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Engineering Student School Supplies 2025 - Items I've used (or seen students use) after 5 Years of School

Updated: 2 days ago

As a mechanical engineering student who’s survived five years of labs, exams, lectures, and whatever else you have to go thru in an engineering program, here’s your checklist of essential gear that helped me make it through, and can help you too!


Items List:



1. Scientific Calculator


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CASIO fx-991 ES PLUS C Calculator:

https://amzn.to/3UAjtJp (Amazon Canada)


This is the calculator I've used in the last 5 years of my engineering degree! For my university (University of Alberta), it is required students use calculators that meet the faculty's requirements (you can find a list of approved calculators here). So definitely make sure your faculty approves your calculator for exam use if needed, I had to get mine cleared for exams with a small sticker that the faculty gave to me.


Key features: storage of values and matrix math capability, a must have for solving systems in linear algebra or control problems, which come up more often than you think.


Special Tip: The faster you learn how to use the capabilities of this calculator, the more time you can save during exams!


2. Laptop (Minimum 16 GB RAM)


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The laptop I am currently using is the Acer Swift Go 16 with 16 GB RAM, this laptop's specifications alings with the University of Alberta computer guidelines. It ran MATLAB and SOLIDWORKS flawlessly, two important software applications in mechanical engineering.


I'd put the link in here, but honestly I'd rather students find their perfect match laptop FOR THEM. I'll do my best to also develop a list of best laptops for engineering students in the future!


3. iPad + Stylus


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Alternative Stylus:

https://amzn.to/4lqaVj7 (Amazon Canada)


To be honest, my iPad is perhaps the best investment I've made in my engineering degree. It's a total game changer for note taking, submitting assignments, accessing online classrooms, etc. It’s super easy to annotate course PDF notes, jot diagrams, and stay organized (also, be sure to check if your local Apple is doing any deals for university students!). However, because I spent all my budget on my iPad I had to find a cheaper alternative for the pencil, which is why I headed to Amazon for some stylus alternatives, check them out if you find yourself in a similar situation!


4. Graphics Tablet/Writing Pad for Laptop


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Wacom Intuos Graphics Drawing Tablet (Amazon Canada): https://amzn.to/4lthjpR


XP-PEN Deco 01 V3 Drawing Pad (Amazon Canada): https://amzn.to/4mFsywy


Now here's a product I've seen dozens of engineering students use throughout my years of university and one that's seemed cool everytime. Basically, students would connect these 'digital pads' to their laptops and instead of having an iPad you could use the digital pad directly with your laptop (which many prefer using over a tablet!). Sometimes called a tablet monitor or pen display great for digital note-taking when connected to your laptop. Brands like Wacom One or XP‑Pen are popular!


5. The Desk: IKEA Mechanical Desk


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Ikea Trotten Standing Desk:


Over the years I've valued ergonomics more and more (maybe I'm getting to unc status lol). But if you're an engineer, student or just a desk worker in general, I recommend this mechanical standing desk which provides a cheaper alternative to the normal electric ones while providing great table space and allowing you to stand while working (which is an awesome experience itself). Check it out at your local Ikea!



6. Monitor Upgrade


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Acer 23.8 Monitor:

https://amzn.to/4moL8cC (Amazon Canada)

Getting a monitor upgrade is a MUST, as it has helped improve my productivity across the board. I used to work off my laptop screen, only this was a big mistake. A monitor doesn’t just give you more screen space tbh, it quite literally transforms your workflow.


7. My Mouse (which literally changed how I work)


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Logitech MX Master 3S Mouse:

https://amzn.to/4mjfSvk (Amazon Canada)


Getting a monitor upgrade is a must, as it has helped improve my productivity across the board. I used to work off my laptop screen, only this was a big mistake. A monitor doesn’t just give you more screen space, it transforms your workflow.



8. The Ergonomic Gaming Chair


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My Ergonomic/Gaming Chair (Be sure to check your local IKEA for it, GRUPPSPEL. Here's the Amazon link just for you to check out):


Again a bit of a theme in these products are ergonomics. This specific ergonomic chair helps me work for longer periods at my desk, it supports me in the right areas of my body, helping me stay productive and work for longer. It also leans back quite a bit just when I wanna chill too.


9. My Desk Mat and Keyboard Setup


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SOJITAS Desk Mat:

https://amzn.to/3Jlu9sW (Amazon Canada)

Desk Mat Similar Alternative:


This brown mouse pad upgraded my desk, making it feel like a personal space that is comfortable and easy to get work done on. Definitely one of my favourite desk aesthetic upgrades :D


10. My Laptop Stand


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Laptop Stand: https://amzn.to/3JBICB2 (Amazon Canada)

Laptop Stand Alternative: https://amzn.to/3SqMcPG (Amazon USA)


This simple laptop stand has made using a mouse and an external keyboard feel natural. It basically made my laptop feel like a desk monitor when I connected my keyboard and mouse to it, which is something I've always wanted! Literally a budget friendly way to make your desk feel more 'official' I guess.


11. Cube Timer


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Cube Timer:

https://amzn.to/45zDdll (Amazon Canada)


Time management is everything when you’re an engineering student; you will be juggling classes, clubs, meetings, etc. This cube timer is just the asset I need for quick, visual countdowns. Especially helpful when I’m deep in work and forget I have a meeting in 10 minutes.


12. My Desk Caliper


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Caliper:

https://amzn.to/4fH3xig (Amazon Canada)


For Mechanical, civil or any physical discipline in engineering students, having a caliper or measuring tool at arm’s reach is a must have!


13. The Mic Setup


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HyperX SoloCast Mic:

https://amzn.to/4mMKMfA (Amazon Canada)


HyperX SoloCast Mic Stand:

https://amzn.to/4mNTESd (Amazon Canada)


This HyperX mic setup is a step up from the default laptop mic. If you're presenting, recording, or even hopping on a call with classmates, your sound quality will be a blessing to all ears listening.


14. My Desk Speaker


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This speaker lives on my desk, I mainly use it for music and other audio tasks, and it sounds amazing. It’s not portable, but it can calibrate the audio it projects based on the room, making the audio experience epic.


  1. Safety Glasses

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Safety Glasses:

https://amzn.to/3Uzhq8t (Amazon USA, Option 1)

https://amzn.to/45ms88z (Amazon USA, Option 2: Pack)

https://amzn.to/4mr39qO (Amazon Canada, Option 3)


Safety glasses are almost always mandatory for engineering labs, especially in mechanical engineering where we have to go into the shop. Be sure to ensure if these glasses listed comply with what your engineering program requires for specs!



  1. SONY XM5


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Sony XM5 (Headphones):

https://amzn.to/45kJxOU (Amazon Canada)


By far my favourite headphones I use! Engineers and students work a lot and need a way to keep away the distractions. The Sony XM5 headphones are just perfect for that occasion, the noise cancelling feature is excellent at keeping away distractions and keeping you focused on your work.


Looking for gift ideas for yourself or another engineer? I’ve got a full video on that here: Top 10 Gifts for Engineering Students


Looking for the best mouse for engineers? Check out this video for more information!



Have more specific questions about engineering school? I'm offering 1 on 1 Engineering Student Coaching to help those all around the globe through their degrees, but this is really only for those who are serious about their degrees and careers in engineering. You can book an appointment with me here:



Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for the support everyone, I listed only a couple items we use for equipment, but feel free to ask any questions in the comments if you have any about everything else we may have used and I'll do my best to help.

 
 
 

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