#10 Best Notebooks for College 2023

Choosing the best notebooks for college is critical for those college students who do not wish to take notes on their tablets. Here, we've compiled a list of the best notebooks to consider that fit your needs!

👤 Written by: A. R. Wardhana
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Finding a suitable notebook to use for studying in college might seem like trying to find an empty seat in the library during exam time. It doesn't seem possible at all. Even while your college most likely has a stationery store where you can purchase notebooks, the selection of notebooks they sell there may be limited in terms of kind and price. Now that's out of the way, let's get to the list of the best notebooks for college!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Why does paper type matter?

The ink will bleed more if the paper is too thin. Because the other side of the paper already contains marks from the top side, you won’t be able to use it, resulting in fewer pages accessible for usage. You don’t have to be concerned with paper kinds if you don’t want to. If you do, be sure to choose sturdy paper that will hold up to a lot of writing.

Why do I need folders?

The value of a notebook is increased because pocket folders within the notebook help improve organization. Still, your notebook’s thickness may increase due to using pocket folders. You could want to store all of your papers in a separate folder; however, the pocket notebook can be used to carry homework, separate notes or paper, and a variety of other things.

Does the cover make a difference?

The kind of cover makes a huge difference! Plastic covers on top of notebooks are more resistant to damage and can withstand a water spill better than cardboard covers. Your notes will be in the best possible condition since it gives an additional layer of protection, making you feel safer in the event of an accident. There are various options, but you should eventually choose based on color or design.

What is the difference between College-Ruled and Wide-Ruled papers?

Because of the width of the lines, these notebooks vary from others. College paper is thinner, allowing you to fit more on a page, but the wide-ruled paper will allow you to write more freely.

*Disclaimer. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct. Read more
Name Rank Check Prices
Spiral College Ruled Notebook Five Star
Five Star
Spiral College Ruled Notebook
#1 Amazon Fivestarbuiltstrong.com eBay
Advance Wirebound Notebook Five Star
Five Star
Advance Wirebound Notebook
#2 Amazon Fivestarbuiltstrong.com eBay
1 Subject Spiral Notebook (6 Pack) Oxford
Oxford
1 Subject Spiral Notebook (6 Pack)
#3 Amazon Tops-products.com eBay
Stone Paper Notebook Oxford
Oxford
Stone Paper Notebook
#4 Amazon Walmart.com eBay
College Ruled Spiral Notebook Lemome
Lemome
College Ruled Spiral Notebook
#5 Amazon eBay
Amazon Basics Classic Notebook Amazon Basics
Amazon Basics
Amazon Basics Classic Notebook
#6 Amazon Desertcart.in eBay
1-Subject Wire-bound Notebook Top Flight
Top Flight
1-Subject Wire-bound Notebook
#7 Amazon Topflightpaper.com eBay
Classic Black and White Marble Notebook Shady Grove Notebooks
Shady Grove Notebooks
Classic Black and White Marble Notebook
#8 Amazon Abebooks.com eBay
Medium A5 Ruled Softcover Notebook LEUCHTTURM1917
LEUCHTTURM1917
Medium A5 Ruled Softcover Notebook
#9 Amazon Leuchtturm1917.us eBay
Composition Notebook Mead
Mead
Composition Notebook
#10 Amazon Mead.com eBay

10 List of Best Notebooks for College

  • Five Star Spiral College Ruled Notebook
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    #1

    Five Star Spiral College Ruled Notebook

    Durable notebook with 4 squares per inch graph ruled sheets

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Because of their excellent quality, ruled pages, durability, and organizing capabilities, Five Star notebooks are our first recommendation among college students for taking notes. The utilitarian plastic cover doesn’t distract, the ruled paper is simple to write on, and the ink doesn’t bleed through the page.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Durable and sturdy
    Ideal for graphing and taking notes in general
    Water-resistant covers
    Include spiral lock wire
    The paper is made with SFI certified
    1-year guarantee

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    The plastic is oil-based
    The book has an odor

    What other experts liked

    The paper is larger, the folders are more durable, and the items last longer in general, I converted to 5-star products.

    What other experts didn't like

    The plastic is made from oil, and it has a strange odor.
  • Five Star Advance Wirebound Notebook
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    #2

    Five Star Advance Wirebound Notebook

    Notebook with moveable tabbed and plastic dividers

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This Five Star notebook is the next level of organization. The wire-bound with 3 movable pocket dividers includes a convenient pen loop on the front cover for easy access and storage. Made from durable plastic covers that are designed to withstand any environment, this advanced spiral guard technology provides an extra layer of protection for your valuable notes and sketches. With various colors available, you can easily organize your day.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    It comes with guard covers and plastic dividers
    Durable covers
    Comfortable grip
    Available in 2 color options
    1-year guarantee

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Thin paper quality
    It might rip easily

    What other experts liked

    The notebook is sturdy, and I enjoy how the front and back covers cover all of the paper while still allowing you to see the flags on the dividers.
    Albert G.

