In a technology-dependent world full of iPhones, Android smartphones, laptops, notebooks and iPads, it may seem odd to shop around for the best notebooks for college. But if you’re a college professor or college student, you know how much of a hassle it can be to try to keep track of a to-do list solely on your smartphone or to take notes in class. Finding the best notebooks for note taking means the class won’t constantly hear loud tap-tap-tapping while the professor speakers. The best paper notebooks often come in handy when your to-do list on your calendar is trailing down the page.
If you’re one of those CliftonStrengths test-takers who ranked high in “Achiever,” nothing beats the satisfaction you get from physically drawing a line through a completed task. Deleting it simply won’t do the trick. If you’re an English major, or someone who decides to take an elective in Creative Writing, you’ll want to know the best notebooks for writers. And if you’re none of the above but just need the best notebooks for school that are eco-friendly and gets the job done, there are some green options below too. Check out this list of 25 notebooks to find the one that works best for you.
Best Notebooks For College
1. Unruled Eco Friendly
Features
- HIGH-QUALITY PAPER – our unlined 60lb white paper contains 30% recycled content and comes in a smooth finish with a "just right" thickness that is bleed-proof for most pens (some fountain pens and felt-tip pens might bleed slightly)
- GREAT FOR VISUAL NOTETAKING – designed by STEM students, this notebook excels as an engineering notebook, lab notebook, bullet journal, or daily planner
- SPIRAL BOUND AND PERFORATED – pages lie flat and are perforated to easily tear out; perfect for passing along a note or turning in a homework assignment
- ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE – all of our notebooks are made in the USA from recycled content. Unruled partners with 1% for the Planet, Climate Neutral, and One Tree Planted to offset our environmental impact through reforestation
- DURABLE COVERS – our 18pt marbled kraft front cover and 80pt back cover provide the durability and rigidity necessary to take notes with style in any setting
This eco-friendly notebook is designed by college students for college students on unlined paper—giving you the opportunity to organize your thoughts all over the page wherever you choose.
Key Features
- Three-pack
- 30 unlined, perforated sheets
- 8 inches x 10.5 inches
Inspired by a freshmen engineering professor who wrote all over the board, these unlined note sheets give you the same option with “visual notetaking.” According to the post, using this form of note taking increases the ability to retain information six times better than just jotting down words. (Education Week backs this heightened memory technique with a statistic of 65 percent.)
Made from 100 percent PCW recycled covers and a 30 percent PCW recycled interior, One Tree Planted—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Vermont—will plant trees on the company’s behalf for net tree positive results.
2. TWONE Travel Journal Set
TWONE Travel Journal Set
Features
- [Versatile Notebook] This stylish and lightweight notebook is perfect for maintaining a travelogue, a daily journal, planning, taking notes, and more. An excellent diary notebook for travelers, students, workers, business workers, teachers and so on.
- [Premium and Sustainable] Our journal notebook is made of thick paper and has a special binding that enables it to lay flat for simpler and neater writing. It is more environmentally friendly because the cover is constructed from 50% post-consumer recycled paper.
- [Perfect Size Journal Notebook] Each A5-sized notebook journal is 5.5 x 8.3 inches in size, has 30 sheets, and 60 lined pages. They are convenient for handwriting, taking notes, and carrying in your luggage.
- [Usage as You Like] These notebooks have plain kraft paper covers, allowing you to draw, write, or decorate them however you want to. These diaries can be used alone or fitted into any leather notebook cover to be used and written in as you want.
- [Notebook Set] You get 6 notebook diaries for keeping track of your work, studies, or travels. It is also the ideal notebook for giving as gifts. Please get in touch with us if you're unhappy with our notebook diary in any way.
If you are a study abroad student who needs a notebook handy and light enough to carry around with you, this is it. Jot down all your notes on planes, trains and during road trips.
Key Features
- Six notebook journals
- Kraft brown soft cover
- 60 lined pages
Made from 50 percent post consumer recycled paper, these pages are thick enough to avoid bleeding through onto the next page. And if you have ever dealt with a journal that folds over while you write, you will especially appreciate that this one does not have the binding glued to the cover. It can lay flat as you write, similar to a spiral notebook.
Although the notebook is sufficient on its own, you can always slide it into a leather cover of the same size (8.3 inches x 5.5 inches in size) too.
3. TOODOO Spiral
TOODOO Spiral Notebook
Features
- Quantity: 4 packs spiral notebooks in total, include 200-280 sheets white lined paper, 4 pieces pens, 80 pieces sticky notes and 5 colors sticky page markers index tabs flag (80 pieces each color)
- Convenient to use: each spiral notebooks will come to you with a pen in holder, sticky notes and flags, with lined, double sided paper and pen holder elastic loop, convenient to write and no need to look around for a pen or pencil
- Colorful sticky page markers: the sticky page markers have 5 colors, include pink, yellow, blue, orange and green, all the colors are bright and help you take notes and mark easily
- Specifications: the medium size is approx. 14 x 11.5 cm/ 4.5 x 5.5 inches, size of sticky note is 7.5 x 7.6 cm/ 2.95 x 2.99 inches, and sticky page markers are 1.5 x 4.5 cm/ 0.6 x 1.8 inches; The large size is approx. 17.8 x 13.5 cm/ 7.01 x 5.32 inches, the size of sticky note is 7.5 x 7.6 cm/ 2.95 x 2.99 inches, and sticky page markers are 1.5 x 4.5 cm/ 0.6 x 1.8 inches
- Multiple usages: the spiral notebooks are suitable for journal, business, notes, diary and more, also can work as class notes for students or learners, useful supplies for schools and offices
If you’re a regular notetaker who sometimes can’t remember where your notes are and for which class, the sticky notes and page markers may help guide you along the way. You can also use them to separate pages per class.
