So, dumb question, but is having a 5 subject notebook and a collective folder enough room for notes and handouts for each class, or should I have individual notebooks and folders for each class? Thanks
I think it depends on the class. I take half of my notes on my laptop (for classes like psychology and history) and then I take them by hand for my STEM classes. What I did is I have a 1 and 1/2 inch binder for each class that I keep in my dorm room and inside is a notebook and folder. I take the notebook and folder to class for notes and handouts, and when I get back to my dorm I put the handouts inside of the binder and the notebook. It just helps me keep track of everything.
It really depends on your personal preference. My daughter now a rising senior in college, prefers to buy one 5 subject college ruled note book for each semester and one 7 pocket folder. She tries to keep her backpack light since she is also carrying her laptop. She ordered these for the upcoming year. It is a two pack so she is good for two semesters.
Most notes she takes on her laptop.
https://www.walmart.com/search/?query=49851280
Agree, it is personal preference. I think my kids generally liked to have a different notebook and folder for each class because they found it was generally less to carry around (since they didn’t have every subject every day).
Some classes generate more notes than others. If you’re a heavy note taker, then separate notebooks let you avoid the situation of filling up one section before the others and having to get a new notebook while there are still plenty of blank pages in the current one.
I agree that it’s personal preference. If you’re leaning towards the 5-in-one solution, then get that and change it up next semester if you want.
In my experience, having a 3 ring binder is essential so you can hole punch and organize all your handouts and stuff. Otherwise, it’s loose, more likely to get lost, etc.
I have a folder for loose papers and some blank paper but I take all my notes on my Microsoft surface and scan everything in.
I take notes on loose paper. I have an accordion folder (I think there’s 8 slots) and everything for all my classes goes in there (other than whatever is on my laptop). I use a separate slot for each class. There are a few exceptions though. Sometimes professors require a separate notebook. I needed a composition notebook for choreography last semester and science classes often need lab notebooks.
^You have an accordion folder? Are you from the 80s? 
You may find the needs for each class to be different. A spiral-bound notebook may work for one, but a 3-ring binder may be better for another. Also, you aren’t going to all your classes every day, so why carry the notes/paperwork for all the classes with you constantly? And, use some risk management. If something happens to that ONE 5-subject notebook, you’re hosed for ALL of your classes.