I’ve typically been a binder kind of student, that way I can have notes and handouts together and neatly organized, and I always thought that the students who didn’t use binders were disorganized, but now I’m starting to consider notebooks and folders as I feel that binders are so heavy and bulky…
I’m now thinking a notebook for each subject and an accordion folder for all subjects…
Also don’t know what size of binder or notebook would be best for each subject, and if I should only use one per subject.
So I’m not sure what the smartest approach here is, and also different approaches work for different people.
But what approach do you highly organized and successful students use?
Why not use a hybrid approach?
Get two folder per class, and one binder per class.
One folder contains the worksheets and materials you’ll need for current classes-- review sheets that are being used, worksheets due tomorrow or Friday.
The other folder and binder contain stuff you’re done with, but will need for final review. Those materials stay home in your desk, updated each weekend when you empty out the “current” folder.
And be sure to color code your classes.
@bjkmom’s advice on having a system for keeping the materials you are done with organized & ready for finals is really good.
For regular work, it will depend a lot on the actual classes that you are taking, and how the prof handles materials. For one of my collegekids, some classes were nearly 100% laptop/online. For example, one prof put all their slides/presentation materials online so that students could take notes directly on the presentation materials. All assignments were completed online- except for the 1st day syllabus/contact info/etc., there was no paper at all. On the other hand, my physics kid had to have specific types of lab notebooks. My suggestion would be to get a notepad in a folder, and take that with you for the first day of each class. Each prof will outline how they run the class, and you can figure out which classes are going to have lots of handouts/specific requirements/etc., and will be better able to figure out the right combo for each class.
It seems like everyone just uses a laptop these days.
Many instructors do not allow laptop use in class.
I used to take notes on a notepad, keep them in a folder, and then transfer them to binders for each class periodically.
You have to see if any professors expect you to have all your notes with you (e.g., they do note checks, open note tests) or not.
D would buy a 5 subject college ruled notebook and an accordian folder for each semester.
I like this system you suggest of separating the current and past materials for each class. But what would the second folder be for?
I was thinking one for notes, the other for handouts-- but adapt as you see fit.
The one that works for them. 
Personally, I like binders with dividers.
My D has done binders, a spiral notebook for each class - it very often depends upon how the class is structured and whether you have handwritten stuff to turn in. Pick a system that makes sense for you, then be prepared to adjust as the class (and how you study for it) demands.
also, don’t invest in a full set of things until you have been to the first class of each course & find out how they will work. otherwise you are likely to end up with things you don’t need/want/use, and other things you still have to go buy.
It really is whatever makes you comfortable – my kids used different systems but the common denominator was that they both had one folder/class to use for handouts, bring papers to be handed in etc.