So I am going to be starting my Freshman year in less than a month and was wondering if the binders are the most productive ways to organize notes, homework, tests, quizzes and other class materials or not? Should I just carry my laptops to class or should I use binders and notebooks too?
I prefer notebooks with pockets because professors rarely give handouts. For some classes I use a laptop if I want to type really fast or search for a particular item later
I’m partial to notebooks and accordion folders.
I use a system of notebooks for a set of classes along with s single folder for engineering paper, tests, and homework assignments. It took a year to figure this out and was mainly trial and error.
Try a system out based on your syllabi and see if it works for you the first weeks or so. It if doesn’t, try something different.
Another thing to consider is space. For most subjects, a notebook will be enough to get you through a semester and it doesn’t take up that much space. Binders might take up slightly more space but it depends how you like to organize things. In high school I did use binders and carried around a backpack full of stuff. But in college I travel rather light and am able to fit most of my stuff in my backpack which is significantly lighter than in high school
One giant binder that’s served me since Middle School. Really, just unzip it and slip the papers in and dig out the ones I need when I need them.
I prefer accordion folders.
Accordion folder
My personal favorite are binders full of women.
@iwannabe_Brown bwahahaha!
I usually use one or two folders for all classes I’m currently taking. A binder would take up too much unnecessary space for the amount of handouts given, and some classes you don’t even have homework, just tests.
I go to a CC, and as much as I’d like to use my laptop to take notes, the truth is there are teachers who don’t allow the use of laptops or any electronic devices during class. Some do, so it really depends on the teacher.
As to organization, it took me a couple of semesters to figure out what works best for me. I get the durable plastic folders that have pocket containers and three-ring inserts for every class (to hold handouts and homework), and I color code them with 1 subject notebooks for each class (for notes). I rarely ever need anything more than that.
After my classes end, I transfer all the relevant coursework (i.e. classes in my majors) to 3-ring binders so I can re-use the folders the next semester. Makes it easy to go back and reference previous coursework if I need to, and I also keep the material because I find myself tutoring people in those classes quite often.
My planned organizational system is a notebook and matching folder for each class, as I am in a school with a quarter system and only take three classes per term. I am also in a math/science heavy curriculum so I need to be able to draw pictures and write out equations so taking notes on a laptop is inefficient. I am also too lazy to punch holes in every handout so I have been using an accordion folder or pocket folder instead of a ring binder for most of high school.
By the way, my school offers loose leaf textbooks that you can put in binders, which means you can take a chapter out and transfer it to a smaller binder to carry with you if you happen to use the text during class. Significantly reduces the bulk in your backpack or bag.