We recognise that it is important to feel ready for starting a university course, please see below some information about resources and equipment you might want to purchase to help you to prepare for and study on your course effectively.
Lighter reading/listening – while we don’t recommend diving into textbooks before you arrive it can be useful to do something in your subject area to keep your interest (and brain) working over summer. Read our list of popular science material for ideas of things that might be interesting to you. This is an optional activity.
See a list of popular science material
Laboratory coats and safety glasses – If you are studying Biology, Cancer Sciences or Chemistry then you will have wet lab classes for which you will need a lab coat and safety glasses and we provide you with a set of these free of charge during your first weeks at the 海角黑料. You should not bring your own.
Textbooks – Textbooks are recommended at a modular level for natural sciences, and we advise students to wait until after they arrive to decide whether to purchase books or not. All recommended textbooks for modules are available from the libraries and many are available digitally, so you don’t need to worry about not being able to access information. If you do want to have a look at what the recommended texts are in advance, please see the list below.
Recommended textbooks
Calculators – Students on streams involving maths, physics, chemistry and biology will need a simple scientific calculator (which may be programmable) with logarithmic and trigonometric functions. The calculator you have used at school is usually sufficient but if you need to purchase one make sure it is a silent, self-contained calculator with single or dual-line display (to meet the restrictions for exams).
Molecular models – Students on streams involving chemistry may find these helpful to visualize the structure of molecules (we do have a couple of sets in the common room that you can use). These are not compulsory but if you want to purchase a set and these are available online for around £20.
Laptop/Computer - Computers are available on-campus in computer rooms but we recommend bringing your own laptop to university, if possible, to make things more flexible for you when studying. If you’re considering buying a laptop for your studies we recommend buying a device which runs Windows (as other systems are less compatible with software you will need to use).
Recommended minimum specification for Windows
- Intel Core i5 OR AMD Ryzen 5 processor
- 16GB RAM
- 512GB
- Windows 11
If you are unable to afford a device there are short term laptop loans available that may help you through busy periods.
Tablet and stylus – We advise against purchasing Chromebooks, iPads or tablets as your main device as they are unable to run the software you need. But some students like to use tablet for notetaking in graphical subjects such as chemistry, maths and physics. These are not compulsory. If you prefer to make electronic notes and do not own a stylus and tablet, a good, affordable option is the Wacom One, which retails for around £60. This USB device is a tablet and stylus that plugs into your existing computer so you can write and draw.
Stationery – If you are someone who prefers to make and keep notes analogue then you may want to consider how you are going to do this in advance and stock up on some of the items you might need to do this such as folders, notepads, index cards, post its, drawing pins, white tack, pens, pencils and highlighters. It is a good idea to get an academic year wall planner to help you to keep track of any deadlines and events across the year and keep yourself organised.