Hey MoMUians - especially to those of you about to embark on your journey of a lifetime, here are the bare essentials you need for uni!
1 - A bag.. but what kind
An ideal bag would be something not too bulky, especially if you're one of those who squeeze in a packed tram to get to uni! Totes and regular backpacks (not the padded laptop kinds) should be a good choice. Something big and strong enough to fit your laptop! Also nothing too expensive (personal choice) as table corners, whiteboard dusters, random spills and dirt aren't the most forgiving toward your gorgeous MK tote :(
2 - Laptop/ tablet
With the LMS and everything online, bringing your laptop is a big DUH! Unless your laptop is pretty heavy and you don't have an iPad, relying on uni computers isn't the BEST idea especially during peak study periods as sessions go up to >3 hours. If you absolutely must though, you can reserve one of them on BookIt. If your laptop is notorious for dying prematurely at 40%, lugging your charger may be worth it as power ports are pretty much scattered all over campus.
3 - Non- crunchy snacks
If you're someone whose tummy is almost always rumbling, leave a few snacks you can chew on in your bag. Mints/ gum help to keep you from falling asleep in boring lectures and granola bars are an excellent study snack for the library. (Odourless foods should be allowed in the library and lecture halls). Just remember to stay away from chips, crackers and hot food when in the library to avoid turning heads and the occasional death stare.
4 - Umbrella/ raincoat
Melbourne is known for its four-seasons-in-a-day kind of weather, so its best to come prepared. Especially when you're rushing from the Spot to the main campus for back-to-back tutorials, drenched hair and socks is not really an option. Missed lectures and tutorials to wait out a heavy downpour- been there, done that. Narrator: It was not worth it.
5 - A (empty) water bottle
Don't bother filling your bottles up and having to carry 600ml to uni. Water fountains are located conveniently throughout campus so you never have to worry about having to ration out your last 100ml for the next 2 hours. If you're not even a water bottle person, skip this one and just quench your thirst straight from the taps on the fountains.
6 - Student card
If you don't have a printer at home, you can log in to Unicard, UniMelb's online printing website with your credentials, upload your documents there and print from any uni printer with the tap of your student card. Just remember to top up your card from one of the machines or online. Your student card also renders you swipe access to after-hour zones in the libraries - Baillieu for a more laid-back atmosphere, Law Library’s near dead-silence if you thrive on others’ focus and stress to keep yourself from slacking and Giblin Eunson for super comfortable seats and a darker setting.
7 - Miscellaneous stuff
Notebooks, pens and highlighters for the visual learners. While OneNote is becoming the conventional way to take notes, most swear by old-school writing and drawing diagrams to better engage the mind and enhance information retention. If mind maps are your thing, MindNode5 is a great app to do them on. And don’t forget your USB cable to charge your phone when the battery's running low - P.S. Your friends will love you for this.
Feel free to bring whatever else you want to of course, and have a great first few weeks at uni!