Essential Tools Every Architecture Student Needs for University

Starting architecture school is exciting - but it can also feel overwhelming when you’re figuring out what equipment you actually need. From sketchbooks to software, the right tools can make your studio life smoother and help you focus on the design thinking that really matters.

Here’s our breakdown of the tools for architecture students at university.

Sketchbooks

Your sketchbook will be your closest companion in architecture school. It’s where ideas begin, where experiments unfold, and where you’ll capture inspiration on the go. Find a size that works for you - some students prefer larger A3 pages for expansive drawings, others like A4 for easier portability. (I personally loved an A5 ringbider.)

It can also help to keep a small spare (like A6) for site visits, note-taking, or those quick sketches when something catches your eye outside the studio.

Our biggest tip, get a dotted sketchbook - it's a balance between the structure of ruled paper and the freedom of blank paper, providing a subtle guide for drawing, writing, and organising without being obtrusive.

Pencils & Pens

• Graphite pencils (2H to 4B) for different line weights.

• Fine-liners for precise drawings.

• Clutch pencil (like the Faber Castell TK9400) for consistency and longevity.

Line quality really matters in architectural communication - you’ll notice how your drawings read differently depending on your tool.

Scale Ruler

A must-have in architecture school. A 30cm scale ruler is perfect for measuring, scaling drawings, and switching between 1:50, 1:100, or 1:200 quickly. (Here’s a reliable option.)

Rulers & Squares

• A metal-edged ruler for cutting and accuracy.

• A T-square or adjustable set square if you’ll be hand-drawing regularly.

These are especially useful in first year when learning core drawing and drafting skills.

Tracing Paper

An underrated essential for architecture students. Tracing paper allows you to overlay iterations, test different spatial moves, and refine ideas without losing earlier versions.

Erasers

• Soft eraser for graphite.

• Ink eraser for fine-liners.

You’ll be glad you invested when small mistakes don’t ruin a page.

Model Making Tools

Physical models are still a big part of architecture education. These tools will make life easier:

• Self-healing cutting mat (saves your desk and blades).

• Scalpel + spare blades for precision.

• Adhesives: glue gun + PVA basics. UHU is a modelmaking classic.

• Clamps for drying models neatly. (Only if you plan to make a lot at home, as your university workshop will have all of this.)

• Portable drawing board (A1/A2) if you want a stable surface. (Helpful, but not essential.)

Digital Design Tools

Every architecture student will spend countless hours on digital drawings and 3D modelling.

• CAD software: AutoCAD, Revit, or Vectorworks (student licences are often free).

• Adobe suite: Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator will be your greatest allies.

• Laptop: Choose one with enough RAM and graphics power to run these smoothly.

Other Useful Items

• Backpack: Sturdy enough to carry sketchbooks, a laptop, and tools.

• Coloured markers/ pens: Key for diagramming.

• Headphones: Noise-cancelling is ideal for focus in busy studio environments.

• Watercolours: If you want to add an artistic flair to your sketches...

  
  

Final Thoughts

The list above isn’t about buying everything at once - it’s about gradually building your toolkit as an architecture student. Start with the essentials, and expand as you discover your own working style.

Architecture school is as much about mindset as it is about tools. The right kit will help you stay organised and focus on what matters: learning how to design, experiment, and grow as a future architect.

Best of luck, and enjoy the process!✨

--- Rowdah & Kulsoom --