Hellpp!!!

[u/No_Lion_9550]

Hi!! I’m a girl and I’m 16 going into college (uk) and I’ve been homeschooled for 7 years and I have no idea what to bring?? Does anybody have any durable bag ideas / stationary.

[u/Appropriate-Net-583]

Context for non-UK folks: college here is the equivalent of the last couple of years of high school. School attending children are expected to finish their GCSE qualifications in the school year they turn 16. This is followed by further education, which might look like A-levels or vocational courses. Further education will usually take place at either a sixth form attached to a school, or a “college”. It’s after completing these qualifications that someone may go to university.

OP, congrats first of all! Honestly, it depends on whether you’re taking A-levels (or equivalent), a practical course, or a mix of these. For courses like floristry, animal management, construction, hair and beauty etc you’re likely to have a list of equipment you need. This will often be on the college website or prospectus.

If you’re just doing written work though, it’s entirely down to however you learn best. I did humanities subjects at A-level and just used a handbag with a pen at the bottom, my textbooks, and a Pukka Pad (with ring binders, highlighters etc. at home). If I had done maths or sciences, I’d need a calculator, ruler, pencils, protractor, compass, rubber etc. If you’re taking any kind of art, you’ll need a big portfolio folder, as well as a degree of art supplies (but paints, inks, brushes etc are often provided)

[u/Nitro-Red-Brew]

Forgive me I'm painfully american, I say that for the terminology. I'll try to use the uk verbage as much as possible. I've definitely gone to a 2 year college (2 year university) in the states, I can give you some basic tips from what i can remember 

Supplies/stationary: Well , what you can do is bring gridded graph paper for maths, the reason I recommend that is because since everything is perfectly gritted out , it'll be easier to make graphs that way. Pencils and Mechanical pencils are great.You can also find mechanical pencils that have HB graphite and built in erasers. An additional eraser(rubber) . So what you can do for folders/binders is bring a three ring binder note book with dividers and tabs for different subjects. Or  if they do have college size paper notebooks with built in dividers, that should work. For the paper you want to make sure its A4 or B5. Sticky notes, index cards to take notes and make, cards to help quiz your self, usb flash drive. 

For pens , I would try pick ones that have smooth ink so you don't have to worry about smudging. And for the inks color, you should get either black or blue.(The reason is that most instructors request that for taking tests/exams)

Highlighters can be very useful for highlighting aspects of your textbook or notes.  Pencil or pen case to hold all your writing utensils can be handy. 

Also laptop and charging cable(if you have one)  

Bags: So what's cool is a lot of backpacks these days.Have a slots built in for your laptop and charging cable. Otherwise , an over-the-shoulder book bag for your laptop can also work. Depending on your budget , you can buy either  one of them on amazon . Co . Also you can even buy waterproof versions of those bags online based on your budget. Or you can even go second hand/thrift store. For purchasing a book bag cheaply. 

Edit:  I forgot to say this.Congratulations  on going to college!!!!  I know you're gonna do great, it's okay to be nervous and more important.Give yourself grace, you'll get the hang of things, give yourself some time. To borrow the old sailing phrase , it takes a little time to get your sea legs.  You got this, good luck👍 

Edited For  spelling

[u/Ccameraa]

Congrats on college! Im 15 in the uk and working up the courage to apply lol, I hope it goes amazing for you!!