DM Academy

I've only DM'd for ~3 times so far, and only once in person (this past weekend). I was introducing two friends to the game, and we're all excited to continue.

Originally planned for a one-off (we're doing Mines of Phandelver. I aimed for it to be more introductory but the PCs are interested in continuing with what we have!)

So, with the second session booked, I'd like to scale up my setup to help be more immersive. I have a lot of work ahead (reading, notes) so I'm in a better position. I've discussed with a DM friend of mine with decades of experience, and I'd love to hear what people suggest.

Currently, I am aiming to purchase:

• "wet" battle map (dry-erase)
• tokens for characters/creatures (hoping to find dry-erase ones here, too)
• basic 'tiles' set for when the the scenery is more generic (optional)
• figurines for the PCs (optional)

I was thinking the figurines would be unpainted, and I'd love to find a company that sells them individual, with generic designs for race/class, that I can go back to again and again as my campaigns diversify.

Am I heading down the right path? Any other suggestions?