What design students need
- An iPad with a pencil: for drawing and sketching; it replaces a drawing tablet.
- A laptop with an accurate screen: for Adobe files; the MacBook is a common pick among designers.
- External or cloud storage: for large project files.
- A sketchbook, pens and markers: for first ideas.
- A USB-C hub: for an external screen, camera and drives.
- For interior design: the architecture studio tools and Autodesk software.
Start with the iPad and laptop; the rest comes with your courses. Accessories on student deals are below.
Best laptop and iPad for design students
Graphic design wants an accurate screen and enough memory for Adobe files. A MacBook Air covers most work; the Pro is easier for video and 3D. The iPad with a pencil is for drawing and sketching. Apple education prices are below; more in Apple student discount.
| Product | Student price | Regular price | You save |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple iPad Air | From SAR 3,299 | 6% | |
| Apple MacBook Air | From SAR 5,499 | 8% | |
| Apple iPad Pro | From SAR 5,099 | 9% | |
| Apple MacBook Pro | From SAR 8,999 | 5% | |
| Apple iMac | From SAR 6,799 | 3% | |
| Apple iPad mini | From SAR 2,599 | 7% | |
| Apple iPad | From SAR 1,999 | 5% | |
| Apple Mac mini | From SAR 3,799 | 12% |
Prices and deals in this article come straight from the tiswa catalogue, so they stay current.
Free and student-priced software for design
- Design software for students: Canva, Figma and Adobe for students compared.
- Blender: 3D modelling and animation, free and open source.
- AutoCAD and 3ds Max: for interior design students, free for students.
And on tiswa, once you verify you are a student:
- Adobe: Adobe offers 70% off Creative Cloud Pro, first year to university students in Saudi Arabia for SAR 86.17, 71% less than the regular SAR 293.25.
- Figma: Figma offers Figma for Education to university students in Saudi Arabia for free.
- Canva: Canva offers Canva Pro free through Canva for Campus to university students in Saudi Arabia.
- Autodesk: Autodesk has a deal for university students in Saudi Arabia: Autodesk software free for students (Free).