    What other experts didn't like

    The paper is somewhat thin, but that's to be expected with school notebooks.
    Ashley Turner
  • Oxford 1 Subject Spiral Notebook (6 Pack)
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    #3

    Oxford 1 Subject Spiral Notebook (6 Pack)

    Notebook with a sturdy snag-resistant

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This Oxford bundle includes six spiral notebooks, giving it the best value on this list. The price is reasonable, and it has received a lot of positive feedback, making it an excellent spiral notebook for college note-taking. They have 70 sheets of ruled paper per book, so you may need to add a notebook to last the year, but it is still the best value. The paper is normal size with perforated edges that allow you to take off pages easily.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Reasonable price
    Comes in bundle
    Perforated edges make it easy to rip out the pages
    No-snag coil
    Every page is perforated with three holes for easy storage and organization

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Notebook pages are thin
    The paper has a standard size
    Have less paper than other notebooks
    Color assortment may vary

    What other experts liked

    I can't believe how hard it is to find affordable, solid notebooks outside of the end-of-summer sales! And these products saved my life!
    Caitlin

    What other experts didn't like

    The paper is so thin that you can't read what's printed on both sides.
    Dianne
  • Oxford Stone Paper Notebook
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    #4

    Oxford Stone Paper Notebook

    Notebook with moisture and tear-resistant sheets

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Besides professional looks, this colorful Oxford notebook is stunning and a must-have for every college student. Because the top isn’t a cardboard cover, it’s waterproof. This notebook also features moisture and tear-resistant sheets and an ink-proof of pages so that you don’t need to worry about writing with leaking ink. This college notebook comes with a solid double wire binding that will keep your pages secure and organized.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Durable
    Tear-resistant
    Waterproof
    Can withstand oil, grease, and dirt
    Eco-friendly
    Recyclable

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    A bit more expensive
    The paper is thin
    Subsequent pages are easy to indent
    Cannot use gel pens

    What other experts liked

    The paper is tear-resistant.
    Pen Addict

    What other experts didn't like

    As time passes, the paper becomes more brittle and crumbly.
    FP Geeks
  • Lemome College Ruled Spiral Notebook
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    #5

    Lemome College Ruled Spiral Notebook

    Ruled notebook with thick premium paper

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This Lemome notebook contains extra features such as an amazing inside pocket, in addition to its stylish appearance and waterproof qualities. The paper is thick and high-quality, and it is 100% recyclable. The colors are vibrant, and there is a flowery design that is ideal for an art student. The notebook is small, so there are no regular 8x 10-1/2 inch pages, but the lines are thick. An elastic strap keeps your notes collected in one place, and the cover is sturdy.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Thick paper
    Nice soft textured cover
    It comes with heavy-duty double-wire binding to easily open the pages completely
    Beautiful flower design

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    The size of the paper is somewhat small
    The pages crumble easily

    What other experts liked

    The notebook is amazing! I got it to jot down dehydrator recipes and notes, and I already adore it. It also contains a strap to hold the book closed or to indicate your spot.

    What other experts didn't like

    I wanted to like this notebook, but the paper quality is simply not there. I like how it's hard-covered, but the pages crumble easily, so you have to be cautious while turning pages.
    Josselyn
  • Amazon Basics Amazon Basics Classic Notebook
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    #6

    Amazon Basics Amazon Basics Classic Notebook

    Large classic notebook with 240 line-ruled pages

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    Most reviewers give this amazing Amazon Basics notebook a five-star rating, describing it as a solid notebook at a fair price. The paper is the perfect shade of off-white and thickness to prevent ink bleed. The writing experience is enjoyable, and the size is ideal for carrying in a suitcase, purse, jacket pocket (big), or hand. This notebook’s cover, in addition to its no-bleed, sturdy paper, is durable.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Archival-quality pages made from acid-free paper
    Expandable inner pocket
    Integrated with bookmark
    Elastic closure

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Binding might stiff
    The paper is somewhat thin

    What other experts liked

    The grid page guidelines make it simple to create a variety of notes, tables, and doodles while without being too dark. Because of its small size, it fits easily into a pocket of my laptop bag and allows me to carry the previous volume in case I need it while starting a new one.
    R. Berteig