Key Features
- Four-pack of spiral notebooks
- Lined notepad with pen and pen holder
- Page markers with colored index tabs
Close the brown cover, and the page markers add a few splashes of color. Open the notebook (4.5 inches x 5.5 inches), and you can get to work on organizing your thoughts. Whether you use the four-pack separately (one for each class) or divide your notes up into sections in one notebook, this is a great organizational and study tool. Use the 50 pages of lined, white paper; 80 yellow sticky notes; and five sticky page markers (80 pieces in each color) however you see fit.
And if the included pen runs out of ink, the pen holder comes in handy to add your favorite fountain pen, calligraphy pen (if used for letter writing) or any other pen you prefer.
4. Classic Ruled Faux Leather
Classic Ruled Notebooks/Journals
Features
- VALUE OF MONEY - 2 pack large classic ruled notebook, journals are elegant, quality crafted books available at a surprisingly COMPETITVE PRICE & QUALITY. A huge choice for everyday use, provides plenty of space for notes, lists, musings, and more.
- PREMIUM THICK PAPER - 128 pages (for each) lined paper, thicker 30% than normal, the paper of this notebook is ink-proof and is designed to avoid feathering, suit for most pens, but the wettest pen inks. Archival-quality pages made from acid-free paper-resists damage from light and air, the cream paper is easy on eyes.
- FAUX LEATHER - Texture finish of the faux leather exterior feels great in your hand, just like a baby's skin. Fashion but durable cover adapts to the movements of body without damage. The notebook's hard cover protects the pages inside and doubles as a convenient writing surface. Great GIFT for any VEGAN.
- HUMANIZED DESIGN - Integrated Bookmark & Expandable Inner Pocket & Cardboard Bound Cover,elastic closure helps keep notebook securely closed, making it easy to write in the notebook from just about anywhere. This notebook provide you a high quality writing experience.
- GREAT USE - Ideal for all office, school and home use including for taking notes and keeping work in order, as a diary or journal for brainstorming ideas, creative writing or just doodling and drawing to your hearts content.
Are you trying to get on your new roommate’s good side? This faux leather notebook not only feels nice to the touch; it’s also a great icebreaker for you and your new dorm roommate.
Key Features
- Premium thick paper faux leather cover
- Two-pack classic ruled notebook
- 5 inches x 8.25 inches
Available in five colors (black, blue, gray, green, purple), the 128 lined pages are 30 percent thicker than normal pages. This means your ink won’t bleed onto the next page, including pen ink that takes a little longer to dry without smudging.
Don’t lose your spot while notetaking, with this leather notebook. And if you have small cards or notes, slide them conveniently into the expandable inner pocket attached to the cardboard bound cover.
5. Journals for Travelers
Notebook Journals for Travelers
Features
- GREAT VALUE FOR MONEY - 12 pack college ruled notebook journals. These journals bulk are elegant, which are available at a COMPETITIVE & AFFORDABLE PRICES.
- 30 sheets/60 pages (counting both sides) of off-white/cream colored college ruled line paper give you a good writing experience[ 25 lines per page, Medium ruled].
- PERFECT SIZE & Multipurpose: Size 8.3" x 5.5", easy for handwriting and carrying in your bag, Ideal choice for business /conference /A5 travelers notebook /composition/class /schoolwork /daily planner use.
- High Quality Material: Line cream off-white paper, thick paper prevents ink from bleeding through the pages, suitable for most pen types, and the durable binding of each travel journal notebook keeps these pages together.
- The cream paper is easy on the eyes and reduce viewing strain. The A5 size lined notebooks come with 60 pages allowing for freedom of expression. Go ahead and unleash your creativity on paper.
Also available as blank pages, the lined pages in the notebook journals (8.3 inches x 5.5 inches) come in handy for lecture hall notes. And if your major is Creative Writing and/or English, this is a perfect opportunity to start a journaling series.
Key Features
- 12-pack of journals
- 60 pages
- A5-size lined notebooks
These off-white/cream-colored, college-ruled notebook journals are lightweight and easy to drop in your tote bag, suitcase, backpack and more. It’s durable enough that it won’t unravel inside of the bag(s). And the high-quality paper won’t bleed onto the next page.
While 12 journals may seem like a lot to keep up with, if you use this set for a series, they will be of better use. If you’re not into journaling, use this set to keep track of book notes or other college courses that require regular reference and memorization.
