Med student here. Getting a tablet (Samsung Galaxy s6 Lite) was the best decision I made for uni. I ditched having to carry back and forth printed out notes or books when I went home during the weekends. It was way easier to follow lectures as I had the slides on my tablet already and could add extra notes or whatever. So yes it's worth getting a tablet that has a pen in the price but do get the one that's more suitable for your price range, no need to go bankrupt just for one device.

My advise: use what is most useful, appropriate (in terms of concentration, field of study), and affordable to you. Your tools are dependent on the size of your wallet, at the end of the day. Good luck!

Ruby in her cottagecore home just hits different ❤

I am a medical student from Taiwan. Most of my classmates have an iPad and use it to study. We use note taking app, using Apple Pencil to write on it. the Professors always upload powerpoint online, so we can download them and take notes on them directly. the note taking app is powerful, it can be use as pdf editing app, too. I can not imagine my life without my iPad now. It free me from lots of different notebooks, journals, and heavy textbook .

If you can`t afford ipad, you can get used samsung galaxy tab S3, it has pencil and keyboard/case, for like $100 for everything.

Biology student here. The iPad was one of the best investments I’ve ever done. All the class PowerPoint presentations, syllabi, most books, and other class materials are all in one place. I also use it to record lectures right on the class slides, and annotate on everything as well. Love it!

if I could make a wish... I would wish of a video solely of where you study in the Oxford Libraries, Ruby .... it inspires me so much seeing you work there, and I would love to have a study video like that to watch along while I study myself.

these kinds of ruby vids are my favorite! like this, the one that you did about why grades don't matter as much as we think, the ones about why you love the seasons, how to be content with boredom, and more!

you are such a peaceful and calm soul out here

Even though I don't have an iPad and no intention of buying one in the future, I watched this video just to calm my soul. ❤

Ruby's study vlogs are my most favourite videos , they motivate me a lot ! ❤

Ruby, you have psychic powers. This is literally the video that I need and that I wanted you to post.

Ooh, I also bought an ipad 2nd hand. And It's good like new❤ That was the best advice you gave at last 😊. Not many influencers talk about it❤

It's an essential item when studying. The access to vast information and the ease of annotating, editing, and saving data is incredible.

I've been waiting for this video for a while now, it's finally here, thank you, Ruby. Nice day 🌸

I totally agree with Ruby. The iPad has countless uses, and here are just a few I use daily: writing notes, working on novels, reading books (both written and audio - I have hundreds of books on my iPad), converting handwritten notes to typed text, signing documents, drawing, sketching, listening to music, watching movies, and producing music. Why do I prefer it over a Samsung tablet? Everything on the iPad syncs seamlessly with other Apple devices. What I type on the iPad shows up on my iMac and iPhone, and I find the syncing much more intuitive compared to Samsung’s tablet. Additionally, Apple’s customer service is unmatched-they will spend an hour on the phone helping me resolve any issues with my Apple products, whereas Samsung’s support has always been a hassle. Best of all, the iPad is very light, easy to store in my backpack, and like Ruby, I use the Magic Keyboard. I spend about four to five hours a day on my iPad, and it’s never given me a single problem. However, I agree with others on this forum: if you can’t afford an iPad (new or second-hand), certainly go with another brand. Tablets are wonderful, regardless of the brand.

Ruby I am so proud of you!! I know you don’t know me lol but I have watched you since secondary and you have grown into the woman you always dreamt of. Well done ❤

I love the scan documents feature on the the ipad notes app. Makes life much easier and the scans pretty much always look great!

Ah perfect timing! I've been considering getting a second-hand tablet for the Michaelmas Term and this is just the guide I needed :) Also, I have to say thank you for shouting out Back Market a while ago, I've found it's a super handy place to get second-hand tech!

