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Before starting university, buy only the basics: a padded backpack, a mouse and mouse pad, and a charger you can trust. That’s about PKR 5,600. Wait a few weeks before buying a keyboard, stand, cooling pad or hub, once you know how and where you actually work.
First: Check What Your University Gives You
Before you spend anything, ask your department. A Pakistani laptop guide notes that many universities license Microsoft 365 and some specialised software for students, so check before buying it separately.
Also ask about:
- campus Wi-Fi and printing
- whether labs expect you to bring your laptop
- hostel rules on what you can plug in
Accessories come after this.
Buy Before Day One
These three protect your laptop and make daily work easier.
1. A Padded Backpack (about PKR 3,700)
You’ll carry the laptop, books and a charger every day. A padded compartment protects it. A Pakistani guide also advises a lighter laptop, around 1.3-1.5 kg, for long commutes. Match the bag to your laptop’s size using our bag size guide, and see our budget laptop bag guide for options.
2. A Mouse and Mouse Pad (about PKR 1,900)
A wired mouse is about PKR 1,100-1,200, and a pad is about PKR 600-800. A trackpad is slow for long assignments, spreadsheets and any design work. A mouse is the cheapest comfort upgrade you can buy.
3. A Charger You Can Trust (about PKR 1,500-3,200)
If your laptop’s charger is old or damaged, replace it before you start. A compatible 45-65W charger costs about PKR 1,500-3,200, and a genuine one about PKR 3,500-6,500. Match the wattage and tip exactly. If your charger already acts up, see our laptop charger not charging guide.
The Two-Charger Tip
Buy a second charger if you can. Keep one in your bag and one at your hostel desk. You never forget it, and you never wrap the cable around the brick to pack it every morning, which is what wears a cable out.
Wait a Month, Then Decide
Don’t buy these until you know your routine.
- External keyboard (about PKR 2,200). Worth it if you type a lot at one desk.
- USB hub (about PKR 1,600). Only if you run out of ports.
- Laptop stand or cooling pad (from about PKR 2,100). Only if your laptop runs hot or you work at a desk for hours.
- Headset. Which? says a headset with a built-in microphone makes your voice clearer in online lectures and meetings. Buy one if your course has online classes.
You’ll know within a few weeks which of these you actually miss.
What Your Degree Changes
Degree changes your laptop needs more than your accessory needs. The same Pakistani guide suggests these laptop budgets:
| Degree | Laptop budget (PKR) | Accessory note |
|---|---|---|
| Arts, humanities, business | 60,000-90,000 | Bag, mouse and charger are enough |
| Computer science, software | 70,000-120,000 | A mouse and external keyboard help for long sessions |
| Engineering | 90,000-150,000 | Heavier laptops mean a bigger charger and more heat |
| Medical | 60,000-90,000 | Mostly reading and notes, so keep it light |
| Architecture | 100,000-160,000 | A mouse beats a trackpad for design work |
These are one retailer’s ranges, so treat them as a guide.
Three Budget Kits
Prices are from Pakistani retail listings in October 2026.
| Kit | What’s in it | Total (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | Backpack 3,699 + wired mouse 1,200 + mouse pad 700 | about 5,600 |
| Standard | Starter + compatible charger (1,500-3,200) | about 7,600-8,800 |
| Full | Standard + membrane keyboard 2,200 + USB hub 1,599 | about 11,400-12,600 |
Start with the Starter kit. Add the rest only if you find you need them. If your budget is tight, our accessories under PKR 5,000 guide shows how to stretch it.
Mistakes First-Year Students Make
- Buying everything in week one. You’ll waste money on things you don’t use.
- Choosing a bag for looks. Padding and fit matter more.
- Skipping the charger check. A failing charger in week three is a bad time.
- Buying a cheap unnamed charger. If the wattage is wrong, the laptop charges slowly or not at all.
- Forgetting to ask the university. You may already have software or printing you don’t need to buy.
My Honest Take
Buy the Starter kit and stop. A bag, a mouse and a working charger cover nearly everything on day one.
Then watch how you actually work for a month. The student who waits usually spends less and buys the right thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What laptop accessories do I need for university? A padded backpack, a mouse and mouse pad, and a reliable charger. That’s about PKR 5,600 in total. Add a keyboard, stand or hub later if you need them.
Should I buy a second laptop charger? It’s worth it. Keep one in your bag and one at your desk. A compatible charger costs about PKR 1,500-3,200.
Do I need a cooling pad or laptop stand? Not on day one. Wait to see if your laptop runs hot or you work at a desk for hours. They start at about PKR 2,100.
How much should I spend on accessories before university? About PKR 5,600 covers the basics. A fuller kit with a keyboard and hub is about PKR 11,400-12,600.
Do I need to buy Microsoft Office? Check with your university first. Many license Microsoft 365 for students, according to one Pakistani laptop guide.
Where can I buy laptop accessories with cash on delivery in Gujranwala? TechBits.Online delivers across Gujranwala and nearby cities with COD available.
Starting university soon? Tell us your degree and budget on WhatsApp, and we’ll suggest a kit.
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