Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - How can I stay organized in College? I'm scared!

monkeysugar · 08-19-2004, 09:32 AM

A desk calender, planner, or something similar is highly recommended.

I tried a lot of different things, and here's what ended up working for me: A small three ring binder for each class, and a large "central" binder.

Regular notebook paper goes in each small binder, which ideally has pouches to hold syllabi and other handouts. I would take the appropriate small binders with me according to my class schedule, then use those to take notes. When reviewing my notes, I would type them up, save a copy, and print out a hard copy, which went into the "central" binder. Copies of the all syllabi and handouts would go into the central binder as well.

This worked really well for me because I lose stuff all the time. If I lost a class notebook, my notes and handouts were all in the central binder, which did not leave it's space on the shelf unless I was updating it or studying for finals. Entering my notes into the computer helped me memorize many of the notes as I was typing them, as well as allowing me to alter, elaborate, or structure the notes as needed. If someone needs to borrow notes from you, you can just e-mail them instead of lending notes that you're probably not going to get back.

Biology lab probably isn't going to have many notes. I think in most cases you have to buy a lab notebook that you work out of. I have taken many, many Sociology classes, and most of them weren't too "note-intensive." My classes were more along the lines of "read this book and we'll talk about it in class." That said, it's good to start on the right foot. Bad study habits can be extremely hard to break.

08-19-2004, 09:32 AM	#16 (permalink)
monkeysugar I'll be on the veranda, since you're on the cross. Location: Rand McNally's friendliest small town in America. They must have strayed from the dodgy parts...	A desk calender, planner, or something similar is highly recommended. I tried a lot of different things, and here's what ended up working for me: A small three ring binder for each class, and a large "central" binder. Regular notebook paper goes in each small binder, which ideally has pouches to hold syllabi and other handouts. I would take the appropriate small binders with me according to my class schedule, then use those to take notes. When reviewing my notes, I would type them up, save a copy, and print out a hard copy, which went into the "central" binder. Copies of the all syllabi and handouts would go into the central binder as well. This worked really well for me because I lose stuff all the time. If I lost a class notebook, my notes and handouts were all in the central binder, which did not leave it's space on the shelf unless I was updating it or studying for finals. Entering my notes into the computer helped me memorize many of the notes as I was typing them, as well as allowing me to alter, elaborate, or structure the notes as needed. If someone needs to borrow notes from you, you can just e-mail them instead of lending notes that you're probably not going to get back. Biology lab probably isn't going to have many notes. I think in most cases you have to buy a lab notebook that you work out of. I have taken many, many Sociology classes, and most of them weren't too "note-intensive." My classes were more along the lines of "read this book and we'll talk about it in class." That said, it's good to start on the right foot. Bad study habits can be extremely hard to break. __________________ I've got the love of my life and a job that I enjoy most of the time. Life is good.