As someone who is also at a major university in the US who does research / doctoral level studying this was incredibly helpful. And I’m always fascinated at how people can do studying in different places like libraries and coffee shops and what apps/methods they use as that’s pretty much me every day.

hi ruby! i know you probably won’t see this but i just want to say thank you. you’ve inspired me to go back on my course to redo my GCSE’s. i’ve had two attempts so far, one i wasn’t in a good mindset, and throughout the second one i unfortunately lost my mom. it knocked me back a tonne, but i’m gradually trying to pull myself out of my pit and i now realise that she would want me to carry on and get my qualifications. i hope to go to university one day. i hope i do her proud. ❤️

I had my English literature final term college exam today. We got an essay choice between three topics, I chose my ideal personality and wrote about u

I have enjoyed watching your videos, especially the ones from Oxford. I have taken classes from about a dozen Universities. Learning things i center to my life. I'm an old guy, 74. If I had a redo of my life I would definitely attend Oxford. Keep allowing us to go with you to those wonderful libraries. Plus the bookshops!

Me watching this on a new IPad: 😳 Thank you for the video Ruby! ❤️

I love your videos, Thanks for uploading. They really inspire me. ❤😊

This is the most useful video on KZfaq! Thank you, Ruby for sharing your tips. I have downloaded a few apps. I would like to know the size of your iPad. I can’t tell from the video. You have really made an impression on my writing life. Once I started streaming all of your videos, I became more productive, but I started writing again and that’s extremely major for me. Greatly appreciate it!

Hi Ruby! Thanks for this lovely video❤

Such a lovely video once more Ruby 🥰 Thank you very much for bringing such a requested video to us, in my case studying nursing at the moment or back when I was studying medicine I ended up realising that the laptop was more useful to me, coz as you said some of the websites are made for working best on them rather than on tablet. But all in all such a beautifully made video where you give us your opinion and explain pros and cons. Thank you very much and it feels like such a treat to be able to relax watching one of your lovely videos 🧡 I'd say if you have enough money it's good to have both, otherwise stick with the laptop, but that's just my opinion based on what I study. Do what feels best for you 🤗

Also would love an updated notion tour!

Even though I don't know English, I listen to it because it is a great source of motivation for the university exam. ♥️♥️

Thanks ruby ! Please do a beautiful summer inspirational video I just love them !! Oh and summer tea recommendations too please ❤ xx

Hi Ruby, i really love all your videos. Your videos are very informative and entertaining 👍 Wish all the best for you ✨👍

thank you ruby! it was a lot of fun

Got an iPad during my PhD and it's honestly been a game changer for me. Granted I would never consider it a replacement for a laptop, I still use it daily for taking notes and reading literature. I also enjoy making digital art so that was the main reason I went for an iPad despite owning no other apple products.

Thank you for this, love it!

no need to get apple products if you cant afford them. theres alternatives, i bought a samsung tablet and its amazing. it turns into a laptop (keyboard included), it can be used with a stylus (that is included). and its much cheaper than an ipad

I'm sure you would have mentioned it if you had looked it up, but: The German word ‘Sammelband’ stands for a book in which various texts are collected, because ‘sammeln’ means to collect. Greetings from Austria ;)

So informative, Ruby. Thank you so much.

I bought my iPad a few years ago for my final years in school so I wouldn't have to bring so many heavy books and tons of notes with me each day and it was brilliant for it. It made life so much easier and I also had all my notes from every subject with me each day so if I spontaneously needed something I always had it with me. Now while I'm in Uni I don't use my iPad that much anymore as I study something that involves a lot of computer science and media design for which the iPad is only sometimes useful for sketches. Though for any lecture notes that involve mathematic notations it's still amazing. But my Laptop is now my go-to device while I'm not at my desktop at home and I use notion as well but currently mostly as a cloud to transfer files from my Laptop to my other devices or for planning out any practical assignments as my courses tend to not have an exam but a larger assignment at the end of the semester. I think that shows how much the most useful device depends and also changes with the daily work you have to do. A tablet is great for handwritten notes and art but beware if you have to do programming. So I'd recomend anyone who is not sure if they need a tablet to think about what the device needs to do for you and then see if a tablet can fulfill your needs or if a laptop or maybe even a desktop pc or any combination of those 3 things would work better for you. Or if traditional notetaking is still the best way for you to work. There's nothing wrong with you not having a tablet if you don't need it. Otherwise you'll barely use it and the money could have been better spent elsewhere. (sorry if my grammar or spelling isn't quite right, I'm no native speaker and KZfaq doesn't have spellcheck on desktop😅)

Really appreciate the flexibility of digital notes. Still haven’t consumed the whole 64GB either in years. Only wish I could code with it.

