For those of you starting your english literature or literature based degree in September 2026, here is the essential guide of all products that I have used throughout my english literature degree at Plymouth University, compiled in one space for you...
Sections
3
Core Study Tools
English Literature Textbooks
Writing and Annotating
Core Study Tools
These are all of the core tools that I utilised when studying for my degree
I absolutely adored my MacBook Air when I brought it in second year of university. It is the easiest tool to use for research, writing essays and taking notes in lectures and seminars.
MacBook Air, 2020.
Again, another essential for uni. I took my iPad out whenever I needed to annotate texts I had a PDF or e-copy of.
iPad
Notebooks are obviously an essential for scribbling down quick to do lists, any other types of notes that you don't want to create unneccessary folders for.
Notebooks
This planner/diary will be the one that I am planning to get before I start my masters. I also used this one at undergraduate level to track assignments and planned events.
Academic Diary 2025 - 2026
The easiest way to protect your eyes whilst looking at a screen for long hours on end.
Blue Light Glasses
English Literature Textbooks
I had access to these textbooks throughout my degree and would recommend purchasing copies to
This bundle covers The Victorian Age, The Romantic Period and the 20th/21st century.
The Norton Anthology of English Lit
This bundle includes texts from multiple different eras including The Middle Ages, The Restoration Period and 16th/17th Century
The Norton Anthology of English Literature A
Useful if you're studying a Shakespeare module.
The Norton Shakespeare
Writing and Annotating
Perfect for annotating texts without ruining the books you're studying
Transparent Post-It Notes
These are perfect for holding books up, saving your hands and neck during long reading sessions
Reading Stand
These page flyers help for you to mark key passages.
Sticky Tabs
Perfect for late night reading sessions or as a university dorm room essential.
Gritin 9 LED Clip-on Book Light, 3 Modes
Love Grammarly's AI use to finalise those pesky last minute essay spelling and grammar checks.
Grammarly Premium
Easiest way to store pens and pencils and other resources in one convienent place. I had two of these
Pencil Case
These notebooks are perfect for carrying around on the go!
