Paper or digital?

If you take the paper, a few tips

• Use sheets rather than a notebook and choose a single format, for example A4 squared. This will make it easier for you to arrange information and insert additions.
• Only use one side, so you can display it in front of you and use the back for additions or personal notes.
• Finally, adopt an aére layout by creating margins, using indents, spacing or colours to make section and sub-section headings stand out.
• Prepare your materials in advance (margins, course title, date, etc.) so that you are able to take notes as soon as the course begins.

If you prefer to take your notes on a computer, use a laptop rather than a tablet. While the latter may seem attractive (weight, size), it often proves to be limited for all your lessons, and adding a separate keyboard is not always the best solution.

If you want to take your notes on a computer, use a laptop rather than a tablet.

Taking notes on a computer can allow you to organise the material easily, insert images, diagrams, quickly sketch or search the whole document. But if you get out of the habit of writing by hand, it can play tricks on you during an exam.

Some advice:

• Word, Powerpoint or OneNote have functions dedicated to note-taking. You can also use software specially designed for taking notes on a computer, such as Evernote, which has a less linear and more flexible interface.You can easily insert images, diagrams, make a sketch or do research throughout the document.
• Whichever one you use, take the time to familiarise yourself with these tools so you don't waste time in class.
• Prepare your equipment in advance (switch on the computer, open the software, date of the lesson, etc.) so that you are ready to take notes as soon as the lesson begins.

The Centre informatique (CI) offers free courses to help you learn how to use the IT tools you will need during your studies. The CI also offers discounts on software and hardware.