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The maths guide
Kickstart your Maths, Finance, Accounting, Economics, or Engineering course.
You’re in. Now let’s smash it. We’ve got everything you need to succeed — essentials, nice-to-haves, and career tips from our expert team.
What to look out for
Essentials
From day one to the final stretch, the right kit helps you keep up with even the most demanding course. And it doesn’t need to break the bank. Here are the must-haves.
Laptop
Top of the list is a reliable laptop for lecture notes, late-night research, and working wherever you can focus.
We’ve chosen a model that’s got fast performance, rapid load times, and a numeric keypad, so it’ll easily keep the pace with calculations and complex spreadsheets.
Microsoft 365 Home and Student
Whatever you’re studying, Microsoft 365 Home and Student is a must. It works on Windows 10 onwards and macOS, and comes with all the essentials — Word, Excel, and PowerPoint — so you’re ready for any assignment.
Lots of unis offer it for free, so it’s worth checking before you buy.
Maths stationary
A scientific calculator and geometry set will help you power through calculations and diagrams. You’ll thank us when exam season hits!
Anti-virus software
Protect your work with reliable antivirus software. We recommend trusted options, like McAfee or Norton, for complete peace of mind. They’ll keep your devices safe and running smoothly.
Nice to have
Now you’ve got the essentials sorted, here are a few extras that’ll give you an edge.
Monitor
If you’re spending loads of time flicking between spreadsheets and docs, a second screen is a real timesaver.
Wireless keyboard and mouse
Keep your desk (and your mind) clutter-free with wireless accessories. Skip the faff and get straight into the calculations.
Whiteboard
Staring at figures and getting nowhere? Step away from the screen and use a whiteboard to get to the heart of the problem without making a mess.
Headphones
If you’ve got rowdy roommates or you’re watching a webinar in the library, a decent pair of headphones will cut through the background buzz. Look out for noise-cancelling tech, so you can tune out whenever you need to.
Productivity tips for maths courses
Keeping your head in the game isn’t just about putting in the hours, it’s about problem-solving efficiently and accurately. Our tips will help you stay organised and on top of your workload.
Break complex problems into steps
Tackle big calculations or theories 1 stage at a time. It makes managing tricky work easier and can help you spot mistakes faster.
Stay organised with formulas and notes
Keep key formulas, methods, and examples in one place, so you can quickly revise or apply them when needed.
Practise regularly, not last minute
Maths is all about repetition. Quick, regular practice sessions keep you confident and exam-ready.
Use spreadsheets and digital tools
Work smarter instead of harder with tools like Excel crunching the numbers quicker.
Apply real-world examples
Build a deeper understanding of what you’re learning by putting it into context with a real-life scenario, like business or engineering.
Double-check calculations
Always review your work as you go. This can help you spot errors before they cause bigger problems.
Get inspired by real careers
Studying maths can open the door to exciting opportunities. We’ve spoken to some professionals who started out right where you are now.
Meet Ethan, Graduate Commercial Analysist for AO
Hi, I’m Ethan. I’m currently a Commercial Analyst at AO, having studied BSc Economics at the University of Leicester.
I always saw university as a great way to bridge the gap between adolescence and adulthood, and I’d recommend it to anyone considering it. Beyond academics, it’s an environment that helps you grow personally just as much as intellectually. You develop independence, confidence, and the ability to adapt - skills that carry far beyond your degree.
After graduating, I took a leap and started my career in finance in Mauritius, which was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It pushed me outside my comfort zone and gave me a unique perspective early on.
Since returning to the UK, I’ve moved into a commercial role at AO, working across both retail and B2B. My role spans a variety of challenges, from retail operations to supporting SMEs and charities, which keeps things dynamic and rewarding
Ethan's university tips
Join societies
Joining societies is the easiest way to meet people and build lasting friendships.
Get experience early
Internships, placement years or part-time roles make a big difference as real-world experience sets you apart when you graduate.
Find balance
Structure your time so you find a rhythm between working hard and socialising so you can enjoy having fun without the guilt or stress.
Look after yourself
Don’t hesitate to use university support systems or talk to your mates when things feel overwhelming, and remember that nobody is navigating it all perfectly.
Meet Stuart, Sales & Commericial Director for AO
I’m Stuart, and I’m the Sales & Commercial Director here at AO.
When I was leaving school, I thought I had my future mapped out. I wanted to be a pilot and planned to join the RAF. But during those long summer holidays, I paused and really reflected on what I enjoyed and where my strengths lay. I realised I loved working with numbers and understanding how things fit together, and that decision changed everything.
That moment led me to study CIMA at Manchester Metropolitan University. Looking back, choosing that path was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It gave me a strong, practical understanding of how businesses really work, not just from a textbook, but from the inside out.
I studied for CIMA while working full-time, often in the evenings. It wasn’t easy, and at times it was exhausting. But that experience taught me something invaluable: progress comes from consistency and commitment. Gaining real work experience alongside my studies allowed me to step into management responsibilities at a young age and build confidence early in my career.
After qualifying, I continued my journey at AO, starting in the logistics team. Over time, I progressed to become Commercial Director within that part of the business before moving into retail, where I’ve continued to grow into a sales-focused commercial leadership role. None of this followed a perfect plan — but every step taught me something that helped shape the leader I am today.
Stuart's tips
Get as much work experience as you can.
It brings what you’re studying to life and gives you a real advantage when you take your next step.
Never stop learning.
Read widely, stay curious, and invest in your own development — not just for your career, but for your confidence and happiness.
Work hard and stay humble.
Effort compounds over time. What you put in, you almost always get back.
Protect your relationships.
Make time for friends and family. Their support, perspective and honesty will ground you, especially when life gets challenging.
You don’t need to have everything figured out from day one. What matters is being open to change, backing yourself, and staying committed to growing — both professionally and personally.
