What books, stationery and equipment do you need for college?

If you’re looking to start college or sixth form this year, you may be wondering what books, equipment and materials do I need? Here’s a list of items to help you succeed in your studies.

Starting college or sixth form can be both exciting and overwhelming.

Among the many things students need to consider is what books, stationery and equipment they need for their studies. To help make that process easier, we’ve compiled a list of essential items every student needs below.

Capital City College Group (CCCG) has hundreds of books, periodicals and resources at its college Learning Resource Centres and also pays online subscriptions to help students with their assignments. The Group also offers bursaries to support them with costs to support their studies.

Pens and pencils

These basic writing tools are a must-have for any college student. A pack of pens and pencils should suffice, but it’s always a good idea to have some spares on hand.

Highlighters and sticky notes

Highlighters and sticky notes are great for emphasising important information in textbooks and notes. They come in a range of colours and are an effective tool for studying and revision.

Notebooks and paper

Notebooks and paper are essential for taking notes during lectures. It’s a good idea to have a dedicated notebook for each subject, to help keep your notes organised and easily accessible.

Binders and folders

Binders and folders are useful for keeping your notes and handouts organised. They also make it easier to find the information you need when studying for exams.

Laptop or tablet

Having a laptop or tablet can be incredibly useful for taking notes during lectures, accessing online resources and completing assignments. It’s worth investing in a quality device that can handle the demands of college life.

Calculator

Depending on your course, a calculator may be a necessary tool. All laptops and mobile phones have scientific calculator applications, so there’s no need to buy a separate calculator.

Books and course materials

Most courses require students to purchase books and other course materials. Find out what you will need in advance to give you a head start and an understanding of what you will learn on your course.

Backpack or bag

A sturdy backpack or bag is essential for carrying all of your books and equipment around college. Look for one with multiple compartments, so you can keep your belongings organised.

Stationery organiser

Keeping all your pens, pencils, highlighters, and other stationery organised can be a challenge. Consider investing in a stationery organiser to help keep everything in one place.

Personal planner

Managing your time effectively is crucial to success in college. A personal planner can help you keep track of assignments, deadlines and other important events.

These are just some of the items that students need for college. By being prepared and having the right equipment, you can ensure you’re well-equipped to handle the demands of college life.

Find out more about College Life with CCCG here.

CONEL students ‘build confidence’ in literacy with Reading Ahead challenge

More than 160 college students, including many whose first language is not English, have successfully achieved this year’s Reading Ahead challenge.

Certificates were presented to students of the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London (CONEL) who completed the challenge set by the Reading Agency to read and review six books.

The Reading Ahead challenge is run through colleges, learning providers, libraries, workplaces and prisons, and reaches around 30,000 people each year. It’s run by the Reading Agency, a national charity that promotes the benefits of reading to children and adults.

Most of the students who took part are studying English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) courses, while others have been improving their literacy skills on Functional Skills in English courses.

All students who participated were entered into a prize draw to win one of five £25 Tesco vouchers, which were won by Gul Akarcorten, Zaid Emueru, Valentina Vasquez Soto, Gunel Yukselir and Lisa Zangari.

Assistant Principal Hilary Moore presented certificates and prizes to the students at the college’s Learning Resource Centre, whose staff organise the programme each year at CONEL.

Pavla Jonasova, Curriculum Manager for ESOL, said: “Reading Ahead is a great initiative to encourage ESOL learners to read. Many read with their children, and some develop a real passion for reading.

“Our students read a variety of books and sometimes listen to a CD that accompanies the books, so they can hear the correct pronunciation as well as developing their vocabulary and spelling.  Reading is also very good for mental health and students’ wellbeing as it builds their confidence. 

“Each year we encourage all our students to participate and each year we see an increase in the number of students who complete it”.

If English is not your first language, our ESOL courses are ideal for you. We’ll help you learn how to read, write and speak English to improve your education or help you get a job. Apply here.

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