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Engineering Student Must-Haves
42
items These are all the essentials that genuinely helped me get through engineering school, especially during my freshman year when everything felt new and overwhelming. From tools for technical drawings to gadgets that made studying easier, this list is b...
Sections
6
Drawing & Drafting Tools
Software & Digital Tools
Study Essentials
Measurement Tools
Tech & Gadgets
Bonus Essentials
Drawing & Drafting Tools
These tools make sketching, scaling, and refining designs so much easier, especially for engineering courses that involve a lot of drafting.
I used this all the time when checking measurements on drawing plans. It is way more accurate than a regular ruler, especially when dealing with scaled blueprints. It also helps read scaled measurements fast.
Triangular Scale Ruler
I mainly use this for engineering lettering and sometimes for technical drawings too. It makes things way easier to see and trace, especially on thick paper or when you're working late. Honestly, it's a game-changer if you want your work to look clea...
Light Pad/Tracing Pad
This one's a great mid-range drafting board that comes with a built-in T-square, no need to buy it separately. The adjustable tilt makes drawing way more comfortable, and the wood build feels sturdy. For the price, it's honestly a solid pick for engi...
Drafting Board + T-square
This pencil feels super solid and satisfying to write with and is great for detailed sketches, formulas, or just neat notes. The grip has these little soft pads that make long problem sets way more comfortable. I like that the tip retracts too, so it...
Pentel GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil (0.5mm)
The 0.7mm GraphGear 1000 is perfect if you press a bit harder when writing or just want thicker, bolder lines. It still feels super premium with that comfy grip and solid metal body.
Pentel GraphGear 1000 Mechanical Pencil (0.7mm)
This set's great if you're into super precise, clean lines for engineering drawings or diagrams. The pens are refillable and feel really solid, just be ready to clean them once in a while so they don't clog. It is a bit of an upgrade from regular fin...
ROtring Isograph Technical Drawing Pen 0.2-0.5mm
This eraser is super precise and perfect for fixing tiny pencil mistakes without messing up the rest of your work. I like that it looks and feels like a mechanical pencil, so it's easy to control. If you do a lot of diagrams or detailed sketches, thi...
Tombow MONO Zero Eraser (2.3mm)
This set has everything you need for geometry or drafting like compasses, rulers, protractors, and more, all in one case. The tools feel sturdy and reliable, way better than the usual plastic ones. It's a solid pick if you want a complete kit without...
Professional Geometry Set
This drawing tube kept my plates safe from getting creased or soaked, especially during rainy commutes. It's super light, adjustable, and easy to sling over your shoulder around campus. A must-have if you're bringing large plans or blueprints to clas...
Drawing Canister/Tube with Straps 24"-40"
Software & Digital Tools
They honestly saved me in engineering school, including thesis season. From designing to simulations and heavy calculations, they made everything more manageable.
AutoCAD is my favorite software. I use it mostly for 2D drafting and layout plans, and it's pretty much the standard for engineering drawing. Once you get used to the commands, it saves you a lot of time in design subjects.
AutoCAD
SolidWorks is useful for creating prototypes and proper 3D models. It is a paid software (usually through school or company access) and only available on Windows. It may feel intimidating at first, but once you get used to it, it is powerful for desi...
SolidWorks
Fusion 360 is a beginner-friendly 3D modeling software that's perfect if you're just getting into CAD. It is free for students and runs on both Windows and Mac, which makes it super accessible. I found it really helpful for quick modeling and design ...
Fusion 360
I mostly used MATLAB for subjects like signal processing, control systems, and during thesis when we needed to process data or run simulations. It is great for simulations, plotting, and solving complex equations, even if it is not the most beginner-...
MATLAB
DIALux Evo is my go-to free software for lighting design. I used it to simulate layouts, check lux levels, and get realistic visuals using actual light fixtures. It is super useful for EE students working on building or street lighting projects. Just...
DIALux
I used Arduino IDE mostly for electronics projects and simulations during lab and thesis work. This software is super beginner-friendly and makes coding microcontrollers a lot less intimidating. Really useful for EE students working with sensors, LED...
Arduino IDE
Fritzing helps make neat and easy-to-understand circuit diagrams for lab reports and projects. It is especially helpful for visualizing breadboard layouts or PCB designs and documenting how everything connects.
Fritzing
FluidSIM Pneumatics covers automation and control systems. It is great for simulating pneumatic circuits without needing actual hardware, which really helped me understand how things like valves and actuators work.
FluidSIM
NI Multisim is mostly for simulating circuits. It lets you test how your circuit will behave without physically building it, which saves a lot of trial and error.
NI Multisim
Study Essentials
These are my go-to study tools that helped me stay organized through all the lectures, problem sets, and exams. Simple stuff, but they made a huge difference when things got overwhelming.
This grid notebook is my go-to for solving problems, sketching diagrams, and keeping notes clean and organized. The thick 120gsm paper feels smooth to write on and doesn't easily smudge or tear. It is compact and sturdy, and the waterproof cover keep...
Grid/Graph Notebooks
I always keep a set of Stabilo highlighters for reviewing handouts and marking key formulas or terms in my notes. The colors are vibrant but not too harsh, so they're easy on the eyes during long study sessions. They also last a long time and don't b...