6. Five Star Spiral
Five Star Spiral Notebook
Features
- Pack of 6 notebooks
- Durable Poly front cover and coated natural Kraft back cover to last all Year long
- 2-Pocket divider for paper storage
- Spiral lock wire to prevent coil snags
- Neat sheet perforated pages to easily tear out paper
The average college student debt is $37,172. And although there are some college students who can afford to attend without loans, the larger majority needs to find ways to spend smarter. Grand Rapids Community College found a way to save on funds by utilizing a laptop vending machine. The list of ways to save goes on and on, and this includes not spending a boatload of money on notebooks for college too.
Key Features
- 100 sheets
- Assorted colors
- Six-pack of spiral notebooks
Available in six assorted colors (two shades of blue, red, green, yellow, black), these economical notebooks (6 inches x 9.5 inches) have a coated natural Kraft back cover to help with durability. Additionally, you can organize loose paper in the two-pocket divider for paper storage. With neat sheets, you can easily tear a page off without messy ends.
And if you’ve ever dealt with a spiral notebook that starts to look like a loose gate, not to worry with these. They have spiral lock wires to prevent coil snags from happening.
7. Pocket Notebook
Pocket Notebook
Features
- GET MORE VALUE with our 5-PACK of Field Note Books. GET MORE, SPEND LESS!
- 400 PAGES IN TOTAL - Each book contains 80 PAGES (40 sheets)
- SMALL SIZED - This mini memo pad is 5x8 inches. HIGH QUALITY, acid-free paper
- LINED / RULED pattern
- This item is manufactured and sold by ELAN PUBLISHING, a leader in FIELD NOTEBOOKS for the past 50 years.
Activism is one of many trends happening around college campuses. With this pattern of consciousness, you may be taking more political or social justice courses. And with these come plenty of audio files, videos and lectures. Who says you have to take notes in a plain notebook?
Key Features
- Five-pack of field notebooks
- 80 pages
- Acid-free, lined/ruled pattern paper
Polka dots, flowers, colorful lines and “paint” splashes, these assorted patterns on these journals (5 inches x 8 inches) add a little extra flavor to whatever you’re writing down. And by all five options having different designs, you can easily organize which notebook should be for which topic. Use the high-quality, acid-free paper to take field notes.
Elan Publishing has been creating notebooks for the past 50 years, so they are a brand you should be able to trust.
8. Luxury Journal
Luxury Notebook Journal
$15.89 in stock
Features
- FUNCTIONAL - Document your thoughts and ideas on a daily basis with a lined notebook designed for success. Each one includes an inner pocket folder, 2 ribbon bookmarks, and 130 easy-tear perforated pages.
- PREMIUM QUALITY - Thick 120 gsm, college-ruled paper means that your notes and drawings won't bleed through the page. A bendable, lay-flat design also ensures the notebook journal stays open when writing.
- ON THE GO COMPANION - At 8.25" x 6.65" this notebook gives you the luxury of jotting down things anywhere. Use it as a travel journal on trips, daily journal at home, or work notebook in an office.
- ELEGANT - The art of storytelling lies in the craftsmanship of such stylish journals for writing. Every cover is made of durable, soft leatherette and paired with an elastic closure strap to hold everything together.
- A WRITER'S DREAM - No matter the occasion, our personal writing journal makes a thoughtful gift to any business executive, student, event planner, and others looking to keep their ideas organized.
Physical fitness is another trending topic among college students. And with this major comes health and wellness courses, sports psychology, public health, safety and first aid, and more. Some classes may be a matter of sitting in a lecture hall and just following instructions. Others are a bit more hands-on and may require a sturdy, durable notebook that can handle being tossed about or shoved inside of a small bag.
Key Features
- Bendable, cross-hatch cover
- Two bookmarks
- One backpocket
This two-pack of luxury notebook journals (8.3 inches x 5.6 inches) has 130 pages, a back pocket, college-ruled paper, and lays 180 degrees flat. The high-quality paper won’t bleed onto the next page, and most pens should write smoothly along each page. The soft gray leatherette cover is unisex and durable.
Use the college-ruled paper to write down notes, measurements, records, or even as a journal to keep track of your own mental and physical health while helping others.
9. Ricco Bello
Features
- Lay-Flat Design for Frustration-Free Writing: 192 pages (96 sheets, front & back)
- Premium Features: elastic band closure, pen holder, ribbon bookmark and expandable storage pocket
- Acid-Free Paper: 80 GSM acid-free cream paper resists fading - preserve your daily journal and notes
- Multi-Use: Travel notebook, executive notebook, writing journal, school supplies, lab book
- Great Gift Idea: for coworkers, boss, students, poets, writers - birthdays, graduation, retirement
Memories. Observations. Thoughts. Achievements. Musings. Accomplishments. Passions. Projects. Where else could be a better place to write about these kinds of topics than college?
Key Features
- Elastic closure
- Pen loop
- Ribbon bookmark
These acid-free notebooks (available in 13 designs) are securely stitched with glue binding so they can lay 180 degrees flat. Enjoy 192 ruled pages to record all of your thoughts and notes in these notebooks (5.7 inches x 8.4 inches). You can even use it for bucket list items or a food diary. Add loose paper items and business cards inside of the expandable storage pocket. Use the attached pen loop to make sure you never lose track of your pen again.
With the help of the integrated bookmark, you can easily make sure you don’t lose track of whichever page you last wrote on—or whatever page is considered the most important of them all.
