Tools for graphic design?

Hi guys, new to this and this is the current situation i am facing

I start graphics design at southampton solent university in september and i've got the basics such as, Laptop, Sketch books, Pens + pencils / various drawing tools etc etc. However i have myself an Ipad which i used for my university interviews as a small sub portfolio but i am considering selling this in order to buy a graphics tablet (wacom) as i am a bit strapped for cash but i just would like to know what any of you other graphics design students prefer to have and how useful really is an Ipad on a graphics design course? Do you guys use it to store work or to sketch on etc etc?

Any feedback on this topic would be greatly appreciated and thanks for taking the time to have a look!