The Best Fountain Pens for Students

A common misconception about fountain pens is that they’re reserved for people of a certain age or economic bracket – but that’s simply not true. Everyone can – and should! – enjoy a beautiful writing experience and we think that goes doubly for students. Between taking notes during class to finishing up homework to doodling in the margins of their notebook, a fountain pen can make studying just a little more fun that a boring old ballpoint.

So whether you’re buying your first pen for yourself or trying to decide what to give the college kid in your life, keep reading! We’ve broken down a few key factors to consider and list a few starter pens that are perfect for anyone just getting into the hobby.

What Makes a Good Fountain Pen for Students

When it comes to selecting a fountain pen, not every pen is going to be best suited for every lifestyle. Considering a student’s varied schedule, having to go from class to class, and sharing a dormitory, these are all unique challenges that perhaps other fine writing customers don’t have to consider. Because of this, finding a fountain pen option that’s best for students should consider price, durability, and ease of use.

Price

Unfortunately, the “poor college student” cliche is often very true. If Ramen Noodles are on the menu, it’s safe to say that no college kid is putting down $2,500 on an urushi-lacquered Namiki Emperor. And even if you’re a college student who can afford a more expensive pen – perhaps you don’t want to take it to college with you. Between sharing a dorm and perhaps partaking in a few too many drinks, there’s an added bit of liability in keeping your “nice things” at school.

But we don’t think that enjoying pens should be cost prohibitive! Instead, there are a variety of more wallet-friendly options that are perfect for anyone on a budget who is looking to enhance their writing experience.

Durability

It’s just a reality that things break. Between rushing to class, shoving your bag in your locker at the gym, and a pen rolling off the desk at the library, there are a lot of situations when a pen is at risk. So, finding a pen that isn’t too delicate can alleviate stress and save a few bucks in the long run. A durable pen that will last and be able to stand up to a little bit of beating now and then is definitely something to keep in mind when selecting a pen.

Ease of Use

Fountain pens aren’t the easiest way to write – unfortunately, that preconception is true. It can get a little messy and having to maintain the inner workings can be a bit complicated for newbies. For those who want the feel of a fountain pen but without all the work, a disposable pen may be a good option. Or, even a pen that uses cartridges to avoid the need for ink bottles and converters. All of these little joys for fountain pen die-hards can be a bit complicated for students with limited space in a dormitory.

Top Picks for Students

Considering all of the above factors, we have six great pens that would be a perfect pen for those heading to college – or, really, anyone new to the hobby. Each pen meets the above criteria and offers a unique writing experience that has made many of the options we selected a beloved entrypoint into the writing community. See our picks below and make sure to comment and tell us if there is a pen that you took with you to college, too!

Best Accessories for Students

When it comes to fountain pens, there is a whole world to explore within the hobby that complements this particular writing choice. Picking the right paper, ink, and accessories are a great way to get the most out of your fountain pen!

Paper:

Most fountain pen users know that the cheap composition notebook just doesn’t cut it with fountain pens. Nibs tend to be inkier and the point size is usually a bit broader than a standard ballpoint. Because of this, having the right paper can make writing with a fountain pen all the more fun – and not so frustrating.

Clairefontaine’s wirebound notebooks are great for single subject notetaking to keep you organized between classes. Many people also love the Rhodia pad for its durability, smooth vellum paper, and larger size. And if you want to go with a “Holy Grail’ type of paper, you can’t beat Tomoe River paper, like these vibrant notebooks from Galen Leather.

Ink:

There are thousands of inks to choose from, so it can get overwhelming quickly when considering what’s the best option for you. Depending on the pen you decide, you may not need to refill your pen (if it’s a disposable option), or you may buy one that requires a cartridge or converter. For cartridges, Pilot is a reputable brand with a basic ink at an incredible price point. For bottled ink, you can’t go wrong with Pilot Iroshizuku. It comes in a variety of colors and has a cult following among fountain pen users for its quick dry time and value.

Accessories:

Above we talk about the dangers of carrying your pen to and from class, so having some extra protection in your bookbag may not be a bad thing to consider. A pen sleeve is a great option for a single pen to slide in and help prevent scuffs and cracks. Once you get more invested in the hobby (and we know you will!), a pen roll like this one from Esterbrook is a great option so you can pack a few pens, pencils, and highlighters in one place when you’re on the go!