Equipment for engineering degree
I start a civil engineering degree at the university of Sheffield on the 18th September. I was wondering what type of calculator is required for an engineering a degree and what type of laptop- so that it can run any software. Any advice would be appreciated! thank you 
Reply 1
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Original post by alex87901
I start a civil engineering degree at the university of Sheffield on the 18th September. I was wondering what type of calculator is required for an engineering a degree and what type of laptop- so that it can run any software. Any advice would be appreciated! thank you
For a calculator, you'll need a scientific one. However, check your university's rules for what's allowed, as some don't allow certain ones with programable functions as they may be used to cheat in exams.
What kind of software are you intending to run? The university will almost certainly provide you with access to a computer lab which can use for coursework, though you may want to use other software for personal use.
As above, you'll need a scientific calculator but unis may have a fixed list of approved calculator types/brands you can use - you will probably either need to either get them to review it and add a sticker or something to yours to say it's been approved, or buy one from their shop which has the uni logo on it which has been pre-approved (I've seen both cases before!).
For a laptop just get whatever suits your personal needs. You won't need to do more than basic word processing and internet based research outside of uni based computer labs/clusters. The latter will have all the specialist software you need to do your assignments, and you usually will NOT be issued a personal license for those software by your uni (and buying one yourself would be extremely expensive and largely pointless!).
For a laptop just get whatever suits your personal needs. You won't need to do more than basic word processing and internet based research outside of uni based computer labs/clusters. The latter will have all the specialist software you need to do your assignments, and you usually will NOT be issued a personal license for those software by your uni (and buying one yourself would be extremely expensive and largely pointless!).
Reply 3
Original post by alex87901
I start a civil engineering degree at the university of Sheffield on the 18th September. I was wondering what type of calculator is required for an engineering a degree and what type of laptop- so that it can run any software. Any advice would be appreciated! thank you
Ask because some give out calculators for exams so everyone has the same one.
Reply 4
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I am starting a Mech Eng degree next week. I am taking in my basic school scientific calculator for the first weeks until it is clear what is needed.
For a laptop for engineering I have read it should be windows (not Mac) if you plan to run engineering software on it. I have gone for a Dell XPS15, but there are lots of choices out there depending on your budget, personal preferences and if you want to go high end or not.
https://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-laptops-for-engineering-students
For a laptop for engineering I have read it should be windows (not Mac) if you plan to run engineering software on it. I have gone for a Dell XPS15, but there are lots of choices out there depending on your budget, personal preferences and if you want to go high end or not.
https://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-laptops-for-engineering-students
Reply 5
13
He
Here after buying my XPS 15 for my civ eng degree 5 years ago, still running strong as we speak 😎
Original post by BlackLab
I am starting a Mech Eng degree next week. I am taking in my basic school scientific calculator for the first weeks until it is clear what is needed.
For a laptop for engineering I have read it should be windows (not Mac) if you plan to run engineering software on it. I have gone for a Dell XPS15, but there are lots of choices out there depending on your budget, personal preferences and if you want to go high end or not.
https://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-laptops-for-engineering-students
For a laptop for engineering I have read it should be windows (not Mac) if you plan to run engineering software on it. I have gone for a Dell XPS15, but there are lots of choices out there depending on your budget, personal preferences and if you want to go high end or not.
https://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-laptops-for-engineering-students
Here after buying my XPS 15 for my civ eng degree 5 years ago, still running strong as we speak 😎
Reply 6
Original post by alex87901
I start a civil engineering degree at the university of Sheffield on the 18th September. I was wondering what type of calculator is required for an engineering a degree and what type of laptop- so that it can run any software. Any advice would be appreciated! thank you
Go with a standard scientific calculator (fx-casio 991 is generally good), graphics calculators and anything that can save data will be banned (university calculator rules are typically stricter then A-levels), also just bring a bunch of pens (different colours blue/black/red), id get a mechanical pencil, a highlighter, ruler.
laptop, not a big issue either way windows 10/11 or mac OS will be ok, windows will work with more software (and is generally the standard in industry for most engineers), but try and get something with decent graphics & CPU, and storage wise 256gb minimum (ideally more but can be managed with cloud storage .. which I recommend using anyway).
(edited 2 years ago)
Reply 7
Original post by alex87901
I start a civil engineering degree at the university of Sheffield on the 18th September. I was wondering what type of calculator is required for an engineering a degree and what type of laptop- so that it can run any software. Any advice would be appreciated! thank you
Hey, I just firmed uni of sheffield for civil engineering. How are you finding the course so far and what accom do you suggest?
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