Starting University? Here's a List of Must Haves
- Nesa.Meemees
- Feb 3, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 7, 2020
University is starting soon in a couple of weeks, everyone's buzzing and excited about Orientation week or simply, O - Week! However, you have no clue what you need for Uni. Well, we feel the same so we've compiled a list of the best stationery and resources you need to take to University. Think of it as a sort of checklist! Obviously, if you don't need some things, you don't need to get it.
For classes
1. Laptop
If you prefer to type your notes, you can take a laptop with you to lectures. This will make it easier to jot down everything the lecturer is saying.
However, if you take your laptop, you must always be careful, save your work, and make sure you focus on the class, not playing games!!
Don't forget your laptop charger!!! The worst thing is in the middle of a class and your laptop dies, meaning you lose all your hard work!
2. Notebooks
If you prefer to handwrite, make sure you take a sturdy and good notebook or loose sheets you can file.
Notebooks are useful in places such as labs where chemicals or equipment may damage your laptop.
You can also keep notebooks at home, so after a lecture, you can rewrite any notes into an organised form, with only the important information
3. Pens and Pencils
This one may seem obvious, but you really don't want to be that person asking another broke uni student if you can borrow their last pen and then being refused. Just bring your own!
Take a pencil case, just like high school, with everything you need. Depending on what you are studying, you may be required to bring things such as a calculator or art tools to tutorials, lectures and practicals.
Chuck a few in your bag that you take with you, so you always have a spare. Don't forget a rubber or whiteout!
4. Diary
A yearly diary is imperative when studying. You can write down when you have homework due, or if you need to meet someone, or if you have an appointment.
Yes, your phone or laptop calendar may be good, but if they don't work, or you don't have it with you, a diary is your second best option.
Places like Officeworks or Kikki K have good ones, that will last the whole year.
Make sure your diary has a slot for every day and a calendar in case you need to highlight important dates.
5. Bag / Handbag
Make sure you take a backpack, or a strong handbag to carry your books and bits and pieces you may need.
Splurge a bit on a good bag, which will last you many, many years, so you don't have to keep buying new ones cause the handle broke. Dedicate this bag as your University bag.
Don't be afraid to carry a backpack, it may seem "uncool", but it's a lot more comfortable and you most likely will be able to fit more.
6. Water/ Food / Medication
If you have two-hour lectures, you best believe you'll start to zone out at some point. You may get peckish, so bring along a water bottle and some snacks.
Campus food may be quite expensive, and if you tend to spend a lot of time on campus, you will end up spending a lot of money.
If you have any health problems, take your medication. The last thing you want happening if you falling sick, and not having any medication with you. Even if it's panadol for headaches, it's best to chuck some into the bag as you never know when you'll need it.
*Always consult your doctor before taking any medication. This information is simply general advice.
7. Phone, keys, wallet, money
This is just the general daily things you may need.
Make sure your phone is fully charged, in case you need to call someone or get help. Bring a charger in case.
Bring some extra cash in case you need to eat something in between classes.
Don't forget the keys to your house or your car. Securely place them in your bag.
If you like a coffee or a drink from a cafe, bring your own reusable cup, or better yet, make it at home and bring it, to save money!
Study Stationery
1. Pens (all colours), Pencils (all colours), Highlighters
Same as mentioned above
Make sure you have a range of coloured pens such as blue, black, red, green in case you need to make extra markings on your page.
Coloured pencils come in handy when drawing diagrams or linking things, to make everything easier. This is especially useful for science degrees where diagrams are a big thing.
Highlighters help to make key points stand out in your notes or textbooks. Opt for bright and light colours, such as yellow, pink, orange, green, ones which won't make it harder for you to read. You can usually find a cheap pack of highlighters at places such as target, Woolworths or if you want fancier (and slightly expensive) ones, Typo, Kikki K have some good range of them.
2. Binders or folders
Whether you're a binder person or a folder person, having a few of these for each unit you take will help in the organisation of your notes, files, important documents and just general life organisation.
Take a folder with you to class to put any loose sheets in and when you get home, file that into your binder, so your folder is empty, and your notes are all in one place.
3. Stapler
This is important especially if you're someone who likes to handwrite things on loose sheets of paper, or you are in a practical lesson or borrowing paper off someone. You don't want to end up losing all your sheets.
Buy a mini stapler and staples from places like Target, or Big W.
4. Post-it notes / paperclips / sticky tape
Have a few of these in your study space area can make it easier to put paper together, or just to make notes in books such as making a side note when reading in your textbook.
These are pretty cheap and can be found anywhere that sells stationery.
5. Whiteboard
This one's not super necessary but it's definitely super helpful. Get a small whiteboard which you can put on your desk to write down notes and reminders.
You can put down any assignments that are due, or any upcoming events or deadlines, reminder, anything.
Officeworks is a good place to get one, they have a range of sizes you can choose from.
General Things
1. Label Maker
This can help when naming folders, or draws so it's easier to find things.
Or you can just have fun with it and label whatever, like the cat, or the fan, or the door!
2. Desktop organisers
You may need to put some holders on your desk to store books or notes in. It neatly places them on your desk so you can find what you are looking for!
Make them as pretty or bland as you want.
These organisers can include trays, drawers and magazine holders which are easy to sort through. Also, pencil holders so you can have your main pens and highlighters within easy access.
We hope this list can help you in finding something to organise yourself when going to uni. It helps with anyone still in school, or working.
Obviously, this list is not complete, as there are many other things out there that you may need to suit your own needs. You don't have to buy anything you don't want to. If you have any more suggestions as to what to take, leave it in a comment below!
*When buying textbooks, wait until the first week where the lecturer tells you if you need them or not, so you aren't wasting money. And try and buy second-hand ones!
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