First Time Student-Clueless About Supplies

SHELL75 · Jan 3, 2008

Well I've Finished Two Semesters And I Find Those 5 Subject Notebooks Wonderful, Its Easier Than Trying To Keep Up With Different Ones For Every Class Also Get You Some Of Those Little Colored Sticky Flags To Mark Pages They Are The Most Wonderful Invention Ever.

will18 · Jan 3, 2008

My preference is a big 3-ring binder with tabs for each specific class. Also, i bring my 3-whole punch which fits in my binder for papers that are not whole-punched.

i think what you have is enough. As the semester ges by, you will get the flow of things and see what you really need.

good luck with your studies and have a happy new year!!!!

Smartferret · Jan 3, 2008

I use a three ring binder for each class with the syllabus in front, and like SHELL75 I use the post-it flags to flag my notes for each chapter. Using a binder allows you to hole punch any handouts, quizes, tests, etc. and keep everything in date order by chapter. In classes that have a lab, I put both in the same binder as I sometimes want to refer to something from the lab while in lecture and vice versa.

Dream2BANurse · Jan 3, 2008

So if I were to get a binder for each class what size would be good or what size would be best if I got one big binder for everything.

Shuggypie, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2008

I personally like 1 subject notebooks, that way I only have to carry what I need, I color code them to match the book, I also like 2 pocket folders to match the notebook for handouts, etc.

For English you may want to get a good dictionary. I like Merrimam-Webster collegiate dictionary. For classes with a lot of new terms such as Biology, I use index cards and write the definition on 1 side, and the term on the other side.

Smartferret · Jan 4, 2008

I completely over-filled a 2 in. binder for APII w/ Lab. One inch was good for my math classes (this included homework, review work etc.). In my English classes I didn't have nearly as many notes, just dozens of essays (ugh!), could have gotten by with 1/2 in. (Eng. and math stuff got pitched the day I got my final grades so I could reuse those binders. I'm holding onto API and II notes to refer to, if necessary, during NS).

Sillynicunurse · Jan 4, 2008

I prefer individual notebooks and/or binders for each class. I also use a ton of index cards. Make sure that you hang onto the notes from A&P because you will use them again in nursing school....I am 8 weeks away from graduation and still pull them out every now and then. Best of luck!

ViolettaCCU, MSN · Jan 4, 2008

congratulation on making it this far!

many of us, too, had late starts at college and the whole thing can be overwhelming! i found that a rolling backpack is essential - especially if you have more than one class on any particular day. i usually had a notebook and folder for each class although some classes needed their own binder (like any science class) with dividers to separate quizzes/lecture notes/study guides. you'll find that in some classes you don't even need to bring the book to class. different colored pens helped me in all of my sciences (bio, micro, a & p).

a few pointers when focusing on your classes:

(1) attend every class - don't miss any if you can help it and avoid being tardy - as minor as it seems, attendence and promptness is essential both for class content as well as "brownie points" with your instructor

(2) if you have any questions, concerns or something you just don't get, meet with your instructor. they have office hours and are more than willing to help. they want you to pass their class with a clear understanding of the subject. same thing goes if some problem is going on in your life and it is making it difficult (death, divorce, etc). they want to work with you.

(3) always, always, always turn in your assignment on time and complete. take advantage of spell check, grammar and writing/tutoring centers.

again, congratulations on your efforts and i wish you the best!:nuke: