As with most things in life, when you are a student, writer, studier, or similar, you will no doubt find what works best for you. Consider what rhythm you have found in your own studies. The where, when, and how as well as the trial and error of how you found this rhythm. Stationery and study tools are not one size fits all. For example, I can fill out one of those note taking layout sheets when reading my textbooks, but retain absolutely nothing of what I just read. Instead, I have found a layout and note markers that work best for me. A whole post on my way of note taking for my veterinary technician college course is coming soon! Below is a photo of the top 10 study/stationery tools I use every day, for both college and personal work.
1. IPad
Now I understand this is not accessible for everyone, but a computer (whether a laptop or at a public library) is essential for research and many courses now a days. I do not take notes on my iPad, though there are many great note taking programs out there, but I use it for Microsoft Word and research. It is also how I access my school work, take exams, and turn in projects as I attend Penn foster and the veterinary technician program is online. I take notes in a special type of notebook that writes and looks like a spiral, but functions as a binder. This will be covered in my note taking post to come. Where to find: Mine was a gift from my husband to use for work and school, but can be found in-store and online.
2. Apple Pencil
Absolutely necessary for taking notes on the iPad. I have tried several note taking apps and while there are pros and cons of both, an Apple Pencil is a must. If you can type your notes great, but that has never worked for me as I learn by reading the text, handwriting a summary of what I read, then reading it again; I need repetition for the information to stick in my brain longer than 5 seconds. Apple Pencils can be expensive, but a well proofed investment. Where to find: I got with my iPad, but can be found both in-store and online.
3. Planner
A physical planner mixed with the use of a digital one works best for me and my husband. The bullet journal covered in stickers works the same way as my note taking one as it writes and looks like a spiral, but functions like a binder. I have dividers that break it into sections: the calendar, college, home, my reading tracker, and currently an open section with it’s purpose yet to be determined. My husband and I use the calendar provided on the iPhone/iPad to track events that affect us both. The physical planner mirrors this with additional notes that only I need. As this bullet journal serves as more than just a calendar, I take it with me EVERYWHERE. It is only about 7” X 9” and fits into my bag with room still for my iPad, pen pouch, and wallet. Where to find: Base notebook is from Amazon, but I heavily customized it with supplies and stickers I already had. Many insert options available online.
4. Note Pad
In the top center of the photo is a 4” X 6” unlined, blank notepad. This is for anything from shopping lists (though the Notes app on the iPhone works great for sharing the list with my husband as well) to quick scribbles while on the phone and tasks to do that day. Where to find: I got this specific one from Dollar Tree as I did not want to use anything fancy for something that would get trashed in the end. The paper is also certified sustainable.
5. Sticky Notes
Now, I use two types of sticky with one of which was only recently discovered. On my iPad in the left top of the photo is three sized of standard paper sticky notes. Cheap ones and used for creating notes in my textbook that I do not want to write in for they are only used for order of note taking (yes, I write in my textbooks. I own them so who cares). In the upper right of the photo are the new sticky notes I got. Saw these on Pinterest, then found them on Amazon as they fixed a long issue for me. I am a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to my notes. Legit OCD mixed with a desire of aesthetic. These stickies are transparent. Meaning, you can place them over an image in your textbook, trace it perfectly, then transfer the stickie into your notes for the ultimately fulfilling diagram. A must for those of us studying any kind of science. Where to find: The paper stickies are from Target and the transparent ones from Amazon.
6. Highlighters
Obvi a must for note taking, both in the textbook and in your notes, but they can also add a bit of color to things like your planner or other written tasks. Mildliners are wonderful as they are double ended with a bold and fine side, do not smudge on most paper types as well as have significantly less bleed through than other highlighters I’ve used. Other highlighters I do like are the clicker style sharpie ones as they are cheep, but the colors could use some work. Where to find: I got these at Target and have seen them at Walmart.
7. Color Pens
Like many, I have an abundance of the Stabilo fine liners and a few brush tip pens. These are wonderful for drawing diagrams and adding color to your planner. I primarily use them when creating graphs and charts as the nibs (little bit at the end where the ink comes out) is designed to be used with a ruler as it is much tougher than other pen’s nibs. The colors are vibrant and long lasting, but slight issue with bleed through can occur on certain paper types and with a heavy hand. Where to find: I get these from a local art store, but they can be found at Target, online, and I think at Walmart.
8. Gel Pens and Pencil
Across my iPad is also a set of Pilot G-2 series gel pens in a 0.7mm nib in the colors I use the most. These bold pens are perfect for creating titles in notes and pages in my bullet journal. The ink is so smooth and effortless to use, dries quickly, and last a long time. In the bottom right corner is a Paper Mate 0.7mm mechanical pencil. I have used and adorned these pencils since about 3rd grade. They can be a bit fragile, but if cared for, they can last you forever. Along side it, is another Pilot G-2 Series gel pen, but in a 0.38mm nib. The finest gel I can find. This is the pen I use all day everyday at home and work. It is perfect for writing in patient charts and notes. The ultra ULTRA fine point is not for everyone, but it is perfect for my OCD and long notes. If you write hard, definitely not the pen for you, but if you write a lot and fast, check it out. I also carry an ultra fine sharpie for labeling on Washi tape. Where to find: All of these I get at Target.
9. Ruler
Again, back to the OCD, a ruler is a must. I have a 6” plastic one that came in a compass set that I got back in middle school (over 12 years ago). She is cheap and sturdy and I have found no reason to replace her. Full page charts can be difficult with a small ruler, thus I have a 12” metal one in my office, but I highly recommend having a 6” one stashed in your note taking tools. Many of the notebooks I use, have ones that can attach to the discs and fit inside, but they can break over time with repeated insertion and removal, thus a separate one is ideal. Nothing fancy needed as long as it can make a straight line!
10. Pen Pouch
Of course a neat little pouch for all your lovely pens and bits to go in is a must, but this is the one thing I am on the hunt for a new one of. The one in the photo is wonderful and I hope to find just a slightly larger version of it. The brand is Alvin and I have had it for over 8 years and it still looks brand new. Easily cleanable and extremely durable. I originally got it for my travel art supplies and have spilled a many watercolor paints in it and still it remains pristine. Thus, I want the same one, just larger. Where to find: Gotten from a local art store, but also available on Amazon
What are your study must-haves?
Write. Read. Repeat. 
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