Wish list advice for new students - Don't buy a laptop!

Every year at Open Days and then later again at the start of the academic year, I get asked “what should I buy for Uni”.  The answer I am supposed to give, I suspect, is a fast laptop and a smart phone.  Both probably made by Apple.  However what I actually say is more complicated and in some ways cheaper.  There are a number of things that can support a student’s studies and prepare them for the world of work.  Since I predominately deal with Creative Media Practice students some items are more specific to that direction of study.  But a number are true whatever the course.

USBstick.  We require students to buy a good branded USBstick with at least 4gb of storage.  Use this to store and carry your files.  You can load free software to help you in your studies.  I installing a copy of Firefox with extensions for Delicious and Evernote.  (Xmarks will sync your brower and bookmarks between machines.  This way you can have the ‘same’ browser set up any Mac while using your USB portable version of Firefox and your home machine.)  Google Docs is free and will provide word processing etc.  For PC users AccessApps is an easy and useful collection of portable studying apps bundled together.  For Macs I suggest that you install these apps on your USBstick - Firefox, production app Celtx, audio editing app Audacity and VLC media player.

Headphones.  We require all students doing Creative Media Practice to invest in a pair of good headphones.  Not earbuds!  Good headphones are ones that cover the ear completely and are relatively ‘neutral’ in their sound.  Those ‘mega-bass-tear-the-roof-off-the-sucker’ headphones will give a false impression of your audio work.  Remember that most computers etc will have ‘mini jack’ sockets.  So you might need an adapter.

A hard drive.  We require our students to get drives in the first semester. If you are doing media production you will be dealing with a number of large files (video).  Having your own storage means that you are free to use any machine with editing software.  This is very practical.  Since we use Macs and edit on Final Cut that means that they have to be FIREWIRE drives.  If you get a ‘bus powered’ drive it will draw it’s power from the host machine via the Firewire lead.  That means need for mains leads and plugs.  This will raise the cost of the drive.

Touch typing.  I always suggest that learning to touch type is a great investment.  The humble keyboard is still here and will be for at least the next 3 years.

Broadband.  You will need to ensure that you have easy broadband access.  It’s not a course requirement to have broadband where you live, but it will make a huge difference.  A lot of materials are made available online.

PC or Mac.  You will need a basic/old model.  It only needs to run a recent browser and be able to word process.  At BSU we provide open access to high spec machines for editing etc.  I always advise against laptops for media production.  Yes, you can edit on them.  And it’s dead cool.  But the screen space, the audio set up and the compromised chip speed mean that a modest desktop machine is better for production critical work.  There are also the weight, cost and insurance issues to consider.  Use Uni machines until you are about to leave - then think about what you’ll need after Uni.

Digital camera.  This is very useful in a number of ways - nowadays most new mobiles come with a camera function that is perfectly suitable, practical and easily portable.  Make sure you have the lead to connect it to the computer.

Books.  It’s worth buying a selection of books for each of the modules you study.  Choose carefully and build up a small library that you can use over the 3 years.  Buying books online, and sometimes second hand, can make them great value.  We have all the books listed as recommended in the module handbooks in the library.  So you can check them out before you buy.

Back up service.  It’s possible to subscribe to a back up service so that your files are duplicated and stored online.  That way if you lose, delete, have a computer malfunction or theft, you can retrieve your work.  The services are not expensive for the amount of peace of mind they provide.

There are other items that you might like to think about in the longer term. 

• Yes, it might be great to have your own video camera.  Being able to shoot all the time is a real advantage and excellent practice.  Concentrate on what you need rather than what you’d like.
   
• A top spec desktop machine with a large screen and production software would allow you to easy access for post production practice and course work.  Approach with care!  As a student you can get discounts on hardware and software.
   
• Driving lessons! As a media student being able to drive is very useful when you are trying to get into the business.  A Runner who has a clean license is in a better position to get work than one without.

Oh yes and don't forget to enjoy your course at University!