What to bring with you
(apart from pen and paper...)
Books
Every module will have recommended books which are available either in print or electronically. Most modules will provide pdf lecture notes, but it is also a good idea to find good books to complement the notes and provide additional exercises. Some students find it useful to bring their old A-level notes for reference.
Calculator
Calculators are not allowed in any maths exams and you will find very little use for your old calculator.
Computer/Laptop/Tablet
It is highly recommended that you bring a laptop or a desktop to university. Here are some essential activities which will require some electronic device:
- Accessing a "Moodle" page for a maths module: the Moodle page contains notes, assignments, lecture recordings, a discussion forum etc.
- Submitting written assignments (we only accept online submission as pdf)
- Coding
- Online meetings (on Microsoft Teams), for example, when you or your tutor is away from campus.
Additionally, many students take notes with their tablets, although the majority still use pen and paper. Tablets are not essential.
There are PC workstations dotted around the University, including the ground floor of Zeeman Building.
Please see the University advice on minimum spec for computers on the Welcome Pages, but largely use common sense if you have an older device. If you can happily stream Netflix films in HD, do basic word processing and open pdfs, on your current device then the chances are it is sufficient for most needs.
If you cannot an afford laptop, the department has a small number of laptops that we can loan to students. We prioritise students who face financial hardship and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. If this applies to you, please write to the Director of Undergraduate Studies.