One problem that note takers in college commonly encounter is that there is too much information being presented too quickly to take accurate notes. The problem may be that the lecturer is talking too quickly, or that notes on an overhead projector are being displayed too quickly. One solution is to ask a lecturer to slow down so that you have enough time to take notes. You might also try developing a short hand to transcribe the lecturer's speech. Also, also ask a lecturer for a copy of any overhead projections that were used.
Colleges and universities are typically multicultural places, and it is not uncommon to find lecturers from other countries in front of a class full of students. Accents of foreign lecturers can make understanding what they are saying more difficult, and there is little that can be done to remedy the situation. One possible solution is to rely more on any written or displayed notes and less on what the lecturer has to say. Another solution is to talk to a lecturer in office hours, where you can ask them to repeat themselves and possibly broach the subject of their difficult-to-understand accent.
Another problem commonly encountered by college note takers is the specialized symbols that are used in some subject areas, such as math, that make taking notes on laptops extremely difficult. One solution is to learn the hot keys for various symbols. Another is to write down the names of various symbols, which you can then use later to puzzle out the meaning of what was said. The most efficient solution, however, is to leave the technology off and resort to a pen and paper to take your notes.
One other problem that college students may encounter while taking notes is the seats they choose. Some lecture halls are large, and sitting at the back may not allow you to see the notes being projected or written on the board. A seat at the back might also make it difficult to clearly hear what the lecturer is saying. In either case, the solution is to find a seat closer to the front of the room.