The Digital Essentials for Student Life

Over half of students now pay for an AI tool (51%) to help with uni work, according to a new study commissioned by aparto: proof that digital tech isn’t just a bonus anymore, it’s the backbone of modern student life. From the moment you wake up and check your phone to the late-night scroll before bed, your day is shaped by screens, apps, and a reliable internet connection.

Whether you’re powering through essays, juggling deadlines, FaceTiming home, or just trying to make your data allowance last until payday, the tech in your pocket and the WiFi in your student accommodation are as important as your textbooks. Students aren’t just managing lectures and exams anymore; you’re managing subscriptions, signal strength, and whether the all-inclusive bills on your accommodation actually mean you’ll get decent speeds. In short, being digitally prepared is now just as essential as buying a frying pan or learning how to use the washing machine in your first week.

AI: Your New Study Sidekick

Let’s be honest, most of us are a bit addicted to our phones. But it’s not all doom-scrolling. AI has quickly turned into a study sidekick that students use every day, making it one of the most popular tools that will boost your revision game when deadlines are looming.

Across Italy and Spain, there are mixed opinions about the rise of artificial intelligence, ranging from the frequency with which students use it all the way to the way in which students use it. For example, 

• Around 1 in 2 use AI for researching sources to cut through reading lists.
• 40% get a second pair of (robot) eyes on their essays to proofread and edit their work.
• Before writing their assignments, up to 30% of students use AI to plan and outline their essays.
• A little under 60% of students admit to using it for translations and paraphrasing, explaining that it’s a handy tool for simplifying complex material.
• Around 1 in 5 create flashcards or practice questions, making it popular for study materials.

The Worry Factor

But here’s the twist… While loads of students are leaning on AI, many are worried about it too. In Italy, almost 6 in 10 students said they’re concerned about using it (compared with around half in Spain). The big fear? If you rely on AI too much, it might chip away at genuine learning and critical thinking.

It’s a classic “shortcut vs. skill” dilemma. On one hand, AI can help you plan, polish and speed up assignments. On the other hand, there’s a worry that the more you outsource an algorithm, the less you’re developing your own ideas. Some students have even admitted they feel guilty using AI tools, as if it’s “cheating” their degree (even if it is just to proofread or summarise).

Interestingly, though, the concern doesn’t always stop students from using it. In fact, many of the respondents who admit they’re uneasy about AI still fire it up during revision season because it’s simply too useful to ignore. Think of it like having an extra study buddy who’s always awake at 2 am. You might question if it’s the right move, but when deadlines are looming, convenience often wins.

Different Unis, Different Rules

Here’s where things get confusing. Some unis encourage AI (13.8%), some allow it under strict rules (39.2%), and others ban it outright (10.8%). Plenty of students say they don’t even know their uni’s official policy. That leaves a lot of you guessing what’s “safe” to use, especially when originality checks come into play. The bottom line is that students are finding their own balance between getting the benefits of AI and staying on the right side of the rules.

The Cost of Connectivity

Studying smarter isn’t just about apps and AI, though. It’s also about having the right connection. Reliable WiFi can literally make or break your uni experience.

WiFi: PBSA vs Private Rental

If you’ve ever lived in private rental housing, you’ll know the WiFi pain. Our research shows:

• Only 4.6% of students in purpose-built student accommodations (PBSAs) reported constant WiFi frustration, compared to the 1 in 10 who live in private rentals.
• 26.3% of PBSA residents are very satisfied with their WiFi, compared with just 18.4% in private housing.
• PBSA students are roughly 30% more likely to have 100 Mbps+ WiFi than private renters.

So, if you’ve ever sat staring at a buffering circle mid-lecture recording (or mid-Stranger Things binge), you’ll get why PBSAs have the edge.

The Cost Factor

WiFi bills add up when they’re not included in your rent. Most students who pay separately spend €20–€30 a month, on top of all their other utility bills. Add in unlimited mobile data (because who wants to run out of 5G mid-revision session?) and suddenly your budget takes a hit.

That’s why all-inclusive packages are such a win, and at aparto, we offer just that at all of our student accommodations, including our Milan, Florence, and Barcelona residences. From your water and electric bills to superfast WiFi, it’s all handled in your rent. That’s one less thing to stress about, and no arguing over whose turn it is to call the internet provider!

Phones, Laptops, and Smart Tech

The majority of the surveyed students study on their phones. Surprisingly, in both Italy and Spain, over 70% said they use smartphones than laptops when it comes to revising, reading, or making notes. This explains why it’s easy to feel addicted to your phone, because you really do use it for everything.

While smartphones remain king for being the perfect pocket study buddy, laptops are still an essential for uni students, especially when it comes to essays. That’s why 1 in 6 students are still in favour of using them.

Roughly ½ of students use a tablet for study, which is a dramatic dip in the popularity of this device, likely down to the user experience. However, some students still find that they’re the perfect device for taking notes in lectures, and even reading!

Whether you’re drafting an email to your professor, scribbling down notes during your lectures, or drafting an essay, one thing remains certain: AI is a constant that follows most students between devices. After all, it is one of the most useful pieces of tech to study smarter, not harder.

And when it comes to living spaces, students in PBSA are almost twice as likely to want smart security features, such as the 24/7 CCTV in communal areas in all of the aparto residences, compared to private renters. It makes sense; knowing your accommodation is secure means you’ll enjoy peace of mind, fewer distractions and more focus on what really matters (like smashing exams or making it to 9 am lectures on time).

Italy vs Spain: Spot the Difference

So, how do Italian and Spanish students compare when it comes to digital life?

Spanish students dominate the AI use with 43.6% of students paying for it, 8% more than Italian students.

Concerns regarding critical thinking skills worry 32.4% of Italian students, compared to the 20% of Spanish students.

But whether you’re in Florence, Milan or Barcelona, the takeaway is the same: students want fast internet, affordable data, and clear guidance on how to use AI without breaking the rules.

Wrapping it Up

Wherever you are in the world, be it Italy, Spain or even beyond, there’s no escaping the digital age, especially when it comes to studying at university. With the right equipment, a WiFi provider that won’t let you down, and the knowledge to use artificial intelligence responsibly, it will all help you to secure your degree.

These digital essentials shape your day at uni, and it’s not just about revision, either. It’s about having access to information, staying connected to your friends and family back home, and, of course, the occasional Netflix binge.

That’s why aparto builds tech into the heart of its accommodation. With superfast WiFi, all bills included, and modern smart-ready rooms, our Florence, Milan, and Barcelona student accommodations are all designed for how students really live and study today.

No more worrying about WiFi dropping mid-essay, or whether your phone charger will hike up the electricity bill. Just a space where you can study, relax, and stay connected. Sounds like a place you want to stay? Book your student accommodation today and make the most out of your uni experience.

Methodology

aparto commissioned a survey of 500 students: 250 from Italy and 250 from Spain to secure unbiased results.