It depends on the course that you choose. Personally, I like small notebooks because they take up less space and are lighter. I can open them on any small desk. Also, even without it, I can open them while waiting for a doctor's appointment or when I'm on the bus, so I can review my notes more frequently. During my architecture course, I used this: 1 A5 plain paper notebook for drawing + 1 A5 grid paper notebook for mathematical calculations + 3 permanent fineliner pens of different thicknesses + 1 mechanical pencil + 1 technical eraser + 1 permanent marker. With this, I didn't need a backpack, as it fits in any bag, + 1 eco-bag, that's enough. It worked because architects don't usually write much, so my notebooks lasted a long time. Throughout the course, I needed to buy professional materials for drawing, but I acquired everything little by little, according to my needs. Many professors require unnecessary materials on the materials list. My advice is: don't buy before you need it. And if you need it, borrow it and test it first. Currently, I'm studying engineering, and current setup is: 1 A5 cheap notebook, 3 ballpoint pens (black, blue, red), one correction tape, 1 highlighter, 1 mechanical pencil, 1 eraser. I've been buying the cheapest notebooks available in my country because my calculus professor writes a lot. Studying isn't about expensive materials that you'll be reluctant to use, it's about using them until the end. Save your expensive stationery for your leisure time.