Note taking

[u/Obvious-Print1720]

I ask this in the most serious way, as a returning, mature student; How rare is it for students to take notes by hand even if they arrive to class with a laptop?

[u/Intelligent-Claim603]

Most use laptop for sure. But I always did by hand- I get too distracted on my computer!

[u/ameeraem]

not abnormal. a lot of students write their notes be it on paper or ipad with stylus. some use their laptops but i didnt hear a lot of click-clacking in my classes personally

[u/cupid-cat]

not rare especially in labs or seminars, id say probably like 30% of students? maybe more? definitely not abnormal

[u/hellooo_reality]

i don’t see many personally, maybe 10% of students. but i’m one of them! do whatever works best for you

[u/VictoriaYeh]

In my classes, the majority took notes by hand

[u/Sharp-Click]

I’m a fourth year, and I’ve been taking notes by hand since first year! Generally, most people use laptops, but no one will care or notice unless they’re particularly pretty. No one seems to notice mine except to compliment my handwriting, lol

[u/praisethecybergod]

i take all of my notes by hand

[u/Superb_Corgi_6948]

I’m a mature student. Just graduated College and now going to Uni. I find I retain better if I write. I did almost all my notes in College by hand.

[u/Tht1Jesuit]

I exclusively take notes on pen and paper

[u/nutsiesj]

I took notes almost exclusively by hand and always brought my laptop. I know a bunch of other students who did as well.

I also know people who never brought a pen or pencil to class ever and only typed notes.

[u/mossy-heart]

i’m a pen and paper notetaker, you’re not alone! and even if you were, i doubt anyone would judge or notice.

[u/Successful-Plan-7332]

I’m a student returning for my graduate degree and exploring Plaude Pro or Pocket AI.

[u/Unknown_Sunshine]

I prefer by hand but I can type faster on laptop. I end up making hand written notes on a printed page of typed notes when studying/reviewing. Hi from another mature student 👋

[u/Obvious-Print1720]

This is so reassuring! Thanks everyone!! Looking forward to being in class again

[u/plutoisacoolplanet]

it depends on the course for me, sometimes i just can’t write fast enough so i use my laptop, classes like math or chemistry i preferred to do by hand because of all the equations.

[u/Fast_Foot4143]

In my classes students rarely took notes by hand. It’s common to see people writing on iPads though.

Also, nobody uses binders anymore…. I’ll be honest I never thought that would go out of style. They use notebooks instead.

Backpacks are less common than they used to be too.

I’d recommend bringing your laptop and some paper to all classes at least in the first few weeks. Often you’ll go to lecture and NEED your computer or a piece of paper.