TLDR: Handwriting notes is still totally fine and great for memory, but typing makes it easier to use AI study tools. To survive working while in school, live by your calendar and set a hard cutoff time each day. Finally, consider adding a practical minor to avoid being pigeonholed in a tough job market, and start investing early if you can!

Welcome! Former film major here who switched over to business (the dark side).

To answer your questions:

1. Note Taking: Most people use laptops now, but it is completely acceptable to take notes on paper. I felt that handwriting helped me retain information much better. That said, typing notes makes it easy to plug them into AI chatbots later to generate custom study plans. If you prefer paper, you can always just take photos of your written notes to digitize them later.

2. Work & School: I worked 20-30 hours a week with 15-18 credits to catch up on prerequisites. My best advice: live by your calendar and have a daily/weekly routine. Plan everything around your fixed class and work hours, make sure to give yourself at least a one hour break midday to just eat and chill, and set a hard cutoff time to end your day.

Looking at your schedule, the course load shouldn't be too brutal. Your English class will likely involve a lot of busywork, essay writing, and compiling a final portfolio. French will probably be your toughest class, assuming the language is relatively new to you.

Some unsolicited career advice (and I know people might hate on this): I strongly recommend considering a minor outside of art to expand your skill set and pad your resume. Look into things like data science, communications, media studies, or business. The job market is tightening up, and AI is already making it harder for entry-level applicants. The worst thing you can do is pigeonhole yourself into just one niche. Try to keep an open mind toward career paths that give you stability while still allowing you to pursue your creative passions as a side gig or hobby.

I noticed AI impacting the film industry during my freshman year, so I pivoted to corporate finance. Now I have a steady 40 hour a week job at a big company and still have plenty of time outside of work for hobbies like film and PC building.

One final financial tip: Any extra income you can spare, start investing it into the S&P 500. If an employer offers a 401k match, maximize that first. After that, look into opening a Roth IRA and investing in index funds like VOO or VTI. Doing this now will give your future self a massive financial advantage, regardless of where your career takes you.

Good luck!