10. Lively Floral
Features
- BRIGHT, BEAUTIFUL DESIGN: Rifle Paper Co. Lively Floral Stitched Notebook Set, 8.5" L x 6" W, comes with 3 notebooks that features a lay-flat sewn binding and 64 ruled pages with gold ink. Each cover has it's own unique hand-painted floral design coming in a variety of colors. Give these notebooks as gifts or keep them all to yourself!
- EVERYTHING YOU NEED AND MORE: Rifle Paper Co. offers a wide variety of products that range from stationery and greeting cards to phone cases and home decor. This trendy lifestyle brand only uses high-quality materials and unique hand-painted designs by Rifle Paper Co. co-founder Anna Bond.
- PORTABLE NOTEBOOKS: Never lose track of ideas with this set of notebooks, which are the perfect size for tucking into bags, backpacks, and back pockets. Best of all, you can choose between different fun florals and colors! There's nothing generic about Rifle Paper Co. products and you won't be able to find these designs anywhere else.
- MIX AND MATCH: The Lively Floral Notebook Set pairs perfectly with Rifle Paper Co. pens and pencils, address books, and desk accessories. Rifle Paper Co. has everything you need for your home office such as file folders, paper tape, and notepads. Collect all the desk accessories so you'll be ready for school or the office.
- MAKE THE WORLD MORE COLORFUL: Rifle Paper Co. started as a stationery company but our goal is to create quality products that bring beauty to the everyday. With each hand-painted illustration and distinctive color palette, our passion is to produce quality products with beauty in mind. We hope by using our products you'll get inspired and have fun!
Flower journals don’t have to just be a pretty cover. For some college students, they can also express the theme of a college major. Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, anyone? Or, maybe a minor in Plant and Soil Science? Notebooks like this make your interests pretty clear.
Key Features
- Three stitched linen floral-covered notebooks
- Gold foil accents
- 64 ruled pages (both sides)
These flower-covered notebooks (6 inches x 8.5 inches), with floral designs on the tops of the pages and printed on various sheets inside, can be used for a variety of notetaking. Small enough to drop into a backpack or purse, carry these around wherever you go.
This also doubles as a great housewarming gift for a college student with her first off-campus apartment. Help her keep track of plant care so her potential green thumb doesn’t become a black thumb. O2 houseplants filter indoor pollutants and help you breathe clean air.
11. AmazonBasics
Features
- Composition notebook with 100 sheets of paper (56 gsm weight paper stock; 92% brightness); 4-pack of assorted solid colors
- Wide-ruled format (11/32-inch) promotes neat, even lines of legible writing
- Sturdy front and back covers (20 pt. white cardstock) protect the paper and double as a firm surface for writing against
- Printed quick-reference info on inside covers (schedule table and standard weight and measurement conversion chart)
- Sewn binding keeps pages securely attached; paper measures 9.75 by 7.5 inches
Whether you’re a biology or chemistry major who knows these conversions by heart or need a reminder nearby, the “Useful Conversions” charts come in handy in and out of college. Use them for math and science classes, cooking, or even as a fitness diary.
Key Features
- Black or assorted colors (four-pack)
- 50 pages
- 9.8 inches x 7.5 inches
This wide-ruled format paper is convenient for neat, legible writing that doesn’t look bunched between the lines. The front and back covers, made with 20-point white cardstock, operate as a sturdy “clipboard” to write on as well as protecting the paper. The sewn binding keeps the pages securely attached when the notebook is folded.
And although the chart may not be meant to erase and rewrite without wear and tear, the schedule comes in handy for common daily or weekly tasks. This doubles as a great way to remember ongoing assignments. This is one of the best notebooks for the money.
12. Black History Journal
Features
| Author | SR Creations |
| Binding | Paperback |
| EAN | 9781796202014 |
| EAN List | EAN List Element: 9781796202014 |
| ISBN | 1796202010 |
| Item Dimensions | Height: 900; Length: 600; Weight: 35; Width: 25 |
| Label | Independently published |
| Manufacturer | Independently published |
| Number Of Pages | 110 |
| Package Dimensions | Height: 25; Length: 900; Weight: 49; Width: 600 |
| Product Group | Book |
| Product Type Name | ABIS_BOOK |
| Publication Date | 2019-02-05 |
| Publisher | Independently published |
| Studio | Independently published |
| Title | Dream Like Martin Lead Like Harriet Fight Like Malcolm Think Like Garvey Write Like Maya Build Like Madam C.J Speak Like Frederick Educated Like W.E.B ... Inspire Like Obama: Black History Journal |
If you’re a history major, specifically an African-American History (or Literature) major, this SR Creations black pride journal can be a source of inspiration from first sight alone. Lead Like Harriet (Tubman). Fight Like Malcolm (X). Educated like W.E.B. (Du Bois). And more.
Key Features
- 110 pages
- Soft cover (matte) texture
- 6 inches x 9 inches
This independently published journal has names that can be used as a source for your first African-American history or literature project. The cover also helps to identify what these particular names are known for, which makes them admirable for those who already know the names and educational for those who have no clue who these 12 names are.
Political science majors may want to get on this gift solely for the “Inspire like Obama” line on the bottom page as well.
