Jamie makes a good point: as long as you’re not easily distracted they’re a great asset in the classroom. I personally use NoteScribe as my note-taking software on my computer for school and work and it helps keep me organized. I think the advantage of being able to type far faster than one can write would be great. Also, it’s much easier to find what you’ve written quicker utilizing keywords, or global searches. For me, the organization of electronic notes works far more effectively than having notebooks or articles scattered in front of me.

Jake
http://www.NoteScribe.net

Laptops: Whether or not you bring your laptop to class is totally personal preference. I usually took mine, but I also noticed that it was a distraction–I finished the notes faster, and then I’d chat with my friends or email or facebook until the next slide came up. So if you’re easily distracted, it might be better to stick to taking notes by hand.

Changing: Its different with every roommate. Luckily my roomie and I were both discrete about changing. We had big closet doors that swung out, and we’d usually each go behind our doors to change. You’ll probably be able to figure out some way to change without having to leave the room, so scope out your dorm room for ideas–you won’t want to have to head to the bathroom every time you want to change. Also, most people are pretty understanding that you don’t want to change in front of them, so worst case scenario, ask your roommate to turn away. I would have no problem doing that for my roommate.

Are there any good reasons why I shouldn’t bring a laptop to class or is it just a preference thing?

I also have another question. I was reading back a few blogs about roomates. I’m an only child raised by my mother. What I want to know is how do you do the whole “having to get changed” thing? I mean my roomate is going to be a complete stranger. I’m overweight and I’m not comfortable with my body. Should I goto the bathroom to change all the time?