A standard false impression about fountain pens is that they’re reserved for folks of a sure age or financial bracket – however that’s merely not true. Everybody can – and may! – get pleasure from a wonderful writing expertise and we predict that goes doubly for college students. Between taking notes throughout class to ending up homework to doodling within the margins of their pocket book, a fountain pen could make finding out just a bit extra enjoyable {that a} boring previous ballpoint.
So whether or not you’re shopping for your first pen for your self or making an attempt to determine what to present the school child in your life, hold studying! We’ve damaged down a couple of key elements to contemplate and record a couple of starter pens which are good for anybody simply entering into the passion.
What Makes a Good Fountain Pen for College students
In terms of deciding on a fountain pen, not each pen goes to be finest fitted to each way of life. Contemplating a pupil’s assorted schedule, having to go from class to class, and sharing a dormitory, these are all distinctive challenges that maybe different wonderful writing prospects don’t have to contemplate. Due to this, discovering a fountain pen choice that’s finest for college students ought to contemplate value, sturdiness, and ease of use.
Value
Sadly, the “poor faculty pupil” cliche is commonly very true. If Ramen Noodles are on the menu, it’s secure to say that no faculty child is placing down $2,500 on an urushi-lacquered Namiki Emperor. And even for those who’re a school pupil who can afford a costlier pen – maybe you don’t need to take it to varsity with you. Between sharing a dorm and maybe partaking in a couple of too many drinks, there’s an added little bit of legal responsibility in preserving your “good issues” in school.
However we don’t suppose that having fun with pens must be price prohibitive! As an alternative, there are a selection of extra wallet-friendly choices which are good for anybody on a finances who’s seeking to improve their writing expertise.
Sturdiness
It’s only a actuality that issues break. Between speeding to class, shoving your bag in your locker on the fitness center, and a pen rolling off the desk on the library, there are quite a lot of conditions when a pen is in danger. So, discovering a pen that isn’t too delicate can alleviate stress and save a couple of dollars in the long term. A sturdy pen that can final and be capable of stand as much as a bit little bit of beating from time to time is unquestionably one thing to remember when deciding on a pen.
Ease of Use
Fountain pens aren’t the simplest technique to write – sadly, that preconception is true. It could possibly get a bit messy and having to keep up the interior workings could be a bit difficult for newbies. For many who need the texture of a fountain pen however with out all of the work, a disposable pen could also be a great choice. Or, even a pen that makes use of cartridges to keep away from the necessity for ink bottles and converters. All of those little joys for fountain pen die-hards could be a bit difficult for college students with restricted area in a dormitory.
Prime Picks for College students
Contemplating all the above elements, we’ve got six nice pens that may be an ideal pen for these heading to varsity – or, actually, anybody new to the passion. Every pen meets the above standards and affords a singular writing expertise that has made lots of the choices we chosen a beloved entrypoint into the writing neighborhood. See our picks under and ensure to remark and inform us if there’s a pen that you just took with you to varsity, too!
Pilot Varsity Disposable Fountain Pen
A superb starter choice, the Pilot Varsity combines affordability with dependable efficiency. Its pre-filled ink design eliminates any problem on the subject of upkeep, making it good for college students testing the waters with fountain pens. The low pricepoint can be an excellent issue to contemplate within the off probability they don’t like a fountain pen (we certain hope not!), since not some huge cash has been invested to start with.
Kaweco Perkeo Fountain Pen
For a lot of, a Kaweco is the primary fountain pen one buys. Whereas it’s most of the time the diminutive Kaweco sport, we predict the Perkeo could be a greater match for longer notetaking. Its ergonomic grip aids consolation throughout lengthy writing periods, and the sturdy plastic construct can deal with every day pupil life. Better of all, it’s budget-friendly with out trying or feeling low cost.
Pilot Metropolitan
One of the crucial widespread starter fountain pens available on the market, the Metropolitan is beloved by newbies and veterans alike. Recognized for its polished aesthetic and clean writing expertise, the Pilot Metropolitan’s high quality belies its cheap pricetag. With its metallic physique, college students gained’t have to fret (an excessive amount of!) about throwing this of their bag en path to that dreaded 8 am!
Faber-Castell Grip Fountain Pen
For a easy, glossy pen, Faber-Castell’s Grip is the proper mix of contemporary aesthetics on a basic author. Faber-Castell does clear design higher than many manufacturers and the fashionable design of this specific mannequin will certainly match right into a Gen-Z moodboard seamlessly. Couple that with its ergonomic delicate grip and also you’re taking a look at a pen that’s comfy for lengthy notetaking periods.
Lamy Safari
The Lamy Safari is a basic for a motive. Its comfy design and useful clip make it ideally suited for carrying in a backpack or pocket. The light-weight but sturdy ABS plastic physique ensures sturdiness, whereas the replaceable nibs and cartridges make it a sensible funding for college students who might need to go loopy and check out a brand new nib subsequent semester.
Platinum Preppy Fountain Pen
Platinum makes a number of the most well-known pens available on the market and but the $7 Platinum Preppy stays considered one of their most well-known fashions. At such an reasonably priced value level, college students can check out in the event that they like the texture of a fountain pen with out investing an excessive amount of cash into the passion. What’s extra, whereas the Preppy might be thought-about a disposable pen, Platinum has made it simple to alter out the cartridge so it’s a cost-effective and sustainable choice.
Greatest Equipment for College students
In terms of fountain pens, there’s a entire world to discover inside the passion that enhances this specific writing selection. Choosing the right paper, ink, and equipment are an effective way to get essentially the most out of your fountain pen!
Paper:
Most fountain pen customers know that a budget composition pocket book simply doesn’t minimize it with fountain pens. Nibs are typically inkier and the purpose measurement is normally a bit broader than a typical ballpoint. Due to this, having the precise paper could make writing with a fountain pen all of the extra enjoyable – and never so irritating.
Clairefontaine’s wirebound notebooks are nice for single topic notetaking to maintain you organized between courses. Many individuals additionally love the Rhodia pad for its sturdiness, clean vellum paper, and bigger measurement. And if you wish to go together with a “Holy Grail’ sort of paper, you’ll be able to’t beat Tomoe River paper, like these vibrant notebooks from Galen Leather-based.
Ink:
There are millions of inks to select from, so it may well get overwhelming rapidly when contemplating what’s the best choice for you. Relying on the pen you determine, chances are you’ll not have to refill your pen (if it’s a disposable choice), or chances are you’ll purchase one which requires a cartridge or converter. For cartridges, Pilot is a good model with a fundamental ink at an unbelievable value level. For bottled ink, you’ll be able to’t go unsuitable with Pilot Iroshizuku. It is available in quite a lot of colours and has a cult following amongst fountain pen customers for its fast dry time and worth.
Equipment:
Above we discuss concerning the risks of carrying your pen to and from class, so having some additional safety in your bookbag is probably not a foul factor to contemplate. A pen sleeve is a good choice for a single pen to slip in and assist forestall scuffs and cracks. When you get extra invested within the passion (and we all know you’ll!), a pen roll like this one from Esterbrook is a good choice so you’ll be able to pack a couple of pens, pencils, and highlighters in a single place while you’re on the go!
In regards to the Writer
Brett F. Braley-Palko works within the pen business by day and is a novelist, marketing consultant, and freelance author by night time. You will discover his work in quite a lot of publications, like British GQ and Robb Report. Comply with him on Instagram at @brettfbraley or go to his web site at brettfbraley.com
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