The first time you head to campus, you might not know what put in your bag. It’s important to not bring everything but the kitchen sink as you’ll have to carry your bag around with you for the day. That being said, you will want your essentials on you. Here’s what to bring to a university lecture.
Laptop and charger
The first one will not come as a surprise. Your laptop and charger will be the first thing in your bag. Don’t forget the charger; it’s the worst feeling when you’re halfway through a lecture and your laptop dies. The lecturer normally publishes the lecture slides the day before. I recommend going through the slides beforehand, writing up the notes so that during the lecture you can focus on adding the detail your lecturer provides.
Student ID
It’s good practice to keep your student ID in your university bag. Some buildings and areas of campus, like the library, will require you to swipe your ID card in order to enter. If you go to a university in central London, such as KCL, you will need your ID card to access basically every university building. You don’t want to be caught out!
Snack
For the extra long lectures, you might want to bring a snack. There’s usually a small break during long lectures, and if your stomach is rumbling a cereal bar will come in clutch. Snacks from cafés on campus are usually expensive, so snacks bought in bulk from the supermarket will be your best friend.
Reusable coffee cup
In a similar vein, a reusable coffee cup is always in my university bag. Whether you want to make a coffee at home and bring it to campus, or bring it empty so you can order from a café, they are pretty useful and eco-friendly. Cafés such as Pret actually offer discounts for those who bring their own cup, so you’ll be saving money too.
Water
Another fairly obvious essential is a water bottle. Lectures can be long, you’ll probably have a cold, and you’ll invariably get thirsty. Save yourself some money and bring a reusable bottle.
Purse
Whilst we are trying to save money, you’ll want your purse with you. If your friends are planning on heading into town to get a drink afterwards, you won’t want to head home first to get your purse and ID. Plan ahead and try to keep it in your bag.
Pen and paper
Sometimes, during lectures and seminars, the professor might want you to do some group work. Having paper and a pen on you at all times means that you’re never caught off-guard. Also, you might be asked to sign a physical register, so a pen is a necessity.
Umbrella
We live in England and the weather is unpredictable. A small fold-up umbrella will be your best friend. It’s deeply unpleasant turning up to a lecture soaked through, you’ll be glad of an umbrella.
Planner
And finally, your last essential is a planner. Whether that’s a planner you’ve set up online or a physical planner, you’ll always be given lots of work and reading to get through. In order to stay on top of it all, your planner will help you to stay organised.
As you get into the groove of heading to lectures, you’ll have a better understanding of what you will want in your uni bag. There’s more to lectures than what’s in your bag. Learn how to take the best lecture notes here!
Hi, I’m Rachel! I’m a French and International Relations student at the University of Exeter. When I’m not studying, I’m usually reading a good fiction book or listening to pop culture podcasts! Or, you’ll find me reading the guests’ essays from the New York Times.