13. Rite In The Rain
Rite In The Rain Notebook
Features
- Crafted from the highest quality materials
- Built for performance and durability
- Made in United States
This notebook (8.5 inches x 11 inches) is water resistant against grease, mud, sweat and water, and helps you avoid the pages sticking together into an ineligible mess. For this reason alone, this notebook is great for field work. Use it for anything from travel to social justice courses.
Key Features
- Weatherproof side-spiral notebook
- Universal page pattern
- Impact-resistant Wire-O binding
The inside back cover boasts “Defying Mother Nature” and is made from waterproof polydura cover flexible material. This waterproof material also makes the notebook useful to guard against scratches and stains while carrying in your bag or laying down on a sidewalk.
If you’ve ever had a notebook that started off looking brand new but immediately looked worn out after a few uses, this spiral notebook ideally won’t be there. And best of all, when you’re done using all 84 pages, the white and printed pages are recyclable.
14. Oxford Stone Paper
Features
- Enjoy velvety smooth writing on paper made from stone
- Moisture- and tear-resistant sheets make the perfect all-terrain notebook
- Ink glides across the page and won't show through
- Strong double-wire binding keeps paper secure
- 8-1/2" x 11", 60 sheets; blue; 2 pack
The top 10 most popular majors, according to a study compiled by CNN and CareerBuilder, are (in this order): biology, business administration, communications, computer science, criminal justice, elementary education, marketing, nursing, psychology and political science. And with all 10 majors comes the opportunity to use this notebook (8.5 inches x 11 inches) full of paper made from stone.
Key Features
- Tear resistant
- Double-wire binding
- Water resistant
As frustrating as it may be to try to write in some notebooks that smear ink, bleed to the other side of the page or don’t come out clear at all, this notebook is intended to help your writing glide across the pages.
Considering the professional, durable appeal of this notebook, you may not want to use this particular option for throwaway notes. Save this two-pack (30 pages) for your best work that you may need for the long run, even after graduation.
15. Blueline EcoLogix
Features
- 100% post-consumer recycled paper; 50% recycled hard romanel green cover; 90% recycled bound wire
- Ecological tips at the end of each notebook to help protect the environment
- Included self-adhesive tabs and index sheet
- Recycled cardboard pocket
- 200 green ruled pages
Reportedly only 25 percent of millennials would be embarrassed to admit that they don’t recycle. So does that mean they don’t recycle at all? Not so much. It seems that their focus is more on supporting companies that already have their professional ear on the pulse of eco-friendly products and marketing.
Key Features
- 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper
- 50 percent recycled hard romanel green cover
- 90 percent recycled bound wire
These green recycled notebooks (8.5 inches x 11 inches) include ecological tips printed in the back of each notebook to help you continue to protect the environment. The self-adhesive tabs and index sheets can be used for organizational tips for the 200 green-ruled pages. Use the recycled cardboard pocket to add your own environmentalism tips as you find them. If you’re an environmental science major, a notebook like this can come in handy long after you turn the tassel on your cap.
You can also purchase these notebooks in three other colors: black, red and pink. If you choose a pink version, a portion of net proceeds reportedly will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
16. Mead Spiral
Features
- Stay organized while protecting the planet with a notebook that is made with 100% recycled materials
- The 80 college ruled sheets are double-sided for plenty of notetaking space. Pages are perforated so they easily tear out with clean edges.
- Notebook is 3-hole punched for storage in your favorite binder. Nylon coated, twin wire binding will not snag and resists uncoiling to keep your notes together.
- This product is made with 100% Recycled Fiber, including 30% post-consumer waste. Notebook covers are made of paper.
- Sheets measure 7" x 4-3/8" when torn out. Overall size of 7" x 5". Available in assorted colors: Ginger, Terra Cotta, Maize, Indigo, Moss, Stone.
According to College Xpress, a trend that college students need to get in front of is looking into internships. For some majors, this is a requirement in order to graduate. For others, it’s an efficient way of gaining experience and building your work resume before you enter the job market. Similar to scholarships, it can be overwhelming trying to keep up without proper record-keeping. This is when a notebook like this comes in handy.
Key Features
- Perforated paper
- College-ruled
- Available in six colors
The double-sided, college-ruled paper is easy to tear off without frayed edges. Available in six colors (red, gray, green, blue, brown, and camel/yellow), these notebooks (7 inches x 5 inches), these 40 pages are available for you to keep track of all of the professional skills you’re gaining. The twin wire binding has a clear coat with nylon to help avoid pages falling out while the notebook is packed away.
The 100 percent recycled fiber notebook pages are durable and easy to use as a reference. Resumes are often rewritten based on the kind of job one is looking for. This notebook can be used as a reference tool for start and end dates for all of your internship and professional work experience.
17. Spirit Animal Book
Spirit Animal Book
Features
- 100% Post Consumer Waster Recycled Pages
- Made Using Bio-Gas
- Processed Chlorine Free
- Printed With Soy Ink
- Made in the U.S.A.
People ages 18 to 29 reportedly always try to recycle or do it as often as possible, according to this report. And some just start off using eco-friendly products to begin with. No matter what you use this notebook for, the fascinating materials used to make it are a talking piece in class and around campus. Michael Rogers’ decomposition notebook (9.75 inches x 7.5 inches) is made from 100 percent post-consumer-waste recycled pages. While that may be something you’ve heard before, the pages themselves were made using landfill gas.
