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The IT guide
This guide covers the essentials to help you study smarter, stay organised, and make the most of your IT course.
Technology is behind some of the most exciting careers out there, and everyone starts somewhere. Whether you're just getting into coding or already dreaming up your next big idea, we've got plenty of tips, kit, and advice to help you level up your skills and see where tech could take you.
What to look out for
Essentials
To get you started, you’ll want to put these non-negotiables to the top of your list. We’ve included all the essentials you’ll need from your first day until your final year, and the best bit is they won’t cost the earth.
Laptop
A laptop is likely to be the bit of kit you'll use most throughout your course. It'll be the workhorse behind every assignment you send. Choosing a reliable model with enough power for your busy schedule can make day-to-day tasks run much more smoothly, leaving you free to focus on the work rather than waiting for your laptop to catch up.
External storage and backup
An external hard drive gives you a safe place to back up important files. It’s a simple way to keep your work protected and avoid that dreaded moment when something goes missing just before a deadline.
Code editors and IDEs
Coding software – sometimes called integrated development environments or IDEs for short – are at the heart of most IT courses. They give you the tools to troubleshoot your work. Programmes like Visual Studio Code and IntelliJ IDEA support a range of programming languages, making it easier to build projects and sharpen your skills as you learn. It’s worth finding out what your uni recommends – some even have partnerships that let you get essential software for free.
Nice to have
Got the essentials sorted and found yourself with some cash leftover? Here are some handy extras to help you make the most of your budget and power through your studies.
Second monitor
A 2-screen setup can make a huge difference when you're working on code. The extra space lets you have different apps in front of you at the same time, making it easier to switch between tasks without constantly flicking back and forth.
Noise cancelling headphones
Noise cancelling headphones are a great way to stay focused when you're working in busy spaces. They help cut out distractions when you're building databases in the library or joining an online lecture so you can concentrate on the task in front of you.
External keyboard
A separate keyboard can make long coding sessions much more comfortable than working on a laptop all day. It can help improve speed and accuracy, and makes those late-night project sessions a little easier on your hands and wrists.
Laptop stand
A laptop stand is a simple way to make your setup more comfortable by raising the screen to a better viewing height and helping improve your posture during longer study sessions. It can also boost airflow around your laptop, which is handy when you're running demanding software or working on bigger projects.
Productivity tips for IT courses
IT and computing courses are all about solving problems. When deadlines loom, staying organised can make a big difference. These simple tips can help you keep on top of your workload and spend more time creating, rather than stressing.
Break down tasks
Large projects can feel a lot less overwhelming when you break them down into smaller, manageable steps. It makes bigger assignments easier to tackle, helps you stay organised, and stops that last-minute panic when deadlines start creeping up.
Keep code organised
Keeping your files organised from the start can save a lot of headaches later on. Using clear folder names and adding comments to your code makes it much easier to retrace your steps and spot any issues when it comes time to test, debug, or revise your work.
Manage time and distractions
Techniques like the Pomodoro method that breaks up your work into manageable 25-minute chunks with 5-minite breaks in between can help you stay focused without burning out. It’s also worth muting notifications while you’re studying, so you can give tasks your full attention.
Practice coding regularly
Reading through code is useful, but the real learning happens when you start typing it yourself. Even a short practice session each day can help you build confidence and make new concepts stick much more easily when it comes to coursework and projects.
Get inspired by real careers
Seeing how IT skills are used in real careers can make what you're learning feel much more relevant, and hearing from professionals who've already started their journey is a great way to discover the different paths open to you after your course.
Meet Emily, Business Analysis Lead at AO
When I went off to university to study a BSc in Information Systems, I was convinced I was destined for a career in tech. I'd always enjoyed spending time on a computer, so it felt like the obvious path.
It didn't take long to realise that enjoying computers and enjoying coding aren't quite the same thing. While some of my course mates were busy building applications, I was figuring out that writing code wasn't where my strengths lay.
Everything changed when I was introduced to Business Analysis. It brought together the parts I actually enjoyed: working with people, understanding problems, and helping find practical solutions. It showed me that there's more than one path into tech, and not all of them involve coding.
That discovery led me to a Trainee Business Analyst role at Debenhams in London. While the role itself was a great fit, London life wasn't for me. After spending some time moving around the North West, I eventually found my way to AO.
Ten years later, I'm still here. I've progressed from Business Analyst to leading the BA function across the AO Group. My role has evolved a lot over the years, but I still rely on many of the same skills and ways of thinking that I first developed at university. It might not have been the career path I originally planned, but it turned out to be exactly the right one.
What I’ve learned is that you don’t need to have everything figured out from day one. University is just as much about discovering what isn’t right for you as it is about finding what is, and that’s every bit as valuable.
If you’re curious, enjoy learning new things, and like solving problems, there are plenty of different paths into tech. You might not end up where you expected, but that’s often where the best opportunities are found.
Emily's tips
Do something you genuinely enjoy
You'll spend a lot of time studying and eventually working in your chosen field, so it's worth picking something that genuinely interests you rather than what you think you should do. When you're passionate about a subject, staying motivated is much easier, especially when the workload starts to ramp up.
Do your research
Not every role in tech involves coding. From Business Analysis and Product Management to UX and Project Management, there’s a huge range of careers that help bring technology to life. Take the time to explore what’s out there, as you might discover a path that suits your strengths and interests better than you expected.
Be open to changing direction
It's okay if your original plan changes along the way. I started my degree thinking I'd become a developer but ended up discovering a completely different career path that suited me much better. Sometimes the best opportunities are the ones you never saw coming, so keep an open mind and be willing to explore where your interests take you.
Focus on people skills as well as technician skills
Technology is ultimately about solving problems for people. Communication, collaboration and the ability to build relationships have been just as valuable in my career as anything I learned about technology.
