Today, I want to discuss the literal tools we use to work here at Wellesley. I am referring to iPads, laptops, Surface Pros, pen and paper, and other work devices!
Starting off, I want to dispel a myth: you do NOT need an iPad to do schoolwork in college. I myself do not have an iPad and successfully take notes and do homework using my laptop and pen/paper. Many students at Wellesley do use an iPad and Apple Pencil, but there are still plenty of students like myself who have physical notebooks and folders. iPads and other tablets are incredibly convenient to organize your materials and save paper. But, I do not think they are necessary to succeed academically. Wellesley students can request iPads or laptops on loan from Library & Technology Services.
Expanding on my own personal methods for note taking and assignments, I take notes and do homework on my laptop and on loose-leaf paper. I use folders to organize my paper notes and handouts. For my calculus class last year, I used a graphing paper notebook with built-in folders, and I would recommend that for math classes.
I also use something called a Rocketbook for writing longer homework assignments; it is like a regular notebook but with erasable and easier-to-scan pages. I do not have to worry about running out of pages since I can erase entire pages of ink once I am done. The downside of Rocketbooks is that they require erasable pens that do not always work well.
My Rocketbook!
Another interesting tablet I have seen at Wellesley is the reMarkable. It is an electronic writing tablet that reminds me of Etch A Sketch; it is used to write and take notes while still having a simple paper notebook feel to it.
Comparing my methods for humanities and STEM classes, I have found myself relying on notes on laptop for humanities classes and handwritten notes and assignments for STEM classes. Of course, both humanities and STEM students use tablets. I know many humanities students like using iPads since they often have lengthy readings, and it is easy to access documents and annotate them on an iPad. And with regular problem sets to write and complete for STEM students, tablets are always useful.
Overall, my biggest advice is that you will learn as you go at Wellesley with your work styles. Especially in the first few weeks of college, you will find what works best for you, and you naturally will change and adapt as you go.
Thank you for reading and I’ll include photos from my week!
Yummy dining hall breakfast
East side dorms on a snow day
Waiting for the school shuttle after my evening MIT class!