Find a note-taking strategy that works for you.

Taking notes isn’t just about remembering information—it’s a way to stay focused, understand what you’re learning, and stay off your phone during class. Most students we interviewed said that finding the right note-taking strategy was a game-changer in college. Whether you prefer pen and paper, digital notes, or annotating your professor’s slides, the key is figuring out what helps you stay engaged.

Why It Matters

Students consistently said that note-taking kept their minds from wandering and made it easier to understand and retain course material. Some took notes just to stay present in class; others used highly organized methods like Cornell Notes or color-coded systems. Many students used different tools depending on the class—paper for math, digital notes for humanities, stylus-based annotation on slides for classes with a lot of PDFs.

No matter the method, note-taking wasn’t just for studying later—it was a way to stay in the moment during class.

What Students Say

“No matter what class, you should be writing something.”

“It increased the chances of you understanding the concepts and paying attention in class. It kept me busy and engaged and keeps my mind from wandering.”

“It just feels like it gives me something to do. It also stops me from going on my phone. It’s a big struggle we have as students.”

“Anybody reading this, just get Evernote!”

Tools & Techniques Students Loved

🖊️ Pen & Paper

  • Great for math and courses requiring problem-solving

  • Helps with memory and focus through the physical act of writing

📱 iPad with Stylus

  • Combines handwriting with digital convenience

  • Allows for note-taking directly on PDFs or lecture slides

💻 Note-Taking Apps Students Recommend

  • GoodNotes – Handwrite, draw, annotate slides, and organize notebooks digitally

  • Evernote – Archive class notes and search them later; helpful long-term tool

  • Structured – Not just for notes, but great for daily planning and keeping track of tasks alongside your schedule

📚 PDF Annotation on Brightspace

  • Some students downloaded professor-provided materials and annotated them directly

  • Helped link their notes to course content and avoid distractions

Try These Tips:

  • Experiment with different methods: handwritten, stylus-based, typed—see what feels most natural and helps you stay focused.

  • Ask yourself: Do I need different tools for different classes?

  • Download your professors' slides or PDFs and annotate them instead of just passively reviewing them.

  • Try apps like GoodNotes or Evernote—some students swear by them for staying organized and engaged.

  • Most importantly, don’t stop taking notes just because materials are posted online. Use them to deepen your engagement—not replace it.