Freshmen�s Guide: Part 2

Hi!

We�re back again with Part 2 of our Freshmen�s Guide! Here are things you may like to get to tide you through the first semester (PS: We�ve also included some productivity tips!).

Things you will need:

1.             Laptop

Every year, there will be a laptop roadshow held in NYP during the first week of school. The computers are on sale at discounted prices.

This year�s details:

When: Mon-Sat, Apr 16 to 21, 2018
Time: 9am to 6pm (Mon to Fri) and 9am to 3pm (Sat)
Venue: NYP Lounge (Level 3, above Koufu)
More info: (Models offered, prices, financial assistance) Here!

Consider the following before purchasing your laptop:

1.     Find out which laptop models are supported by your School

2.     Research the models you are interested in

3.     What is a good laptop weight for you?

4.     What is the warranty period and support offered?

Need Microsoft office? NYP students get it for free. Click here.

2.             Printer

Personally, I feel that having a printer is convenient. You will probably need to print out your individual and group reports! Additionally, having a printer at home would mean you don�t need to queue at the printing shop.

Choose a printer with low-cost ink. Personally, I prefer printers with individual colour cartridges. When one colour runs out, I just have to change that one cartridge. Printers with scanners can also be very useful. You may be able to get a laptop with a bundled printer at the laptop roadshow mentioned above.

Alternatively, you can also visit the Consumer Electronics Exhibition on May 24 � 27 at Suntec Singapore or the PC Show on May 31 - June 3 at Marina Bay Sands to get a printer on the cheap.

3.             Thumb drive

A thumb drive is essential and I carry one with me wherever I go. There will be unexpected times when you need to print documents urgently, and a thumb drive will save your day (and maybe your friend�s)!

Remember to label your thumb drive to differentiate it from others! Include your contact number so that if you accidentally leave it somewhere, some kind-hearted soul may be able to return it to you. Get one with a sufficient memory space for your needs.

4.             Jacket

                   Bring along a jacket to school as lecture theatres and tutorial rooms can get cold. Make sure it�s the right thickness for you!

Improving your productivity

                      1.  Muji Calendar 

A few years ago, I was exploring the notebook section of Muji, a Japanese lifestyle store, when I chanced upon a simple, yet useful, and cheap organiser. One problem I faced was that I could not find an organiser that follows the polytechnic academic year (April to March). When I found this Muji organiser, my problem was solved.

This organiser is available in both monthly and weekly formats. I have one of each. The monthly one gives me an overview of the whole month, while the weekly one contains more details on events happening throughout the week!

This organiser is A5 sized (half of A4), which makes it easy to carry around. The best part? It costs only $1.60!

2. Notebloc App
Recently, I found this app called �Notebloc� (available on both Android and IOS). It helps you �scan� your notes or sketches and scribbles: Take a picture, then crop and digitise it. If you have multiple images, it can digitise all and put them in a pdf document for your convenience.

Here are a few things I love about this app:

1.     You can take the picture and digitise it immediately via the app, OR if you are in a rush, you can snap the pictures first and convert it when you�re free later on.

2.     This app accurately identifies the space to crop 99% of the time. Even if it makes mistakes in recognising where to crop, you can easily adjust the image.

3.     You can digitise the images in BULK (awesome stuff).

4.     The interface is clean and the app is very user friendly.

5.     Converting the pictures to pdf is a major bonus point as I can just send one file to my friends, instead of sending multiple pictures.

Overall, this is a very useful and user-friendly app. I highly recommend it!

             3.  Off Time App

Another app I found is �Offtime�. Basically, Offtime prevents you from using your phone. You can choose which apps are allowed and which are not. You can also choose how long you want to �lock� your phone. Perfect when you need to concentrate or when you are in a lecture.

But, let�s say, you decide to take an early break from your offtime. All you have to do is to press and hold the screen and there will be a one-minute timer. After that one minute, your phone will be freed up for you to use again.  Should you change your mind during that one minute, you can stop the timer and prevent the phone from unlocking.

Perfect to kill off the temptation to procrastinate.

Thank you for reading and I hope you found Part 2 useful! If you haven�t read part one yet� click here!

Stay tuned for a special article on Student Life Carnival coming very soon!

Written by: Oh Angela Ray, Diploma in Accountancy and Finance

Angela is a passionate writer and photographer who believes in doing her best, to the best of her ability. As the Vice President of The Communicators, she works hard to lead the CCA to greater heights. She enjoys sharing useful information and believes in lending a helping hand when she can. She encourages all NYPians to enjoy their campus life and make the most out of their time in NYP.

For more information about Angela�s CCA, check out The Communicator�s Instagram page!

www.instagram.com/nypcommunicators