I agree with buying second hand. I’ve bought from Amazon Renewed products a couple times with big ticket items such as an iPad and it was like buying new. I also tend to buy the immediate past model used, which can at times save a lot of money.

I got my ipad 2nd hand and I love it. :)

It is a useful device for a number of reasons. I was thinking the iPad would be great for note taking in an archive. If you can type fast it is great for lectures as well. I find the old Mac Air does the same trick. Having said that, I am old school. I did my graduate degrees when notebook computers were too expensive for students. Very few professors provided notes, and the internet was in its infancy. We had to use a lined notepad and pen. That worked well provided you could attend a lectures and could be organized with your note taking. That involved sorting what the relevant points were and writing fast. You also had to listen well and be engaged in the lectures. This method works well even to this day when I attend guest lectures at the university or in my travels. Technology is a great thing. The rise of the internet has meant I can post lecture notes on a web site for students to access. I can also post PowerPoints. Teaching has changed drastically in the last 25 years. The student survey response platforms are way beyond "clicker" courses of 10 years ago. That can all be done on smart phones now. I wonder where it will be in the next decade.

ooo' this helped me immensely... fun too! thanks Ruby G.

love as always! also just to let you know the backmarket timestamp in the desc says blackmarket!

Great summary Ruby, thanks. Love it when you just chat into the camera about a more involved subject. As a STEM grad, I would really want something that allowed diagrams and equations to be recorded easily. I wonder how iPad would fare there.

I'm a vet student and I LOVE the iPad mini, especially because I am running around a lot and need to do quick changes so having something so portable and space saving is great. Notability is one of my favorite apps I also use Obsidian for typing out my written notes and making it more organized and allows for different connections. I will say that it is expensive so if you need a more budget friendly version is Samsung tab which comes with a pen but in my opinion, the apps are not as good but definitely functional.

Can you show how you use your iPad to take notes please? I love your videos are so motivational 🖤

Nice to see you as a tech savvy

Hi Ruby, I have bought my ipad ( and 2nd gen pencil) this year and was also thinking of buying the magic keyboard at the time, but not being able to lay it flat was also a no-go for me. I went with the Logitech Folio Touch and have no regrets. It can stand like a laptop, tilt like a drawing tablet or lay flat with the keyboard to the back. To me it is a good alternative to the Magic keyboard.

I use the Paperlike screen protector on my ipad, which is great for using with the apple pencil for a more paper like writing feel instead of just the slippy glass screen. It’s been a game changer tbh.

Dear Ruby, would love to see a video on the commonplace book 🙏🏼❤

i agree about handwriting on goodnotes but I type straight into it! i have it on my laptop too so often i'll type into it on there and then it's on my ipad. but you could type onto your ipad there too :)

I have both an iPad and a laptop. As a now grad student a laptop all the way. I rarely take notes during lecture. Laptop is great for the dozens of tabs I have open during school hours, especially writing research paper.

I would 1000% recommend getting the paper feeling screen protector if you are planning on writing with the iPad

I'm not a student at uni or otherwise but whilst completing any CPD courses I can add to my CV whilst jobsearching I use my phone to pull up course content and the laptop to make use of Excel to follow along with what's being shown in lectures i.e. I've built a spreadsheet from scratch using false financial info. I also still usepen and paper when prepping for interviews and doing research about the companies I'm interviewing with. I think it's good to mix things up using tech and traditional writing techniques.

