Honest opinion - equipment for history @ Uni of Sheffield

Hi, I'm looking for a straight up opinion from either single or dual honor history students in what stuff you've brought to uni before.
Are textbooks something I'd have to being or would pdf/digital files be fine? What course specific resources have you had to bring? What did you buy that was kinda pointless? What do you wish you bought sooner? Also, random, do you have any good lunchbox suggestions (I'm planning to be a commuter w/ a 1hr 30mins+ commute)
I'm looking for brutal honesty (I'm aware student reps might face pressure to paint a positive image but it's not really what I'm looking for)
Many thanks to any answers!!!

Hi,
While I am not a History student, I studied English Language & Linguistics for three years at The University of Sheffield, and am now studying an Ma in Language & Education. I can obviously appreciate that neither of these are History based, however, they are both in the same department of Arts and Humanities, based around typically academic and essay based courses. I was and still am a commuter student, so feel like I can offer some sort of insight.
I purchased one textbook throughout my whole degree and I can honestly say it was not necessary, all the textbooks you require/additional resources such as further literature will be fully accessible to you through university. You will be given an online account, which will include a log in to the online library, StarPlus (this will be your best friend)!! These list hundreds of resources and can usually be viewed online for free, or in the library. If you prefer, you can print or highlight on your own downloaded copy or go to the library to get the physical copy out. We do have more than one library, however StarPlus is great as it tells you which library it is in and how many copies are available at that time. I also recommend you using Google Scholar, which is a great resource for finding readings, specific authors or generic topics, either or.
Most people use just laptops in class and simply type up all of their notes, I however did prefer a notebook and pen, with highlighters during most of my undergrad studies. This is completely preference, but may be a nice option to have. I found having the slides up on my laptop to flick through at my own pace, as well as a notebook was handy. Equally, my course included many symbols and diagrams, which were easier to quickly draw in pen.
Other than these resources outlined, and folders to put my notes in, I did not buy much else as it simply was not needed. There are printing and photo copying facilities available in uni, so as long as you have a laptop/ipad to write up essays/notes and potentially a notepad I feel you are all set.
I have commuted the whole time I have been at university (around an hour commute) and I have tried to take my own food and drinks the whole time, to save money. There are hot water stations, water fountains and microwaves in the Students Union, which I have used loads and have made lunches far easier!! I have frequently taken pasta, rice, chicken and salad, soup, leftovers from the night before and then sandwiches on the lazy days! To cut down on buying coffees I always take in the sachets of coffee and make my own there, such as the caramel lattes, or sometimes a peppermint tea. Yoghurt and fruit (especially if it is a 9am start), or porridge made up in a takeaway flask. I find stocking up on snacks is the biggest tip, fruit, crisps, maybe even some biscuits for your coffee. Definitely take a big water bottle too, as there are water fountains in most buildings and water is the best for a thinking break!
I know this was not exactly what you were after, but hopefully it has helped you still. Let me know if you have any further questions I can assist you with
Olivia (4th year)💓

Thank you so much!!!