What type of binder system would be best?

[OgopogoLPN, LPN, RN]

I'm starting LPN school on Sept 4th

I'm debating on what type of binder systemt to use. Should I get a 3" large binder with dividers and loose leaf paper in each section for each course, or a 1" binder for each course?

I think I have 6-8 courses per semester and most courses have either a text book or a text and 3 hole-punched workbook that I could put into the binder.

Waaaaaaaaaaay back in high school (13+ years ago!!), I used a binder for each subject, but had a locker to keep them in. Now, I'm just not sure what would be best.

There are so many soft-sided binders now with pockets and dividers etc. I just don't know if one 3" binder will be big enough and then I would be shuffling papers in and out as it gets too full and as I don't need those notes/papers anymore.

Ugh. What do you find works best?

(I will be driving to school every day, and I believe all my classes are in the same room/building, so it's not like I will be hauling my back pack toooooo far each day)

[squee-gee]

I know I'm in the minority, but I HATE 3 ring binders. For all my pre-reqs, and last year (my first year of NS) I used composition books and two pocket folders in different colors for each class. The composition books are great for taking notes in, and the pages can't get easily torn out like they do with binders. They are always nice and neat with no pages hanging out of them. The folders I use for class handouts. This system is so less bulky - it's bad enough schleping around some of these 50 lb. nursing books without having to add a bunch of three ring binders to the pile. I also found a clipboard with a legal pad handy for lab-type classes, when it's a little more difficult to take cohesive notes. I would use the legal pad to write down anything pertinent, then copy those notes over into my trusty composition book - I could rearrange the notes so they made more sense, and I retained the info better by writing it down again. It's so easy to study for tests when everything is organized and neatly done!

Good luck with school!

[richardjboro1]

Not sure for you, but I use one binder for each class. I'm meticulous about keeping it in order, and I would be greatly confused by one for all my classes. Also, I tend to download the ppt notes to my laptop, and take a printed copy to class to take notes on. Just my system.

Richard

[Eirene, ASN, RN]

binder for each class, definitely. it keeps things very organized. i'm also a big "tab" use-- love them. i don't know how long your quarters/semesters are, but i'd at least get a 1.5" binder for each of the classes. for my rn program, i have to use 3-3" binders!