Archaeology equipment at university

2

I'm starting an Archaeology degree at the University of York in September. The course will include field work and I don't know what equipment I should take with me, or if they will provide me with what I need?

Reply 1

SarcAndSpark

20

Original post

by esophb

I'm starting an Archaeology degree at the University of York in September. The course will include field work and I don't know what equipment I should take with me, or if they will provide me with what I need?

They will send you an equipment list at some point, however as someone who did a degree with fieldwork, I would recommend taking some sturdy walking boots, waterproof coat and trousers and a decent rucksack as a minimum. Wellies can be useful too.

Reply 2

esophb

OP

2

Original post

by SarcAndSpark

They will send you an equipment list at some point, however as someone who did a degree with fieldwork, I would recommend taking some sturdy walking boots, waterproof coat and trousers and a decent rucksack as a minimum. Wellies can be useful too.

Thank you so much!

Reply 3

IxJ

5

Original post

by SarcAndSpark

They will send you an equipment list at some point, however as someone who did a degree with fieldwork, I would recommend taking some sturdy walking boots, waterproof coat and trousers and a decent rucksack as a minimum. Wellies can be useful too.

THIS!

Also, waterproof OVER trousers (so you can strip them off when you're done and have 100% dry layer underneath), you might want to make sure the rucksack is at least water-resistant and get a waterproof cover that fits all around it (not just on top - you're likely to be putting the rucksack down on the ground and leaving it for most of the day). Also, I can't stress walking boots enough - trainers will NOT cut it! It might be worth wearing them in a bit too, if you have the time, to make them comfy :smile:

I don't know why, but I decided to do 15 weeks of fieldwork last year, including Wales in September (wet!) so I have a pretty good idea of the 'basics' if there's anything specific you'd like to know?

All in all it is great fun (I wouldn't have done it if it wasn't), and 15 weeks is not for everyone, but anything up to 4/5 is manageable and what you learn on site in invaluable for the degree itself (suddenly all of the readings and illustrations will make sense).

Reply 4

Fujoshi

14

Original post

by esophb

I'm starting an Archaeology degree at the University of York in September. The course will include field work and I don't know what equipment I should take with me, or if they will provide me with what I need?

I'm not sure how York works but they'll probably supply most of it (personally I didn't have to buy anything outside of some better (i.e. actually waterproof) walking boots for the fieldwork module for my course - mountain warehouse have pretty good sales on boots occasionally if you need some).
Practical clothing, maybe sun cream/insect repellent (depending where you'll be working and the time of year), water bottle (possibly lunch/some snacks) and maybe a trowel. (I also took some plasters incase of minor cuts and paracetamol but then I pretty much always carry those around lol). Don't rush out to buy anything though - wait until you know what you need in terms of digging tools etc

Archaeology equipment at university

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