THE NOTEBOOK: A three-ringed binder is most efficient here. You will want to buy some dividers and label each one according to the classes you are taking. Make sure that you also have a three-hole puncher for any and all papers you will want to insert into your notebook. Also insert pocket dividers to hold things that you do not wish to punch. (Even brown envelopes are good for holding things because of the clasp.) Keep everything labeled well and dated clearly. Insert into your notebook everything that pertains to your classes including all of the handouts, brochures, graphs, study sheets, etc. that come your way!! If you make a habit of placing everything in your notebook, then you will always be able to find what you are looking for! There's no such thing as "too much information" when it comes to your notebook!
THE FILING CABINET: If you can afford a filing cabinet, get one! If you cannot find an affordable cabinet, then use a box to hold your filings. Some tomato boxes hold files very well, and you could probably get a couple for free at almost any grocery store or fast food franchise! Once you have your cabinet or box, you will need to invest in either regular manila file folders or in hanging file folders. This will get you started on organizing all the papers you have and want to keep for future referrals. Using fine point colored markers on the labels will help you spot what you are looking for quite easily. You may want to group different files with different colors according to their particular contents.
HELPFUL HINTS: ALWAYS FILE PROMPTLY! AND ALWAYS FILE WITH CLARITY! Even if you have to cross-reference some of your filings, do it! If one particular filing could be placed under two different file folders, then either make a copy of it and place a copy under the second folder as well. Or you could write on a sheet of paper or an index card the information on the whereabouts of a particular piece of information. It may take a little time now, but it will save a lot of time later!!!