When taking notes in class, pens can make all the difference. It’s the worst when you pull out a pen and it doesn’t function, bleeds through the pages, or does something awful that pens can do.
Instead, you want a pen that is easy to read, does not make a mess, and is ready to use regardless of the surface on which you are writing. It should have a good point size, write smoothly on any surface, and dry quickly.
There are numerous solutions available to you, each with advantages and disadvantages. Purchasing pens may appear simple and it might be as simple as clicking add to cart but if you want to select the best pens, you’ll need to put a little more effort into it!
That’s where this list of the best pens for college students comes in. We looked at the best pens for note-taking, what makes a good pen, how to choose the pen suitable for you, and more. Sit tight!
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How To Choose The Best Pens For College Students
Pens may not appear to be the most difficult supply to acquire but there’s more to it than that. Let’s have a look at some of the things to consider while shopping for the best pens for note-taking.
The Type
The type of pen and ink used will affect how the ink looks, how the stroke looks, and how quickly it dries. Fountain pens smear more than other types, although ballpoint and felt tip pens dry faster because the ink settles faster. When shopping for the best pens for college students, keep in mind that you’ll want something that won’t smear.
The Size
The size of the ink stroke is affected by the thickness of the pen. This is referred to as the point size. It is the length of the pen’s tip. Because of the ink flow from the pen tip, very fine and thicker pens may be more difficult to read, so keep in the fine to medium range tip for optimum readability when making your notes.
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The Color
Lighter hues may be more difficult to read when taking notes. You should probably stick to darker colors when taking notes and save the brighter colors for organization!
The Quantity
Often, the pen comes in a set, which helps your notes by giving you additional tools and better value for your money. If you don’t need a large quantity, you can acquire smaller quantities or the price per piece decreases when you buy in bulk.
The Time to dry
Fast-drying pens are popular among all students who take notes, but they are especially important for left-handed students who write. This will keep smearing and pages from adhering together.
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What Makes A Good Pen For Note-Taking?
The sensation of a well-crafted pen in one’s hand, as well as the smoothness of its stroke on the page, is a good feeling. Here are a few crucial qualities to consider while looking for the best pens for college students.
Check if the pen is a good fit
A good fit, much like when buying clothes, is a sign of quality and style. Check for loose or ill-fitting pieces in your potential dream pen. The cap should snap, twist or pressure fit smoothly and snugly, with no noticeable wiggle or gap.
Cap bands and other embellishments should be secure, and the pocket clip should be straight and robust, snapping back into place with a small tug.
Pen finish
Nowadays, there are numerous pen finishes to pick from, including resins, metals, celluloid, wood, and others. But do you want colorful plastics or beautifully etched metal or a combination of the two?
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Check the finish for quality at all times
When the pen is closed, the patterns on the cap and barrel should line up. Check for apparent burrs or rough edges by running your fingertips along the length of the pen. Ascertain that the pen has been uniformly polished with a consistent shine or matte finish.
Find a good balance
Hold the pen lightly in the crook of your thumb and index finger, as if you were about to write. There should be no visible additional weight toward the back or front of the pen. If the pen has a cap that can be posted (attached to the back), then use it. Repeat the balancing process.
Well-made pens, whether light or heavy, are comfortable to use, and comfort has a lot to do with overall balance.
A little protection
Better manufacturers provide limited or lifetime warranties against problems. Also, understand the policies of the retailer from which you are getting your pen. Many boutique establishments will swap a fountain-pen nib or accept a return on a used pen within a few days of purchase.
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What Are The Fastest Best Pens For College Students?
The Rollerballs pens
Water-based ink is used in rollerball pens. They write smoothly, and the needle-like tip produces a delicate line that is ideal for making small and thin letters.
The Ballpoints Pens
Choose a ballpoint pen with hybrid ink for quick writing. This indicates that the ink contains lubrication, which makes the ball roll more smoothly. Ballpoint pen ink also dries faster than other types, making it ideal for left-handed writers.
The Gel pens
Gel pens make use of water-based colored ink that is mixed with additional chemicals to create a gel-like paste. This ink is smooth to write with and dries rapidly.
The Fountain pens
Fountain pens, with their water-based ink and fine-quality nibs, are great for writing swiftly if used well. When it comes to fountain pens, practice makes perfect. For the optimal writing experience, pair your instrument with high-quality paper.
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15 Best Pens For College Students In 2024
#1 Round Stic Xtra Life Ballpoint Pen
The first pen on our list of the best pens for college students is the Round Stic Xtra Life Ballpoint pen from BIC. BIC is a household name for inexpensive pens that both students and working professionals can rely on if all you need is a pen that works.
The Round Stic Xtra life ballpoint pen from BIC is an Amazon best-seller and an excellent value. You get 60 lightweight, ballpoint medium pens in one box, so losing one or two isn’t a big deal.