    What other experts didn't like

    After just two weeks of use, the spine broke.
    T. Frechette
  • Top Flight 1-Subject Wire-bound Notebook
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    #7

    Top Flight 1-Subject Wire-bound Notebook

    Wire-bound notebook with full-sized double pocket dividers

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This Top Flight notebook’s layout is clean and simple, but it still suits all of a college student’s needs. The typical printer paper size includes 100 lined pages and two pockets. There are also perforated 3-hole punched pages and college-ruled spacing. This notebook is for you if you’re seeking a practical notebook.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Clean and simple looks
    Cheap
    Durable
    Perforated paper
    Strong chipboard back cover

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Easy to peel off
    It doesn't leave a very sticky residue

    What other experts liked

    This is an excellent notebook. Thick paper, comparable to Five Star but for half of the cost. There also features useful web resource pages.
    Srinivas C.

    What other experts didn't like

    I placed 5 orders. I wish they were all various colors; that would be fantastic.
  • Shady Grove Notebooks Classic Black and White Marble Notebook
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    #8

    Shady Grove Notebooks Classic Black and White Marble Notebook

    Classic notebook with gold lettering

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This classy and sophisticated notebook comes with 150 pages that are college-ruled and is 8.5″ x 11″. It is an excellent bound and has a gorgeous cover that is both sturdy and attractive, giving it a great appearance and feel. If you are a college student who enjoys writing and being creative, these Shady Grove Notebooks are the ideal option for you since the paper is of good quality. And a beautiful cover with a Marble & Gold pattern that has been hand-designed and is the right size to fit into a college student bag.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Stylish and elegant design
    Soft and matte cover
    Excellent for gel pen, ink, or pencils
    Perfect size to be carried

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    It would be nice if margins in
    Not as thick as a composition notebook

    What other experts liked

    The paper is of excellent size and quality.
    Alyssa Campeau

    What other experts didn't like

    I was expecting a more substantial cover. I was expecting a hard-bound journal to use for a wedding ceremony, but this is clearly just a conventional journal.
    Cam Taylor
  • LEUCHTTURM1917 Medium A5 Ruled Softcover Notebook
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    LEUCHTTURM1917 Medium A5 Ruled Softcover Notebook

    Classic Notebook with FSC-certified paper

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This LEUCHTTURM1917 notebook is perfect because of 2-page markers, a table of contents numbered pages and an elastic enclosure band. The gusseted pocket keeps essential items safe and secure, while the 8 perforated sheets allow easy writing or drawing on every page.

    A sticker set makes it easy to label and organize, while a thread-bound book opens flat, so you don’t have to worry about getting ink on your clothes or smearing it across the page. The FSC-certified paper ensures that this notebook is environmentally friendly and sustainable, while slightly chamois-colored paper provides better readability than standard white paper.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    The paper is FSC-certified
    It comes with 2-page markers
    Gusseted pocket
    Include stickers for labeling
    Can be customized

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    Some ghosting with the pages
    The paper is thin
    Not recommended for fine lines and colored pens

    What other experts liked

    I like the pre-numbered pages, the index at the front of the notebook, and the fact that it's a softcover notebook. At the back, there's also a useful pocket.
    Victoria S.

    What other experts didn't like

    These pages are so very thin that the ink bleeds through like crazy.
  • Mead Composition Notebook
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    #10

    Mead Composition Notebook

    Wide ruled notebook with a colorful marble cover

    1  experts agree 1  experts disagree
    WHY WE LIKE IT:

    This Mead notebook features a durable marble cover and sewn binding. The size of the paper is 9.75 x 7.50 inches wide ruled white, with a class schedule on the inside cover and a multiplication table in the back of the book. This college notebook is perfect for college or other activities that need to be documented.

    Pros (reasons to buy)

    Ideal for college students who want larger line spacing
    Smooth sewn binding
    On any surface, it lays flat

    Cons (reasons to avoid)

    A little pricey
    The cover feels flimsier, and might bends easily

    What other experts liked

    These composition notebooks seemed to be of higher quality than those that were available at the local shops where I shopped. The notebooks have a professional feel about them, and the paper is of a good standard.

    What other experts didn't like

    The lines are terrible for someone who is just starting out as a writer. It is really challenging for them to read, and it is much more challenging for them to read what they have written later.

Conclusion: Best Notebooks for College

To provide you with the most excellent selection of notebooks to use in college, we considered all of the factors mentioned in this post. All of the notebooks listed above are both trendy and functional. A study on recall for words shows that people will memorize information better when they handwrite their notes. Because we are using all of our senses when we take notes, we will be able to remember much more information than when we take notes using technology. Therefore, instead of going the digital route, choose one of these best notebooks for college to use!

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