If you're new to hardware security research, buying a separate tool for every protocol (one for RFID, one for Sub-GHz, one for NFC) is both expensive and impractical. Security research multi-tools are built to solve exactly this problem.
What does this device do?
A good multi-tool combines Sub-GHz signal support (like garage and parking gate remotes), RFID/NFC card reading and analysis, and GPIO pins for connecting to other electronic circuits, all in one pocket-sized device.
Why is it good for students?
Instead of buying separate, expensive equipment for every experiment, a student can use one device to try a wide range of wireless and hardware protocols in the lab — a great starting point for anyone wanting to discover which area (RFID? Sub-GHz?) interests them most.
The legal line
It may only be used on equipment you own, or with formal authorization.
If you want an all-in-one tool to start hardware security research, a security research multi-tool is available to order from my site's hardware store.
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