Binders for notes?

[ChrisMarie09]

Okay, all my professors use PowerPoint and make lectures available to print. I've always printed in put them into a binder since I cannot not focus on the content if its on a computer screen. Anyways I'm trying to decide how I should set up my binders for nursing school.

I'm debating between have one large 3 or 4" binder with dividers for all classes, separate 1-1 1/2 inch binders for each class, or a combo of the two with binders for related classes (health assess & fundamentals, health promo & gero, patho)?

I like the idea of one big binder because then I have everything with me and can relate classes and I can study for whatever class whenever I want without have to drag another binder along. But I also feel that carrying a giant binder around would be too clunky.

Any suggestions from students on what works for you or newbies on what you plan to do?

[willowita, ADN, RN]

My clinical instructor recommended we have a separate binder for each class. So that's what I'm doing.

I have 4 courses and each syllabi is like 60+ pages each. So the syllabus, power points, handouts, and paper for notes fills one class notebook up. One huge binder would just be too much for me.

I worry about forgetting to bring the right binder so I pack up my backpack every night with what I need for class.

[Camwill, ASN, BSN, MSN, DNP, LPN, APRN, NP]

I needed a three inch binder spring semester with chemistry, microbiology, and physiology. It was really heavy by the end of the semester. I am thinking I am going to have a three inch binder this semester that I keep things we already did (all my notes and powerpoints and keep it in my trunk. That way my binder does not get as big and heavy as it did last semester. Our books are heavy enough! lol) and a two inch binder that I take to class. I am using that one 2 inch binder for my nursing classes we only have two. My other classes are online (filler classes to get me at 12 credits) I have one binder for those classes. I have a super interesting binder. I have a color system that works for me. I love starting every semester and adding to my binder system. Every semester I find something cool to add.

[Tonks57]

A few students ahead of me told me to have a binder for each subject. I have never done that before either, but I am going to start doing it now. I hate carrying around too much stuff, but I would rather have it with me incase I needed it for something.

[runforfun]

It depends on how long your powerpoints are, what else you might want to print, and how much other writing you are doing. Last semester, I filled a separate 3 in. binder for EACH class. No matter what you do, stay organized. Create a system and try to stick to it.

Camwill's idea is a good one. I don't always bring the big binders (try fitting four 3 in. binders in one backpack), instead I have a 1/2 in. binder that I put in just the lectures for that day's class, or just what I need to study for that day, then transfer to the big ones.

[kgl_2014]

I originally had a 1-2inch binder for all classes but that's out now. Now I bring a 1inch binder for each class. We meet in a lecture hall so we have these tiny half desks and no room for the big book and binder. I keep only filler paper in the binder and have a separate 3 ring folder for the schedule and handouts. There's no way i can print our PP as some/most are over 100 pages long. I see what the instructor goes over in class and print what is necessary. I have larger binders for backup but unless we move to a classroom, they'll be collecting dust.

[Stephalump]

I have a 1in binder for and a plastic folder for each class (keeps my not yet filed papers safe instead of keeping them in my binder) and a 3in binder at home to move stuff into if I run out of room.

[hgrimmett]

I have 3 inch binders for each class (at the time I bought them, they were cheaper than the comparable 2 inch ones. Gotta love back to school clearance sales) and I re use them every semester (pull the prev. class materials out, file them, and move on.) I also have a large ROLLING backpack because of the book load.. Said backpack is definitely the best thing I have ever bought for nursing school, along with good shoes that don't kill my feet.

[kpossible]

I use a 2 inch binder for each class? And when you're printing out your powerpoints, you should decide on whether you'll print it fullsize (1 per page) or go 6 slides per page~ Fortunately, I live on campus so I can always dump my morning class binders in my room before my afternoon classes (can you do this too?)

[GracyMae]

I always print my PowerPoints 2 per page, back and front, but it is mainly due to eyesight needs. Plus, I like more room to take notes next to each slide.

Last semester, all of my classes filled a 3" binder, each. I used to go in first day with 2" binders for each class, but halfway through the semester, I always had to start a new binder ... so now, I just start out each semester with the largest binder that fits in my bag! It DOES end up taking up a lot of desktop space, though.

... And, now after reading some of these posts, I am thinking of just bringing smaller binders to the actual classes (for the sake of desk top space) and then transferring the materials into the larger binders when I get home.

The main problem I can see happening with this method, though, is that many times, I have found myself referring back to previous materials while I'm IN class ... and with this new transfer method, those would be at home.

[abiklags]

I have a 3" binder for each class. most are stuffed. some classes even needed a second smaller binder for the papers

I used to bring a 1" binder with me for each class and after each test, I would transfer that test material into the 3" binder at home. this way, I didnt have to break my back

when I was taking multiple classes per semester, I used a 1.5" binder w/ dividers. nursing papers stayed in till the test but the lib art papers were transferred quicker because they took up more space. for those classes i carried printed notes rather than my handwritten notes because they took up less space

[Abigail612]

What I do is I use the Flex Mead binders for each class. They are expensive (about $10 a piece) but I have been using them going on 3 years now. They have built in folders with notebook paper in the back. What I also do is after each exam I take out all the material having to do with that exam staple it all together, mark what exam it was for, and put it in one of the built in folders till I need it again at the end of the semester, that way I wont get my old material confused with the old.