First things first, to take notes you'll need paper and a pen/pencil. Pencil can rub off if you're not gentle (especially if you're a lefty), but pen can smear if you're not careful with beverages. Make the best choice for yourself, and don't forget the highlighter.

Quick Tips

• Listen to suggestions from professors, advisors, and other students.
• You don't have to write down everything. Create a short-hand, leave out words, (i.e.…the, a, of, if) and abbreviate where possible.
• Print out notes from the internet before class.
• A professor's field/discipline is a huge part of their lives, and something they enjoy sharing. Talk to them about their personal research, opinions, career goals they had at your age, etc. They're an awesome, "real life" resource of information.
• Bring highlighters for important things in your notes, or textbook.
• Use a laptop.
• Have all the assigned reading finished before class.
• Draw a line down the left-hand-third of your page. Put big points on the right side, and follow-up points on the left.
• Rewrite/type your notes.
• During class, don't finish assignments for other classes. You'll fall behind in two classes instead of one.
• Don't change your note taking style if you don't need to.
• Tape record the lecture, but get the professor's permission.
• Keep all your notes in one folder so you'll never walk out the do or with the wrong set.