What stationary to take to uni?

Do you need to take things like stationary, notepads, post it’s etc to university or is everything done online? And does it help to have notes for the subject from a levels or do you not really need that stuff? Thanks!

Reply 1

StriderHort

21

Helps to always have a decent writing pad and a pen anyway, both for notes and class/revision/test dates etc, you'll likely have class activities that require some writing as well.

Reply 2

Edge Hill University

Official Rep

13

Original post

by Anonymous

Do you need to take things like stationary, notepads, post it’s etc to university or is everything done online? And does it help to have notes for the subject from a levels or do you not really need that stuff? Thanks!

Hi there,

As others have mentioned, it will always be a good idea to bring along the basics even if you think the majority of your learning will be done online.

Having pens, notepads, flashcards etc. are especially good for revision or just general learning. It depends on how you learn and absorb information, but physically writing your notes up is a good method of recalling!

You'll thank yourself later!

Estelle 🙂
Course Enquiries Assistant

Reply 3

UniLancashire

Official Rep

16

Original post

by Anonymous

Do you need to take things like stationary, notepads, post it’s etc to university or is everything done online? And does it help to have notes for the subject from a levels or do you not really need that stuff? Thanks!

Hi there,

This varies from student to student but also course to course but I always preferred writing my notes down using pen and paper. So, I brought a notepad, various coloured pens and highlighters on my first day. I also had post it notes to quickly write things down or use as markers within my notepad.

Writing things down helped me to revise which is something you will figure out as you study. You may find a different way to make notes, everyone is different and has different ways that work for them. I know some people often make notes on their tablets or laptops too. Bringing in some basics like notepad and pens is something I would recommend during your first class and going from there.

Hope this helps,
^Zac 🙂

Reply 4

University of Bath

Official Rep

14

Hey there!

Based on my experience of doing psychology at uni...

Do bring
Decent notebooks (a couple - maybe A5 and A4).
Pens and pencils.
Physical folder - just in case you want to organise revision notes for our modules.
Laptop and/or IPad - because the majority of work and resources for most courses will be online
Poly pockets for folder.
Hole punch.

Perhaps don't need
Multiple physical folders - unless you write the great majority of your lecture notes by hand.
A-Level notes - because for most courses you are taught everything you need from scratch, and these can be cumbersome.
A-Level textbooks - all of the textbooks you need should be in your uni's library.

I hope this helps, best of luck for this year!

Holly
University of Bath
.

Reply 5

hallamstudents

Official Rep

18

Original post

by Anonymous

Do you need to take things like stationary, notepads, post it’s etc to university or is everything done online? And does it help to have notes for the subject from a levels or do you not really need that stuff? Thanks!

Hi there,

I would echo what others have said really - it's good to have the basics and then you can see what you need from there. Especially if you don't already have them and would have to buy it anyway, I would say it is a good idea to just buy it when you get to Uni as then you will know if you actually need it or not! It will just save you a little bit of money and space in your room.

Some things that I would recommend bringing:

•

A notebook

•

A couple of highlighters

•

Revision cards? If you use these and if you will have exams (but again, you can just buy them when you need them).

•

A few biros as these seem to go missing and they are always handy

Some things you don't need to bring:

•

Lots of pencils, rubbers etc

•

Staplers

•

Multiple notebooks

•

Textbooks (unless you know you need it).

With A level notes, I would say they probably aren't necessary and you can always go back home for them if you need them!

I hope some of this helps,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador 🙂

Reply 6

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

13

Original post

by Anonymous

Do you need to take things like stationary, notepads, post it’s etc to university or is everything done online? And does it help to have notes for the subject from a levels or do you not really need that stuff? Thanks!

Hi @Anonymous

This is an excellent question and impressive that you are already getting organised. I can see you have already had loads of brilliant advice from other student reps here.

I am a final year Theatre and Performance Practice student at the Uni of Salford, consequently, not all my lessons involve sitting down and making notes, as many are practical and on my feet. However, I have found that having a ringbound notebook that isn't too cumbersome is useful in case you need to take anything out to hand in, and it is easy to turn to pages.

In addition, you can never go wrong with a couple of pens, highlighters, a pencil, a rubber, and a sharpener when making notes. I tend to highlight any handouts we are given to keep, or sometimes I print out excerpts we need to study for lectures so I can highlight key passages.

I only recently bought a tablet, but I know a lot of my coursemates find having a tablet really useful because it is mobile and not too hefty to transport to and from uni and between lectures. Plus, it is quick and easy to access to make notes. Lots of my friends have a stylus for ease of use, often ticking things off as they go. However, I hasten to add that having a laptop or iPad is rarely essential for lectures.

Many universities issue an equipment list before you begin, therefore, it is worth consulting that just in case there is anything specific for your course, for example, mine suggested wearing clothing that is suitable for movement, and I don't mind exposing to wear and tear (as we have several physical lessons). This will usually be covered in your induction, too. If you would like to double-check, you can always contact your university directly or ask current students if you are attending an Open Day in the near future.

In regards to A-Level notes, you shouldn't need to bring these to your lectures, but depending on what you're going to study, it may be helpful to have a few key ones in your room if you're moving away to university, as you might find them helpful to refer to, at times. But you will usually have access or be directed to where you can find any books/articles you need for your course, so it isn't essential to have previous study notes available.

Good luck with your studies!

Lucy 😀
(Official Uni of Salford Student Rep)

Reply 7

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Yes, you'll need stationery to take notes, do rough work, and for general purposes.

That's easy enough to pick up once you arrive though so you don't really need to have it already, although if you do you can bring that with you.

Reply 8

Chester Student

12

Original post

by Anonymous

Do you need to take things like stationary, notepads, post it’s etc to university or is everything done online? And does it help to have notes for the subject from a levels or do you not really need that stuff? Thanks!

Hi there,

In my experience, taking basic stationary is all you'd need.

Keeping a few notebooks and a decently packed pencil case will definitely be useful, as you may find that in certain activities/classes you will use them a lot more than online resources. I use my laptop for the majority of my work, but use physical stationary for revision, quick notes, and keeping lists. If your course has fieldwork like mine does, having a physical notebook is essential too.

I've found that having notes from A-Levels is not needed at all, as courses will teach/re-cap the basics.

I hope this helps,

Isabella
Fourth-Year Geography (With a Year Abroad)

(edited 9 months ago)

Reply 9

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

18

Original post

by Anonymous

Do you need to take things like stationary, notepads, post it’s etc to university or is everything done online? And does it help to have notes for the subject from a levels or do you not really need that stuff? Thanks!

Hi Anon,
As other people have mentioned its a mix of handwritten vs typed work at university.
I would recommend bringing some basic stationary and notepads, as I find notepads can be good for writing down initial ideas and plans for essay.
Also, i would recommend bringing a calculator (or even scientific calculator, dependent on what your studying), as if you are doing any kind of STEM or social sciences course there can be some basic maths involved.
Also ring binders are useful to keep sheets of paper in, I find that lecturers like to give handouts in practical's and workshops so its good to have somewhere to store these.
I wouldn't recommend bringing textbooks to university, as you can borrow anything you need from the university library, which is cheaper than buying it.
Hope this helps!
-Jasmine (Lancaster Student Ambassador)

Reply 10

gjd800

20

Dismayed at the continued misspelling of 'stationery' herein.

What stationary to take to uni?

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