As a student, you’ve no doubt developed many study techniques. Did you know that not everyone has the same learning style? There are many types: auditory, visual, kinesthetic. A quick search online will provide countless quizzes to help you determine how you best learn. One thing is for sure: using fun, unique supplies to study can be of benefit to all three types of learners. Colors and diagrams can help visual learners, recording can benefit auditory learners, and writing tools can help kinesthetic learners through the act of writing out crucial information.
Gone are the days of simple black and blue pens. Now, the writing supplies are endless. It is surprising just how many unique features many supplies now have. Let’s jump in
*All prices are subject to change at any time and only reflect accuracy as of the time posted.
1. Frixion Pens and Highlighters
If you are someone who loves using pens and highlighters, but you wish you had the ability to erase your work as you can with a pencil, look no further. I have tried both Frixion pens and highlighters and can say that the erase feature works incredibly well while also providing the same quality as a normal pen or highlighter!
Walmart, Target, and Amazon sell larger sets. If you aren’t sure whether you’ll like using Frixion to study, both the pens and highlighters are sold individually at Michael’s.
2. Rocketbook Notebook
Taking notes by hands helps students better remember and retain material. Sometimes it would be nice to study digitized notes after taking them. The Rocketbook notebook has two unique features: 1) it digitizes what is written and 2) the entire notebook is erasable when used with the Pilot Frixion pens. Although the initial purchase may be more expensive than other notebooks, it can save money over time.
Amazon sells the Rocketbook for $24.95.
3. Zebra Mildliners
If you’re looking for unique colored highlighters, the Mildliners work wonderfully. The highlighters glide smoothly, don’t bleed, and are double sided, making it great for highlighting and underlining the content you need to study.
Amazon sells a 15 pack for $13.59. If you’re unsure whether you like them, Michael’s sells them individually!
4. Focus To-Do App
Have you ever heard of the Pomodoro Technique? In short, when you need to work on a task, you set a timer for 25 minutes, take a break for 5 minutes, and repeat this four times until it’s time to take a longer break. The technique is flexible. For example, if you can only focus for 20 minutes instead of 25, you can adjust the method. The goal of this technique is to work productively in intervals, avoid burnout, and ultimately accomplish perhaps more than if you were to attempt to study for longer periods without rest.
The Chrome app provides the same function as the original tomato-shaped timer. It can be downloaded here. Mobile apps are also available and, best of all, are usually free.
5. Post-It Set, Miami Collection
Post-It Notes are often used to write down brief notes, but they can serve many other productive purposes. I like to use them to study key information related to a subject. I’ll also use two different colors, place them side by side, and use them to compare (e.g., if a subject has pros and cons). You can find the Post-It Miami Collection Set at most department stores for under $10.
6. Plus Paper Cinch Staple Free Stapler
Can you imagine never having to use a staple again? Or never having to ask a classmate for a stapler again? Okay, those days may be less frequent now with COVID. However, once things return to normal, this will be very useful! The Plus Paper Cinch Staple can be purchased on Amazon.
This is just a small list of the great supplies out there. Sites such as JetPens, Kawaii Pen Shop, and Amazon offer many unique supplies to help with studying. Next time you study with these, the process will be a little less stressful!
Jennifer Risberg
WSS Student Contributor