+ How to organize your binders for college
5 min read
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Here are some tips on organizing and decorating your binder
How to decorate your binder?
- add name & class
- pick a color theme
- design collages
- add calligraphy
1. Create collages
Design collages with photographs and quotes. I chose a sophisticated black and white theme for Anatomy and Art:
2. Organize your subjects by color
It is easier for you to know which notebook is for what subject when you have different colors.
For example, I have blue for anatomy and green for art:
3. Calligraphy is trending right now
You can use Crayola markers like the one below or a calligraphy pen.
I also love to write with the black Itoya Doubleheader calligraphy marker. It has a rich and smooth quality ink for $2.41. You can check them out in several awesome colors at Blick Arts materials: here
How to organize your binder?
1. Add tabs and dividers
- keep quizzes, tests, or reviewers in divider pockets
- or add tabs per unit
Keeping summarized papers of units like quizzes, tests, or reviewers in divider pockets helps you to visualize all the main ideas of your subject.
Sticking tabs helps to mark the location of a new unit on your binder.
2. Order your notes
- syllabus
- powerpoint/printed notes
- handwritten lecture notes
- order from oldest to newest
The first page in your binder is the syllabus.
It is an easy reference to your teacher’s contact info when you need help this semester. Remember to reference to the weight of tests and assignments to help you meet your academic goals.
Next is your notes.
Put powerpoint and printed notes first along with any handwritten notes you took during a lecture. That way all notes relevant to a concept is in one place.
To stay organized, keep your notes in order from oldest to newest.
Pro tip: Use sticky notes for questions you have and don’t forget to ask your professor.
Conclusion
Materials ideas + recommendations
Notebooks: Michael’s
Writing Supplies:
- gel pens, ballpoint pens ($12 Muji .5 multicolored pens, Paper Mate Ink Joy .7 multi-colored pens for $11.99 6 ct from Michael’s)
- highlighters (any, Stabilo Boss Pastel highlighters 6 ct set $10.99 from Blick Art Materials, Sharpie Clear View Highlighters 4 ct Neon set $6.70 from Blick Art Materials)
- markers ($7 Crayola Fine Tip 50 count)
- calligraphy pens ($2-5 Itoya Doubleheader or Crayola markers)
- pastel sticky notes and tabs $3.99 – $32.41 from Blick Art Materials
- Graphics made with Canva
How do you take notes?
Feel free to comment down below
I like to draw quick doodles and tend to write all over my sticky notes.
Be sure to check out our new post on 5 Essential Drawing Tools for Beginners!
