What you need for a programming course

Use this shopping list to prepare the practical supplies for a programming course, from laptops and charging equipment to coffee, snacks and printed materials. Plan one working laptop per participant, plus backup equipment for failures on the day. Check software, account and network requirements before buying or borrowing anything. Food and drinks also need quantities: allow coffee, water and refreshments for the full teaching schedule, not just the opening session.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 7
Chairsqty 28
Registration desk

Equipment

Laptopsqty 25
Laptop chargersqty 25
Backup laptopsqty 2
Presentation screen
HDMI cablesqty 2
HDMI adaptersqty 3
Power stripsqty 8
Extension cordsqty 8
Wi-Fi router
Wireless miceqty 25
USB sticksqty 5

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 30
Drinking glassesqty 30
Platesqty 30
Cutlery setsqty 30

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 2
Serving traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving tongsqty 4

Stationery

Name badgesqty 30
Pensqty 35
Notepadsqty 30
Worksheetsqty 30
Certificatesqty 30
Flip chart
Flip chart paper
Markersqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Towelsqty 6
Washing-up tubsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Semi-skimmed milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilogram
- Mints - 1 box
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Multigrain bread - 5 loaves
- White rolls - 30 pieces
- Whole wheat rolls - 30 pieces
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilogram
- Back ham - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Carrots - 2 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Mixed nuts - 2 kilograms
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Olive oil - 1 bottle
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Bread bags - 2 packs
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Trash bags for residual waste - 1 roll
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Prepare one laptop and charger for every participant, then add at least one backup laptop for every 10 to 15 learners. Test the starter code, accounts and required files on every device before the course.
Count one chair and one table place per participant, teacher and assistant. Leave enough room for power strips, extension cords and clear walkways rather than running cables across entrances.
Bring the correct HDMI cable and adapter for the presentation screen, because laptops often use different video ports. Test the complete display setup at least 24 hours before teaching starts.
Allow two to three cups of coffee or tea per person for a half-day course, plus water and one snack portion per person. Chill drinks and prepare serving trays, tongs and plates before participants arrive.
Print worksheets and certificates for every registered participant, with five extra copies of each. Buy or pack one name badge, pen and notepad per person, including the teacher and assistants.

Frequently asked questions

How many laptops do I need for a programming course?: Plan for one working laptop per participant, teacher and assistant. Add at least one backup laptop for every 10 to 15 participants, and test all devices at least 24 hours beforehand.
How much stationery should I buy for a programming course?: Prepare one name badge, pen and notepad for each attendee, teacher and assistant. Print the worksheets and certificates for the full participant list, then add five extra copies of each.
How many drinks and snacks do I need for a programming course?: For a half-day course, allow two to three hot drinks per person, water throughout the session and one snack portion per person. For a full-day course, plan two snack portions and add lunch separately.
When should I test the Wi-Fi and presentation equipment?: Test the Wi-Fi, accounts, files, presentation screen, HDMI cables and adapters at least 24 hours before the course. Repeat a short check 60 minutes before participants arrive.

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