Key Features
- College-ruled composition notebook
- 100 percent recycled pages
- Soy ink printed covers
In addition to the notebooks being made from landfill gas, the paper is processed chlorine-free. The book covers surrounding the 80 college-ruled sheets of white paper are printed with soy ink.
In addition to the notebooks, the creator of these decomposition books has also used his eco-friendly inspiration to create recycled greeting cards, sketchbooks, and tote bags. While the notebook may be less likely to be shared, the additional stationery and bag options are ones to share with your peers.
18. Novica
Features
- Authentic: an original NOVICA fair trade product in association with national geographic
- Certified: comes with an official NOVICA story card certifying quality & authenticity
- Product info: recycled paper, rice straw paper, cinnamon sticks and angel grass cord
- Country of Origin: Indonesia
From a casual glance at the recycled natural fiber pages of these rice paper notebooks, it’s not hard to tell that they’re eco-friendly. But what exactly are you supposed to do with the cinnamon sticks? Find out below.
Key Features
- Recycled natural fiber notebooks
- 50 rice straw pages
- Cinnamon sticks
This set of six fiber notebooks (4.7 inches x 3.5 inches) come in purple, pink, yellow, blue, black and green. The gel grass cord is used to bind each notebook together, with decorative stitching to make it even more fascinating just to look at. As an original NOVICA fair trade product in association with National Geographic, these notebooks are certified with official NOVICA story cards. If you purchase a product like this, and it does not come with the authentication certificate, it’s probably a knockoff.
Lightweight and delicate (and common in Bali), these notebooks all include a lacy leaf silhouette on top. While the purpose of the cinnamon stick may be more decorative and to add a bit of weight to hold the notebook down in place, it appears to be a signature on quite a few of award-winning artisan Komang Sulaksana’s work.
19. Tree-Free Journal
Features
- 100 percent recycled journal; premium uncoated paper
- Paper made with wind power and green-e certified
- Processed chlorine free
- Made in the USA
- Watercolor Waves themed Shell Rummel art
With the intentions of using the most sustainable materials that Tree-Free Greetings can find, this is a perfect gift for your eco-friendly friends. Buy a few of these notebook journals as grab bag gifts or bring your own for others to admire during a study session.
Key Features
- Recycled soft cover journal
- 160 pages
- Watercolor waves themed shell Rummel art
This tree-free journal is 100 percent recyclable and made from premium uncoated paper. Processed chlorine free and made with wind power and green e-certified materials, this journal is earth friendly and stunning at the same time. The 160 ultra-smooth lined pages open flat and smooth, without the pages falling out or flopping over.
Adorned with leaf illustrations in each corner, the book is a stylish example of nature. If you’re interested in a minor in Natural Resources Management or Plant and Social Science, purchases like these serve two purposes: helpful for notetaking and inspiration to study nature-friendly trends.
20. Field Notebook
Features
- GET MORE VALUE with our 4-PACK of Field Note Books. GET MORE, SPEND LESS!
- 320 PAGES IN TOTAL - Each book contains 80 PAGES (40 sheets)
- SMALL SIZED - This mini memo pad is 5x8 inches. HIGH QUALITY, acid-free paper
- LINED / RULED pattern (graph & dot graph also available above)
- This item is manufactured and sold by ELAN PUBLISHING, a leader in FIELD NOTEBOOKS for the past 50 years.
For some people, the idea of balancing a checkbook or keeping a money tracking journal may seem tedious. But college is as good of a time as any, especially for finance majors, to form good habits about monitoring your money. College Xpress suggests using Mint to see what kind of spending you do.
And while apps such as these will do it, it’s not a bad idea to keep your own finance journal, too. Even if you use electronics for convenience, at least know what they’re doing to avoid being too dependent on them should an app or software go down. (Don’t worry. We won’t lecture you about doing math on calculators versus in your head.)
Key Features
- Four-pack of field notebooks
- 80 pages each
- Acid-free paper
Choose between lined patterns, dot-graph patterns and graph patterns. Elan Publishing, a manufacturer of these Field notebooks (5 inches x 8 inches), has been in business for the past 50 years so this is an added product.
Choose between black, orange, Kraft or combo designs for whatever suits you best. While the pages are not perforated if used as a financial journal, even better. Chances are this kind of record-keeping would make you want to have the numbers all together to compare months (or even years) later.
21. Leather Journal
Features
- DURABLE BUFFALO LEATHER made from premium quality buffalo leather is second to none – with a wonderful leather smell, it’s soft-feeling, yet super tough. Oil pulled leather finish. Beautifully crafted & unique design. Soft & Supple Dark Brown Genuine Water Buffalo Leather with a real leather scent. Being hand-made from 100% natural leather, our journals can vary in look & shade, producing a unique item, no two are quite the same - a special keepsake for your thoughts, plans & ideas.