Great job 🖤

My ipad was my ride or die during my undergrad. For my master's i mostly just use it as a second screen but it's been one of my best purchases. I highly reccommend getting one. Tablets come in all different price points so hava a look around at the different options. I use the original ipad and my only complaint is that I sometimes wish the screen was bigger. It doesn't have to be the air or the pro if you just need the functions she described in the video. The operative system is going to be the same anyways!

this is so useful, I'm thinking of buying an ipad for my a-levels

kislux I love you so much and watching your videos makes my day brighter

I'm a biotechnology student and at the end of my second year I committed to buying a tablet (samsung galaxy tab 6 lite I think). It has made my life so much easier, I can switch between subjects whenever I want and I don't have to print every lab protocol/script I need so that's a huge plus. Being able to just add a page to a lab protocol and write down numbers or take a picture and write over it is very cool, especially when you need to write stuff like reaction or mechanism and write something over it. I must admit that I don't write down every lecture, and when I do I still prefer using my laptop and paper for that, and I especially hate typing on bluetooth keyboard. It is not an alternative for a computer but it certainly is a great help. And when I'm bored at class or I have a window of time I can do other assignments or just draw :) You don't need the latest ipad, my samsung is doing its job perfectly, just look for a tablet that comes with a pen (these cheap bluetooth pens with rubber ends won't do the job). Bonus point your spine doesn't suffer.

Very interesting Ruby, thank you

A great set up for a student is the Keychron K3 Bluetooth wireless keyboard and the KUXIU X36 IPad Foldable Magnetic Stand

I really love your videos ...❤

tbh, i think digital note taking definitely makes for a lighter backpack and is very useful, you can find everything quite quickly because it is all in one place and syncable through devices. i am very big on analogue notes as well, because i hate being in front of a screen 24/7. you can do quite a lot with an ipad but i doubt an ipad is ever really gonna be able to replace a laptop and i'm happy with my smaller ipad air 3rd gen that comes especially handy when taking lecture notes and reviewing them

Hi Ruby, thank you so much for this! I literally was just looking at secondhand iPads earlier 😅 BTW - what app do you use for writing your dissertation/thesis? Do you use Scrivener for that too? I understand you collate your research on Notion but when you are writing and formatting it for submission, what do you use? I'm doing my doctorate and looking for a better app than the regular MS Word/OneNote/Pages. Thank youuu!❤

As an online Bachelor English student, my iPad mini and knock-off Apple Pencil has been the best decision. I’ve always been about physical notes and textbooks and now I’m purely digital. The downside, the battle to keep things charged.

Tip: I use squid for taking notes on my samsung tablet. The app is very nice for annotating pdfs, and only cost me a flat fee of like 6 EUR. Together with a stylus pen, I can write notes and formulas on the slides. For economics / finance / math subjects this works so so well for me.

Have a good day!

Fun fact: the sammel in Sammelband comes from sammeln which means collecting. Band is probably translated to volume

I did a graphic design degree [2016-2019] and only about 2 people out of 16 people had iPads. I had the first gen iPad mini at the time and I never used it for university work because it was slow/unsupported + I had a laptop. I know Apple do student discounts every year but their products are still insanely expensive for an average student, even on the max finance loan. Anyone who had an Apple iPad/MacBook was from a well off family (no hate, just an observation). I bought an iPad pro a few years ago, refurbished (like new) and that was just about affordable. I think they are beneficial but so is any tablet really. Just in the creative industry they love Apple iMacs so you're kinda forced to use them. If you're interesting but stuck deciding, Tyler Morgan (formal Apple employee) goes through which products are worth it. My iPad Pro is extremely powerful, so it's important you're really going to use it to its full potential.

I learnt the hard way you can’t reference on the Microsoft word app on iPad! Definitely worth considering before buying as a main or only device for uni, a complete dealbreaker for me

You can have just an iPad. An ipad and a laptop is a big investment, but you can get a lot done with just an iPad. I did my undergrad and postgrad using just an iPad Pro. You can get very powerful iPads for £700 now.

