatibility, as well as wireless charging capabilities.
It's 48-megapixel rear camera should also be enough to satisfy even the most avid of shutterbugs. 

2. iPhone 12

Apple's latest flagship phone does not disappoint. The iPhone 4-esque redesign is a subtle homage to the tech firms roots, but the phone itself is anything but dated. The 6.1 inch Super Retina display will blow you away.

3. Oppo Find X2

With a better display than any of its competitors and a charging time of just 38 minutes, the Oppo Find X2 is a phone to be reckoned with. Throw in its decent camera and high storage capacity, and you're looking at an industry-leading smartphone. 

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Top Games for 2021

1. Marvel's Spider-Man

The latest instalment in the Spider-Man game series sees Miles Morales donning the famous outfit to protect the streets of New York. The gameplay is incredible, as are the graphics, and the hyper-accurate city map will blow your mind. 

2. The Last of Us II

This game is an absolute masterpiece. With stunning graphics, a gripping plotline, and challenging combat mechanics, The Last of Us II has something for everyone.

3. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

The much-loved first-person shooter series is back with another great instalment. While Warzone's frenzied battle royales have kept us busy for much of lockdown, their latest game returns to the franchise's roots with a gripping plotline and the fan favourite Zombies mode. 

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Top Streaming Services for 2021

1. Spotify

Everyone and their nan is on Spotify these days. With the Premium student discount for less than a fiver a month, you'll also get a free Headspace subscription thrown in for all your well-being needs. Avoid those annoying ads and unskippable songs with one of the most popular music apps. 

2. Netflix

With Netflix Party, you'll still be able to binge-watch your favourite series with your friends without needing to go to the trouble to sync-up the audio and video. Share a subscription with your friends to stay within budget.

3. Apple Music

The majority of us have iPhones, so Apple Music is the easy way to listen to all your favourite songs from your phone. Sync up to your Apple Watch, iPad or MacBook, too. 

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Top StudyTubers for 2021

1. Eve Cornwell

Eve Cornwell is one of the original StudyTubers, who has shared her university experience from undergraduate, postgraduate and graduate life. 

2. Ali Abdaal

If you're looking for videos on Cambridge, productivity tips and how-tos, then Ali's videos are for you. With over 1 million subscribers, he's certainly a top StudyTuber.

3. Jack Edwards

If you like reading or watching other people read, then Jack's videos where he breaks down books will be right up your street. Follow his journey as a graduate navigating post-university life.

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