- RUSTIC DESIGN- It has an asymmetric shape at the front as its hand made and decorative leather string stitching on the spine adds antique charm to this lovely keepsake for kids, men, women, students, artists, journalists, or travelers of all ages. A long leather strap wraps around the journal to secure the notebook firmly when not in use. Perfect for all your daily writing and drawing needs. This versatile notebook is ideal for several uses and allows for easy handwriting, sketching, and drawing
- EARTH-FRIENDLY: 100 sheets/200 Handmade cotton pages (counting both sides) of Blank/Plain/Unlined/Unruled, off-white/cream colored paper (NON-REFILLABLE), hand-crafted with eco-friendly recycled cotton which is acid-free & tree free - environmentally kind! This rustic leather notebook from Rustic Vintage is the perfect writing companion for journal lovers and anyone with a taste for things with an antique or vintage feel.
- NO BLEED THROUGH- You can Easily Draw through from any type of Pencil, Pen, Ball Pen, Gel Pen, Sketch Pen, Ink Pen, Sparkle Pen will glide through the paper smoothly without any ink bleeding through on this thick quality paper weighing 100gsm. Easy for handwriting, drawing, or sketching and compact for carrying in your bag. Ideal for Artists, Diaries, Travelling, Business, Teen Journals, Poetry Work, Journalists, laboratory notebook, Food Planner, Scrapbook, and Christian Bible Journaling.
- PERFECT COMPACT SIZE: for any writer 7" x 5" so easy to carry when traveling or to keep at home or work next to your bed or desk. The gift box included making this a perfect gift for Kids, Adults, Young & Elderly Man & women for Birthdays, festivals, Christmas, Anniversaries. Whether you are a huge fan of keeping a journal or just beginning, this rustic writing diary is here for you! Such a great way to empower your thoughts and ideas, record important life events, or simply blow off some steam!
You can’t deny that this vintage journal just screams history or art major. History majors may enjoy it because of its vintage appearance. Art majors will love the quality unlined cream paper. And if you’re an art history major, it’s a win-win.
Key Features
- Handmade vintage bound notebook
- Genuine buffalo leather
- Art sketchbook unlined pages
The leather smell is probably one of the more distinctive features about this journal (7 inches x 5 inches) from first impression. It’s also identified as soft, durable leather with an oil pulled finish. The handmade asymmetric leather stitching lines the front and sides, with one long leather strap to close and tighten the journal in place. Inside the journal are recycled, blank, off-white/cream colored paper. Acid-free and tree-free, various pens can be used to write on the natural fiber of these 200 pages.
While this leather journal is definitely a keepsake, keep in mind that the paper is not refillable. So it may be best to use this book for artwork you plan to keep. Or, at least art and history notes you want for the long haul.
22. Nuuna
Features
- SIZE: 4.25" x 6"
- flexcover notebook
- Cover: Metallic Artificial Leather
- paper:120 g Munken Paper
- binding:thread stitching, perfect lay-flat behaviour
While a notebook can be used for any purpose you want it to, there’s no denying that this notebook fits Fashion majors. Sketch dresses, suits, shirts and anything else that looks like it’ll work wonders on a red carpet.
Key Features
- Recycled metallic leather cover
- Uncoated bright white Munken Polar paper from Sweden by Arctic Paper
- Lay-flat design
This notebook (4.25 inches x 5.9 inches) is available in seven colors: blue, candy neon yellow, grey, metallic blue, shiny cosmo rose, shiny silver and starlet gold. While the book can be used for notetaking and journaling, sketching and doodling seem like a perfect home for its premium thick paper. Don’t worry about the ink. It will not bleed on the other side.
FSC certified and eco-friendly, the 176 numbered pages make this particular notebook easy to navigate. If you add a Table of Contents to page one, this could turn into the reference sketchbook you always wanted.
23. Spiral Journal
Features
| Binding | Office Product |
| Brand | Greengoal |
| EAN | 0639208406354 |
| EAN List | EAN List Element: 0639208406354 |
| Item Dimensions | Height: 75; Length: 826; Weight: 119; Width: 591 |
| Label | Greengoal |
| Manufacturer | Greengoal |
| MPN | G1843 |
| Number Of Items | 3 |
| Package Dimensions | Height: 137; Length: 1100; Weight: 120; Width: 720 |
| Part Number | G1843 |
| Product Group | Office Product |
| Product Type Name | PAPER_PRODUCT |
| Publisher | Greengoal |
| Size | 8.25 x 5.5 inches |
| Studio | Greengoal |
| Title | Set of 3 Soft Cover Spiral Journal Notebook, Unlined Paper 8.25" × 5.5", 100 Pages/50 Sheets, Perfect for Travel |
| UPC | 639208406354 |
| UPC List | UPC List Element: 639208406354 |
While creative writing and English classes often seem to be affiliated with lined notebooks and neat notes, that’s not always the case. There are also creative writers who need less boundaries, including screenwriters. Theater majors may be intrigued by the simplicity of the acid-free cream/white thick paper sheets to start drafting potential movies or plays.
Key Features
- Three-pack of journal notebooks
- Soft cover, spiral design
- Unlined, blank, perforated pages
These high-quality pages will not bleed. This makes it a great tool to not only draft your own stories but also to sketch characters and even wardrobe. The durable binding of the spiral notebook (8.25 inches x 5.5 inches) makes sure the pages stay in place and lay flat when opened. (The latter perk comes in handy should you want to read your notes and/or script aloud.)
