<p>Classes start in a few days and I'm trying to decide what type of system I'm going to use to keep all of my notes/handouts/assignments/old tests for each class organized. I see a lot of people using one massive binder for everything but that seems kind of unorganized to me. In high school I used separate binders for each class which kept everything organized great but they're kind of bulky and you end up carrying a lot of plastic around. I really like notebooks because they're so compact, but you can't store any hand-outs in them. </p>
<p>What do you guys use to keep all of your stuff from each class organized?</p>
<p>I have a three ring binder for each class that live in a milk crate under my desk for old readings, assignments, tests, a copy of the syllabus, a copy of my notes (mine are typed), etc. I carry a duotang folder with another copy of the syllabus, a single subject notebook (I hate the bulky ones and the folders included are too small for my purposes), and any assignments to be turned in or any current paperwork to class with me every day. That way the stuff I don’t need every day remains simply reference material and isn’t hauled around with me, and the stuff I need is with me and not getting damaged by being crammed in with tons of old papers.</p>
<p>I use a one-inch binder with five of those double-sided plastic folders for each class that I carry in my backpack daily, and I always have a copy of every syllabus in it. I usually leave material in there for a week, and then at the end of the week I empty them in to a bigger binder I have for each class, which stays in my room, and I divide what’s in the binder by whatever is useful for that class.</p>
<p>I also have a MWF multi-subject notebook and a TuTh notebook, but I really don’t use notebooks. And whenever I take notes on my computer I always print them out as soon as possible, to avoid printing them all out at once exam time comes…</p>
<p>It’s what I did last year, and it worked well, so I’m continuing it to this year.</p>
<p>I only have 3 on campus classes and then two online classes. For the on campus classes I have a notebook and folder for each. Definitely make sure you can get to your syllabi or whatever kind of calendars and paper they give you on your first day easily. </p>
<p>For my online classes I really don’t have any paperwork. I just refer back to the online versions of the syllabus and calendars. Of course, most of my on campus professors actually only put information on their websites- all they gave us was a paper stating what the class was, when it met, and all that information they’re required to give you. </p>
<p>Organizing works differently for everyone. A good plan is to just go to your first day of classes with a folder, some paper, and a pen/pencil- maybe a calculator just in case if you have a math class- and see what the class is going to be like.</p>