Is it time to start getting back to uni already? This semester, step onto campus fully prepared and stocked up with the supplies you need to settle into your student accommodation and thrive in tutorials. Whether you’re returning for another year or starting your very first chapter of tertiary study, tick off all the uni essentials for a successful semester.

Uni Essentials: On-The-Go Supplies

A series of images showing uni essentials, including a backpack being opened to show the compartments and water bottles, a travel mug and an insulated flask being set out on a desk.

Stay prepared for whatever the day has in store and keep your essentials with you whether you’ve got a big day ahead of lectures or studying in the library. You’ll be doing a lot of walking on campus (and quick dashes from lectures to tutorials) so a comfortable backpack or laptop bag is a must-have. Look for a bag with plenty of compartments so you can quickly and easily grab what you need.

Your days will be packed with classes and social events, so a portable charger will give your devices the boost they need to last all day. A diary or planner will also help you keep track of your busy schedule so you won’t miss that date with your study buddy or important catch-ups with your tutor. 

Avoid plastic water bottles piling up in your room and pack a refillable bottle to help you stay hydrated during your busy days on campus. An insulated flask or reusable coffee cup will give you a boost through the afternoon slump with a much-needed caffeine hit. Plus, some snacks never go astray.

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Uni Essentials: Top Tech and Laptops for Students

Back to uni essentials neatly arranged on a white desk against a soft blue wall. Products include a laptop and pop-up laptop stand, headphones and a hardshell tech accessories case.

When considering a device for studying, it’s important to think about what your day-to-day will look like (spoiler: it’s probably a lot of walking from tutorial to lecture hall!). If your timetable has put your lectures on the opposite ends of campus, you’re going to want a device that makes you a little lighter on your feet as you rush between classes. 

Make your study periods more productive with helpful tech like portable laptop stands, keyboards and mousepads; or invest in a clever kit that combines the three into one.

Whether you’re listening to your lectures on public transport or getting into the zone with your favourite music, a pair of noise-cancelling headphones is going to be one of your most used pieces of tech when you’re studying. They’ll come in particularly handy for drowning out any chatter in the library so you can keep distractions at bay and productivity high.

Hot Tip: Don’t learn this lesson the hard way: always backup your work. Keep a copy of your assessments and notes on a lightweight portable hard drive so you’ve got a backup with you in case of any emergencies. 

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Uni Essentials: Multi-Functional Furniture

Make your on-campus accommodation feel roomy and spacious with carefully considered furniture choices. Select a desk that offers more than just a tabletop – one with drawers for a concealed storage solution or with built-in shelves to display all your books and keepsakes.

Whether you’re living in student accommodation or resetting your study space at home, having sturdy seating is key for concentration. A comfortable and supportive chair is an essential investment to support you while you study (and pull the occasional all-nighter). Be sure to choose one with height and tilt adjustability, so you can make it just right for you. And who says practical can’t be stylish? Choose from different styles, ergonomic features and colours to suit your decor, from neutral tones to colourful hues. 

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SEE ALSO: Real Review: Logitech Casa Pop-up Desk

Uni Essentials: Desk Accessories 

A series of images showing a desk evolving from cluttered to organised, with scattered stationery tidied into organisers, creating a structured study space with decor and uni essentials neatly arranged.

Save yourself from hunting down lost notebooks by implementing a filing system from the get-go. Magazine holders make it easy to group your learning materials together by class; pop them on your desk or shelves so your notebooks, planners and books are accessible and you can grab them to go. 

Whether you’re writing study notes or in the flow of an essay, the last thing you want to do is go searching for a pen or highlighter and lose your train of thought. The solution? Always keep them at the ready with a pen cup. 

Throughout the semester, you’re bound to accumulate loose pieces of paper, from O-Week brochures to assessment rubrics. Avoid losing them by adding a document tray to your desk or shelves to keep them organised and in one spot.

Avoid getting distracted by your phone when you check the time during a study session by using a desk clock instead. That way you can put your phone away and focus but still keep an eye on the time. And if you could use extra reminders, a smart alarm clock will give you the nudge you need, whether it’s prompting you to head to your next tutorial or to take a much-needed break. Paper desk planners also help you see your day or week at a glance, and you’ll get the satisfaction of ticking things off as you conquer your to-do list.

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SEE ALSO: The Benefits of an AI Laptop for Work, Study and Play‍

Uni Essentials: Decor for Your Student Accommodation 

A cosy desk setup featuring back to uni essentials, including candles, a plant in a cute hedgehog pot, a glass teapot with tea, a notebook with a blue pen, against a soft blue wall.

Make your student accommodation your home away from home with a few cosy touches. Add some calm with scented candles or a soothing room spray to help you unwind at the end of a long day on campus. Plants and propagation stations for plant cuttings will breathe some life into your space, but if you’re without a green thumb (or a window), opt for an artificial plant. It will give a natural, earthy touch without the maintenance.

Desk lamps make for eye-catching decor and provide extra lighting when you’re studying at your desk. Studies show reading in low light can cause discomfort like eye strain and headaches, so studying in a well-lit space is an important part of creating a comfortable and efficient study space. You can even try popping in a smart light bulb to change the colours or white balance, which is especially helpful if your room doesn’t get any natural light.

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SEE ALSO: How to Choose the Right Monitor for You