Again, the translucent barrel that reveals the ink level means you’ll never be caught off guard if you run out of ink.
#2 InkJoy Gel Pens
If your daughter has been talking about bullet journaling all summer, this is the set to get. This is one of the best pens for college students with a vibrant color palette that reviewers say dries quickly. It is ideal for quick writers or doodlers.
While several reviewers agree on the pen’s nice grip and handle, some disagree with the claim that it does not smear. The package includes hues such as Pure Blue Joy and Luscious Green, as well as a black pen for more general use.
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#3 Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen
The Gel Ink Ballpoint from Muji is one of the most popular pens among the best pens for college students. Muji is a Japanese retailer that specializes in high-quality, minimalist-style home goods and stationery, such as this best-selling gel pen.
Unlike regular gel pens, this Muji pen’s ink does not smudge, according to reviews. They enjoy that the gel pen dries as you write and that it has a finer tip point than rival products. The brand sells the pen in a variety of sizes, but the 0.38-millimeter size is the most popular.
#4 PIX Black Rollerball
Montblanc is another luxury brand to consider when listing the best pens for college students. It is well-known for providing an ultra-clean finish and ideal neatness. The brand has a long history (the first fountain pens were made in the early 1900s), and the design has a characteristic silhouette, real gold trimmings, and diamond accents on select designs.
In terms of writing performance, some online reviews have referred to it as “the Rolex” of the pen world, while others claim that cheaper pens operate just as well. Nonetheless, when it comes to producing clear, beautiful script, Montblanc is widely regarded as the cream of the crop.
#5 Dr. Grip Ballpoint Pen
Users will experience less pressure on their hands when writing with this pen because of its double-layer comfortable grip.
According to Pilot, the Arthritis Foundation recommends Dr. Grip, and online reviewers say it’s the greatest “handwriting solution for folks with hand issues.” One reviewer claims that while writing, his hands usually become tired, but this pen makes it much easier.
#6 Fine Point Pen
Sharpie took the features of their traditional permanent marker and turned them into a pen. According to the company, the pen’s high-quality ink will not smudge or fade. Several reviewers support the brand’s major promise that the ink will not bleed through paper. The finished product is dark, sharp, and clean.
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#7 Precise V5 RT
The Pilot Accurate V5 RT is a popular choice among the best pens for college students. This is due to its ability to make clean lines with its precise, 0.5-millimeter needle tip technology.
The retractable pen, according to the company, is engineered to endure high air pressures during flight use and to write with an equal ink flow. Nearly 2,000 Amazon shoppers gave the pen five stars, with users stating it has “little to no smearing” and is an ideal choice for lefties.
#8 G2 Rolling Ball Gel Pen
Amazon customers like the pen’s smooth and crisp writing, comfortable grip, and the fact that it can be used for both drawing and writing.
According to the makers, the G2 has proven to be the longest writing gel ink pen among top brands. Internet reviews concur that this is a pen that can be used for a variety of purposes. This bundle of 12 pens costs roughly $1 for each piece; however, one reviewer noted that the refills are just as expensive as the pens.
#9 Jetstream Ballpoint Pen
This pen is praised by online reviews for its crisp writing and lengthy ink life. According to the company, it writes as crisply and cleanly as a gel pen yet dries quickly.
One customer says he uses the Jetstream as his everyday pen and enjoys the leak-proof cap. Other reviewers agree with the brand’s statements regarding the pen being smudge-free, claiming that even left-handed users would not experience smearing.
#10 Micron Blister Card Ink Pen Set
Our list of the best pens for college students will be incomplete if there’s no Micron blister card ink set on it. This 6-piece set includes a pen in each size, ranging from 0.20 to.50 millimeters. It is ideal for artists and illustrators who want to perfect every fine detail.
The special Pigma ink appears to be waterproof and will not bleed if liquids are spilled on it. According to the reviews, the pens last a long time before running out of ink and may be used to draw and write on paper or fabrics.
Some caution is advised, though, because the pens’ tips are fragile. This can generate beautiful aesthetic effects but too much pressure might cause leaking or damage.
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#11 Jotter Special Edition Ballpoint Pen
Another one of the best pens for college students that are highly recommended is the Jotter special edition ballpoint pen. They have been recognized to produce outstanding writing performance for decades, but the firm recently released this limited edition ballpoint pen that would make an ideal present for a pen snob.
Despite being made of stainless steel, the retractable pen is extremely lightweight and portable. It’s one of the best pens for note-taking you can give a student. It has Parker’s QuinkFlow technology for a smooth and crisp feel. The ballpoint pen is etched with renowned British sites, which critics say helps with grip.
#12 EnerGel Gel Ink Pen
If you require ink that dries quickly, online reviewers recommend this set of pens. The set includes black, red, blue, green, and purple pens that can be used for everything from taking notes to swiftly filling up a planner.