I got a 2nd hand Microsoft Surface for my studies, most of the applications I use are not available on iPad and I can do anything I can do on my computer at home while on the go 😄

do you plan on releasing another academic planner this year? i had yours back in y9 and im going into y11 and would love to repurchase! 💓

5:54 you can also scan documents directly from the Files app 😊

Is it just me or is it that ruby's video editing skill are exceptional 😊

Lovely vid!! What are the vocabulary and facts apps btw?

Yes yes yes 100% even in high school , but definitely not over the laptop

I am overwhelmed after when I have watched your self centered blogs everytime. Go ahead With your self centered blogs with tranquility & Prosperity...

I bought a xiaomi pad 6 and it works perfectly for me (and a lot cheaper than an iPad) 🥰

Hi Ruby and everyone! I'm wondering- when you annotate using your iPad, what do you use (if anything) to pull highlighted text out into Notion or a reference manager? Would love to learn more about your workflows! PS. thanks for the study playlists! 🎶

Hi ruby! I don’t suppose you are doing an academic diary for 24’-25’? ❤

I completed my master's in one year solely from my iPad. It was an online program too.

Hey can u plz tell the name of the app u got on your phone abouts interesting facts.. and BTW I really love your videos 😘

My iPad died last year and I couldn't afford to buy a new one. My husband found an Samsung Galaxy S6 Lite and it works wonderfully and about half the price of my basic iPad. I do miss my iPad though not gonna lie. Ruby, can you do a notebook/planner tour of your currently used notebooks? I always see your multiple journals/notebooks lying around and I am super curious how you are using them!

Nice one!

I’ve just switched from the 11” Pro to the 13” Pro. Decided not to upgrade my old MacBook, I like multipurpose use of the iPad. Have you tried “stage manager”? Multiple windows open much similar to a desktop computer?

I really wanted to utilise my Ipad for my masters this year, but I'm so old school, I just need paper and pen. I did try, though. I also bought a Kindle Scribe for Dissertation notes and now have some mild regrets lol

Hello ruby! And also to whoever's reading. I need an advice regarding some textbooks to choose I have been willing to learn old /early modern english for a really long time but a few things I am not interested in are different spellings and pronunciation to learn. I just want to learn the way they would form their sentences and the way they are written in classic novels, translated to modern English spellings but the sentence structure is old, so that I can use the language in my own books. Any suggestion for which textbook to refer?

I think we should start talking about other options more, beyond the IPad. I know the possibilities with the IOS and Apple software are enormous, but the Android options are getting increasingly competitive. I own a Lenovo M10 with a pen and it's awesome. After owning it I never thought about buying an iPad again.

Hi Ruby, Can you please share your exercise or yoga routine or any kind of meditation as how you keep yourself so fit physically and so focused in studies....?? Love from India❤

Can you make an academic planner for the Australian university year? I’d love to use it as I continue my studies next year. I’m finishing my masters degree and going into a graduate diploma. :-) ❤

Hi Ruby, would it be possible that we can know your thoughts about GenAI? Thanks

Hi Ruby, may i ask where your backpack is from? The one at 1.34

What are the vocab and facts apps you are using? Sounds like a great way to replace social media scrolling

Have you ever considering a paperlike screen cover for your iPad? I love mine and it makes writing on the tablet much nicer. I have used PaperLike and Paperfeel and like them both x

Fantastic video, Ruby! Great content! Super quality footage/camera! ... An iPad might be super useful but if you can't afford it, guys, I can assure you that you can still earn a Master's degree and a PhD degree (with honours) without it. I earned both degrees that way, actually. Good luck with your studies! Cheers!

I have a book recommendation set in Venice that you may like. It’s called Maddalena and the Dark by Julia Fine. It is an incredible novel! It was 5/5 stars for me personally.

What type of Ipad are you using? Is this the Ipad pro? What is your screen size? I love your Ipad introduction❤