Although you will always have some practical supplies, such as pens and notebooks, for university studies, there are also certain items that you should add to your list to make your studies easier, particularly in journalism. One of the most important things that journalism students will learn is how much practice makes perfect. Having the proper supplies will allow you to be on the ground running when it comes to graduation.
Reporter Notebook
There are many scenarios where you need to take notes fast. For instance, you may have a new article or an interviewee in mind, and you need to keep track of everything that’s happening in the world around you. You can also carry a pocket-sized notebook with you in case something goes wrong.
In addition to these, you should also carry a notebook with you during your interviews. Although you will most likely be recording the whole thing, in case something goes wrong, you should have a physical copy with you so that you can always have it.
AP Style Guide Book
Although you may eventually despise the book, this little book will serve you well as it will help you reference all the different journalistic rules. You can either buy a physical copy or an online version, and you can keep it with you on your phone.
Regardless of whether you prefer to have a physical copy or an online version, make sure that you have one with you. Having a copy will help you keep track of all the details of the story and ensure that you know the rules of the game.
Voice Recorder
Although it may seem tempting to buy a cheap digital voice recorder, it is important to consider the long-term investment when it comes to choosing a good one. Having a good one should be one of the most important factors that you should consider when it comes to investing in a device. Aside from its quality, you’ll also want to make sure that it has plenty of memory and comes with a built-in USB stick. You should never try to copy and paste the file from the recorder into another program.
USB Drive
One of the most crucial factors you should consider when buying a digital voice recorder is having a habit of backing up everything that you have on it. Doing so will allow you to keep track of all of the important details of your work and ensure that you have a backup of every version that you have. Having multiple backups will allow you to quickly find a specific version if something goes wrong.
Make sure that the files that you have on your device are always labeled with names that you can easily recognize. Doing so will allow you to quickly find the ones that you need.
Reporter Bag
Although backpacks will work for your university years, once you graduate, you’ll need something that is both functional and stylish. Having a good bag that is both functional and stylish will allow you to carry all of the necessary items with you.