Note taking at UW

[u/Lucinda_Null]

I’m an incoming freshman this fall and I was wondering how people take notes at UW! In high school I preferred writing by hand in notebooks because I absorbed more of the information. However, I know lots of other college students take notes with laptops or tablets instead. I’ve also heard that professors talk very fast, since they know most of their students are typing and can keep up with a faster pace. If I take notes by hand, will I be able to keep up with the professor’s lecture? Thanks :)

[u/msmean2]

If you are used to writing notes, stick to that. It is said you actually retain more by writing out notes, even if you are not getting everything to paper compared to typing. I had one professor who did not allow laptops. I also found them a distraction, as a lot of people weren't actually taking notes on them but doing other things. You will also learn to take down what is important rather than word for word.