や and か are particles which connect nouns. や(and) is used to name a few representative items out of the complete listing. The use of や implies that there are other things/people the speaker has not mentioned. など is placed after the last noun. か(or) is used to pick only one item out of the possible choices. Note that と(and) is used to list all people/things involved.
ほんや ノートなどを かいます。
I'm going to buy things like books and notebooks./I'm going to buy books, notebooks, and other things.
ほんか ノートを かいます。
I'm going to buy either a book or a notebook.
Lesson 1-10「マリアさんと ローラさんは フィリピンの 学生です。」
Maria and Laura are Filipino students.