Although some reviewers claim some bleeding when using the pen on thinner notebook paper, many reviews concur that the pen leaves little to no smearing.
#13 301 Ballpoint Pen
Fast writers love this pen since it dries rapidly and doesn’t leak. Plus, even though you’re receiving 12 pens for less than $20, the stainless steel delivers a lovely distinct, luxurious feel. The pen also has a non-slip grip, which is useful for taking notes or speeding through an exam. Reviewers mention that the pen doesn’t produce the thickest ink, so keep that in mind if ink quality is important to you.
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#14 Point 88 Fineliner Pens Color Wallet Set
When it comes to discovering the best pens for note-taking and coloring books, especially adult coloring pages with narrower gaps, many articles recommend this pen.
According to online reviews, the 0.4-millimeter point tip provides more control and precision. They also point out that, because the marker pens are water-based, excessive use in small places might cause the paper to shreds. This set has 30 different colors, but you can also get a pack of 40 for even more variety.
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#15 Fudenosuke Brush Pens (2-Pack)
This kit is popular among calligraphy artists since it includes both a soft and hard tip pen, allowing for a variety of lettering approaches.
Reviewers enjoy how you can generate extremely fine or medium strokes by just changing the pressure. They also enjoy how the ink produces the darkest output. A handful of reviewers have mentioned that the ink does not bleed even when exposed to liquids.
Useful Tips For Writing Quickly
If you’re having trouble with slow writing or simply wish to reduce time when working on your next written project, these tactics can assist.
Have the perfect posture
Examine your posture when writing: are you slouching? Cravings in your arms, back, or shoulders? Adjusting your posture can help you put pen to paper more quickly.
Sit up straight with your back straight and your elbows at right angles to the table. Check that your feet are flat on the ground and that your chair is properly supporting your back. (acecharter.org) Standing desks, which have been proven to boost blood flow and energy, are also useful.
Try out the Pomodoro technique
Try the Pomodoro Technique if you find yourself easily distracted or exhausted when writing. This well-known time-management technique has been related to greater productivity.
The instructions are simple: write for 25 minutes, and then take a 5-10 minute rest. Take a lengthier rest of 20 to 30 minutes after four sessions before repeating the process.
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You have to write smaller
Writing smaller is a simple technique for speedier lettering. The shorter distance your pen or pencil has to travel, the smaller your text. However, don’t go too small, it can be time-consuming as well as difficult to read for others. Even a little reduction (about 10-15%) makes an impact.
Write skinny and tall
Changing the shape of your letters can help you write faster. We frequently have problems writing side to side due to the way our fingers bend. However, writing up and down is simple. Writing tall and slender letters lessens horizontal movement, allowing our hands to move more naturally and comfortably.
Make use of your arm
Many writers make the mistake of leaning too heavily on their wrists when writing with a pen. Instead, use your forearm to guide your hand across the paper. This will lessen wrist strain and allow you to write for longer periods more comfortably.
Loosen your grip
Thin pens compel your fingers to press the barrel more tightly, producing finger and wrist pain. To relieve this pressure, use a pen grip or get a thicker, higher-quality pen. Less muscle strain equals a more enjoyable writing experience, which is essential for writing swiftly.
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Conclusion
The best pens for taking notes are determined by three major factors: ink type, tip size, and color choices. Although these features can help you pick which pens to use, the final decision is entirely up to you. Whatever pen or ink you choose; it should provide a delightful writing experience.
With so many options on the market, selecting the best pens for note-taking can be difficult. However, we have selected the best pens for college students based on our analysis and reviews for your consideration. I hope this was helpful, cheers!
Frequently Asked Questions On The Best Pens For College Students
When it comes to the best pens for note-taking, everything comes down to personal preference and performance. Whatever pen you choose would suffice but if you want something more. You might want the greatest pen possible that can be easy to read and handle.
Fountain pens can be a little messier than ballpoint pens; therefore if you are a fast and messy writer, these sorts of pens will not suit you. For taking notes, you should use a different pen.
Yes, gel pens are among the best and most highly rated pens for taking notes on Amazon. They improved the formulations, making the ballpoint tip more durable and less likely to dry out when taking notes.
Rollerball pens are perfect for writing text with black and fine lines since the ink runs so smoothly. They also come in a larger range of hues because water-soluble pigments are used.
Ballpoint pens use less ink when you write since the ink is thicker; therefore they last longer than other pen types.
Writing notes in blue ink will not improve your retention; but, blue notes will be remembered since blue is a trustworthy hue that resonates with people
Reference
- artltdmag.com – The Best Pens for Note-Taking for Your College Lectures
- atutor.ca – Best Pens for Note-Taking at College Classes in 2024
- goodhousekeeping.com – 15 Best Pens for Back-to-School and Beyond, According to Reviewers
- robbreport.com – Six Characteristics of a Good Pen
- thepencompany.com – The 4 Best Pens For Writing Quickly
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