Grab a podium and enjoy flipping through the 100 blank perforated pages. And unlike basic computer paper, this spiral notebook has an automatic cover for better protection than loose pages.
24. Kraft Hard Cover
Kraft Hard Cover Notebook
3 used from $15.99
Features
- The “Write it Down!” Series by Journals Unlimited features the world’s largest collection of over 65 themed and guided journal titles with something for every age, interest, occasion, or hobby. We all have unique thoughts, life experiences, and events, worth remembering. Whatever your age or passion, keeping a journal is a great way capture and recall your thoughts and ideas. Each individually unique keepsake journal makes it easy and fun to record your precious thoughts and memories.
- WRITING PROMPTS guide you to capture the things that really matter. Our design makes you want to “Write it Down!”.
- PRINTED IN THE USA means quality craftsmanship. “Writing it Down!” since 1997.
- RECYCLED, heavy-duty 70 lb, acid-free, ivory paper, and soy-based ink.
- NATURAL KRAFT COVER features a black beveled frame and a long-lasting durable hard cover design with a hand-crafted look.
Whether you’re a continuing education student who has decided to travel around or a student who wants to have a deeper knowledge of a location you’re already studying (ex. Public Health studies in Puerto Rico), having a travel journal with you can come in handy. (And it’s yet another reason to help refresh people’s memories of America’s geography.)
Key Features
- 50-states journal
- Kraft hardcover
- Recycled paper
As you travel to any (or all) of the 50 states, take advantage of the four notes per state. There is a state map with fun state facts, a lined page to jot down notes, and a prompted page. The last page is used to keep track of your visitation dates, who you visited the state with, where you visited (ex. historical monuments), additional travel goals and memories.
You can even add a little extra fun with this 204-page spiral notebook (10.9 inches x 7.5 inches). Grab a few colored pencils and color in the United States map until you’ve completed it. Colored pencils (instead of markers) help avoid potential bleeding, and the hardcover protects the journal for years to come.
25. Personalized Religious
Personalized Religious Notebook
Features
- MAKE IT PERSONAL: Add a name to the front cover to give your journal that extra special touch. Make your own, or give as a perfect gift for moms, teachers, and friends!
- CONVENIENT SIZE: Our 8.5” x 11” notebook size is perfect for extra details and great for note taking and scheduling on the go!
- QUALITY MATERIALS: All notebooks include 120 pages (60 sheets) of durable, 60 lb. text-smooth paper in your design choice. Front and back covers are laminated for durability with a gloss lamination. All books are bound with ½" metal wire-o spiral allowing them to lay flat as you write.
- GUARANTEED SATISFACTION: We take great pride in the quality of our products, accuracy of your order and the pleasure of your purchasing experience. We promise to take whatever steps necessary to ensure you are completely happy with your purchase.
- FAST SHIPPING: We love what we do and we don’t want you to have to wait to get your extra special item. We strive to achieve a fast turnaround, with a quality product. Most orders ship the next business day.
If you’re at all interested in Mind-Body Medicine or spiritual intelligence, this notebook may be of interest to you.
Key Features
- Laminated soft cover
- 120-college ruled pages
- Lay flat wire-o spiral
While this notebook (8.5 inches x 11 inches) is labeled religious, it leans more toward spiritual and colorful. With 120 pages of college ruled papers, you can jot down as many notes as you want in your next Practical Theology class.
This notebook is durable with gloss lamination, this book lays flat to review your notes as needed.
Bottom Line
As you can see from the 25 suggested notebooks above, your necessary notetaking or sketching specifications will help you decide which one is right for you. Some people will want lined notebooks; others will prefer unlined visual notetaking. Neither option is wrong, just different. There are common trends above that couldn’t hurt either way.
One is to choose eco-friendly paper. If you can avoid taking down another tree with readily sustainable options, why not? And the other suggested feature is to find a notebook that will lay flat. It’s quite the headache to have to constantly open a notebook or balance it on your elbow while you write. Avoid breaking the seal on your next notebook with almost all of these options. Make your next writing (or sketching) project convenient, earth friendly and fun. Most of all, with all of these options, find a notebook that just looks like it’s “so you.”
The Review
Best Notebooks For College
Read through our reviews of the best notebooks for college to help you make the best purchase.
Review Breakdown
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Unruled Notebook
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TWONE Travel Journal Set
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TOODOO Spiral Notebook
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Classic Ruled Notebooks/Journals
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Notebook Journals for Travelers
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Five Star Spiral Notebook
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Pocket Notebook
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Luxury Notebook Journal
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RICCO BELLO Notebook
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Lively Floral Notebooks
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AmazonBasics Notebook
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Black History Journal
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Rite In The Rain Notebook
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Oxford Stone Paper Notebook
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Blueline EcoLogix Notebook
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Mead Spiral Notebook
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Spirit Animal Book
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NOVICA Notebooks
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Tree-Free Journal
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Field Notebook
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Leather Journal
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Nuuna Notebook
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Spiral Journal Notebook
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Kraft Hard Cover Notebook
-
Personalized Religious Notebook
Best Notebooks For College DEALS
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