Getting everything you need for uni can be an expensive exercise, but it doesn’t have to cost the earth. Buying second-hand through the circular economy is a practical way for students to save money while helping the planet through giving working devices a second life, cutting down on e-waste and conserving valuable resources.
There were about 500,000 tonnes of e-waste produced in 2019 in Australia which is nearly triple the global average of 7kg per person – that’s 20kg per person. By 2030 that number is projected to reach 657,000 tonnes.
Many of these items, like last year’s model phone or a laptop which is still in perfect working condition, could easily find a new home with a student who needs it.
“Choosing second-hand tech for your studies is a smart option for students,” said General Manager Stores Greg Lawton.
“It won’t cost you the same amount as buying something brand new, and it’s better for the planet. Plus, you’ve always got the option to sell the item back to us for cash once you’re done with it and provided it’s in good condition.”
With people rushing to buy the latest smartphones as soon as they’re released, there are so many recent models available second-hand that have nothing wrong with them aside from not being the latest tech. And who needs this year’s iPhone or Galaxy when the previous model can do everything you need it to do for a lower price?
Last year, customers bought more than 40,000 smartphones from Cash Converters* with Apple, Samsung, and Oppo the most loved brands.
Apple says that the iPhone 16 produces 56kg of carbon emissions across its lifetime, with the majority of that coming from the production process. So just think, every time an iPhone is given a new home you’re repurposing something that took energy to create.
.
Every uni student needs a laptop, whether it’s for submitting assignments from home or researching in the library. This uni essential can fetch anywhere between a few hundreds of dollars to thousands depending on what you need it for. The more powerful the laptop, the pricier it gets – so stretch your dollar further by buying second-hand.
Plus, during production there’s about 331kg of carbon emissions per laptop along with using up precious natural resources. Reusing these items is a great way to give these resources longevity. Once your study is finished, simply sell it back and keep the circular economy moving.
Laptops brands like HP, Lenovo, and, Apple are well-loved and can be easily found at Cash Converters.
.
You can find great value in buying a camera second-hand, as often there’s no need to buy them new given the high quality of modern cameras.
When new camera models are announced, professionals will typically switch to the new models and sell their current ones at a lower cost. And it’s great to learn photography and master your skillset on a camera that might not be your forever piece.
The heavy-hitting brands like Canon, Nikon, and Sony are all available second-hand at Cash Converters. And don’t forget, if you save on the camera body, then you have more to spend on accessories to really make your camera gear into what you want.
.
Just like smartphones, there are plenty of recent model tablets (looking at you, iPads) that go for less second-hand but are in great working order as people upgrade to the newest devices.
These handy pieces of tech are super convenient and easy to use when you’re on the move from the lecture room to your home office.
The 11-inch iPad Pro 11 produces 93kg of emissions, so just like the smartphone, it’s a great idea to rehome these pieces of tech and make them work for you.
But there’s more to tablets than just iPads. You’ll also find Samsung, Lenovo, and Microsoft at great prices.
.
If you need something more powerful than a laptop or a tablet, then a desktop or tower PC is for you. There are a few reasons why a desktop PC might be a better option for you instead of a laptop or tablet, like higher performance, the option to upgrade parts, and long-term value.
For tasks like video editing, programming, or using demanding programs like Adobe, then a PC would be ideal.
Then once you’re done studying for the day, it can double as a gaming PC. That’s a win, win. You’ll find second-hand towers, desktop PC units, and monitors that can fit your needs (and your office).
.
Drown out the background noise and stay in your own bubble during your next hyperfocus. Headphones are a daily necessity when you’re trying to concentrate, especially when you’re on a time crunch.
Whether you prefer over-ear noise cancelling headphones, or in-ear buds for when you’re on the go, you can save on this everyday essential when you buy second-hand. At Cash Converters, headphones are thoroughly tested and cleaned so you can rest assured that you’re buying quality like JBL, Apple, and Sony.
*Figures from 1 January 2025 – 31 December 2025.