Stabilo Highlighters
I mess up a lot when writing fast, so having correction tape on hand is a lifesaver. It is neater than using liquid and you can write over it immediately, no drying time!
Correction Tapes
I use sticky notes to jot down quick reminders, formulas, or things to double-check later, especially when reviewing problem sets or handouts. They're also great for labeling pages in thick textbooks or planners without making a mess.
Sticky Notes
I love using this whiteboard to work through problems and explain concepts like I'm a professor in my own mini classroom. It is super handy for brainstorming, quick calculations, or breaking down tricky topics during review.
Whiteboard & Markers
I use index cards to write down important formulas, definitions, and quick concepts I need to memorize. They're perfect for quick reviews before quizzes or while waiting between classes. I like how simple they are, just flip through and quiz yourself...
Index Cards
Simple but essential for keeping handouts and reviewers organized. I use the small ones for grouping notes by subject or topic. The bigger binder clips come in handy for thicker documents, especially when I don't want to staple everything.
Binder Clips
Measurement Tools
These are the tools I've used for taking measurements, whether for class, lab, or actual fieldwork. Super useful when precision actually matters (which is like all the time in engineering).
A multimeter is honestly one of the most useful tools I had as an EE student. I used it all the time in lab to check voltage, current, and resistance, especially when something wasn't working and I had no idea why. Just be careful with how you use it...
Digital Multimeter
A digital caliper is super handy for getting precise measurements, especially when you're working on projects that need exact dimensions. I used one a lot during our internship to double-check printed plan measurements. It is beginner-friendly too, s...
Digital Caliper
It's like a multimeter but lets you measure current without disconnecting wires. I first used this during our electrical site inspection, and it made measurements safer and faster. Great if you're dealing with live circuits and don't want to mess thi...
Clamp Meter
We used this laser distance meter to measure the height, length, and width of classrooms for our final project, way faster and more accurate than a regular tape measure. Super perfect for fast & accurate measurements.
Laser Rangefinder/Distance Measurer
Tech & Gadgets
Life as an engineering student gets way smoother with the right tech. Whether it's running heavy software, organizing files, or just surviving long study nights
The calculator is honestly one of the best calculators I've used in school, it handled all the formulas, matrices, and even complex numbers with no problem. It looks clean, feels modern, and doesn't make you feel lost even with all the advanced funct...
Casio FX-991EX Classwiz Scientific Calculator
The laptop is a beast of a laptop, perfect for heavy tasks like 3D modeling, simulations, or multitasking with tons of tabs open. It's built tough but still feels sleek, and the performance never let me down during thesis season. A bit pricey, but to...
Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 7
A silent wireless mouse is a small upgrade that makes a big difference during study or design sessions. I personally prefer the silent click cause it's way less annoying and helps me focus better, especially in quiet spaces. The wireless setup also k...
Logitech Silent Wireless Mouse
These headphones are perfect for tuning everything out when you need to focus, whether you're at home or in a noisy spot. They're really comfy, even after hours of use, and the sound quality is deep and clear. A bit pricey, but honestly worth it if y...
Bose QC Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphone
An SSD is a fast and reliable way to store large project files without relying on the cloud. I use it for backups because I can access everything anytime, even without Wi-Fi. It also speeds up laptops and desktops and makes transferring big files bet...
SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD
This 2-in-1 flash drive is super handy since it works with both USB-C and regular USB, so I can plug it into my laptop, phone, or even older school computers. Plus, it's tiny enough to toss in my bag and forget about until I actually need it, and I d...
Flash Drive SanDisk 128GB
This is a lifesaver during long school days when outlets are hard to find. I always keep one in my bag to charge my phone or laptop on the go. It's extra useful during fieldwork, travel, or days packed with back-to-back classes.
INIU 140W 27000mAh Portable Charger
Bonus Essentials
Not always required, but definitely nice to have when you're trying to stay comfortable, organized, and a little less stressed.
A desk organizer is super helpful for keeping your study space neat and less stressful to look at. I use mine to store sticky notes, pens, paper clips, and random little tools so they're always within reach.
Desk Organizer
A desk lamp is a non-negotiable for late-night study sessions or working on detailed tasks. I prefer one with adjustable brightness and a flexible neck so I can control the angle and avoid eye strain. It seriously helps me stay focused without squint...
Adjustable Desk Lamp
An ergonomic chair seriously saved me during those long study nights and thesis grind. The back support and adjustable height made such a big difference, no more slouching or random body aches. Ever since I got one, my back hasn't complained after pu...
Ergonomic Chair
A good laptop backpack is a must-have for carrying all your gear like your laptop, chargers, notebooks, and even snacks for long days on campus. I prefer one that's water-resistant and has multiple compartments to keep everything organized. It's supe...
Laptop Backpack
A laptop cooling pad really helps during long study (and gaming) sessions, especially when your laptop starts heating up from all the software you're running. It's a simple fix that keeps performance smooth and prevents random freezes or shutdowns.
Laptop Cooling Pad
This thermal flask is a lifesaver during long study sessions or days packed with classes. It keeps drinks cold or hot for hours, so I could sip coffee during early classes or stay hydrated all day. Plus, it saves money and trips to the vending machin...
Iron Flask 40oz