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Our Favorite Paper Planners

By Jackie Reeve , Kaitlyn Wells and Melanie Pinola

You can find plenty of phone apps to help you keep track of your life, but stationery lovers know the power of writing it all down on paper.

It’s hard to beat the satisfaction of crossing something off your to-do list with a sharp pencil or a smooth pen. And unlike calendar and to-do list apps, paper planners let you color outside the lines, literally and metaphorically.

Because scheduling needs vary from person to person, and we all like to plan our time differently, we focused on planners that are customizable or offer more versatility than standard dated planners. (But we also list a few quality, straightforward monthly-and-weekly planners, in our other good planners section .)

We’ve researched 149 planners and tested 65 since 2017, and we’ve discovered that most (but not all) of the best planners cost $50 or less. There are so many good planners that we can’t recommend a single standout; instead, we’ve found six, in a range of styles, that people with different priorities will love.

These include a minimalist, undated weekly calendar , a modular traveler’s notebook , a refillable ring-bound organizer , a customizable planner with colorful pages , a planner with simultaneous monthly and weekly views , and a planner you can design yourself .

If you’re not sure which type of planner is for you, we cover how to choose the right planner . You can also see how we made our picks .

Wherever possible, we’ve chosen options that are widely available and come in different sizes, layouts, and colors.

The research

Why you should trust us, best minimalist calendar: muji recycled paper weekly planner, best compact, modular option: traveler’s company traveler’s notebook, best ring-bound planner: filofax the original organizer, best highly decorated option: erin condren lifeplanner, best planner for multitasking: laurel denise mini horizontal weekly planner, best customizable planner: agendio planner, other good planners, what about hobonichi planners, how to choose the right planner for yourself, how we picked and tested, the competition.

For advice on what to look for in a planner, and to gain insight on why paper planners are so popular in this digital age, we spoke with Shu Yao, co-founder of JetPens ; Erin Condren , creator of the hugely popular Erin Condren LifePlanner; Sarah McNally, owner of McNally Jackson Books and Goods for the Study ; and Kristin Damian, who runs the planner-sticker company Krissyanne Designs .

This guide builds on the extensive work of planner lover and senior staff writer Jackie Reeve, who also follows the online planner community: Planner enthusiasts share photos and tips for setting up their planners, decorating their planners, or using their planners for more than simple scheduling. She uses nearly half a dozen planners, from various brands, to compartmentalize and organize facets of her life.

Senior staff writer Kaitlyn Wells considers her productivity style to be “organized chaos.” After college, she found it difficult to maintain a paper planner habit, and she favors reminders scattered across her mobile device, sticky notes, and reporter’s notebooks. Still, she went into this guide excited to explore several variations on hacking one’s to-do list. She found several planners she likes, and she is confident you’ll find one you enjoy using, too.

Senior staff writer Melanie Pinola is a die-hard stationery fan who has tested and reviewed notebooks , pens , and mechanical pencils for Wirecutter since 2019. Prior to joining Wirecutter, at Lifehacker she wrote extensively about productivity topics, including planner reviews and time-management techniques. She’s always happy to discover and try a new planner or productivity system.

Muji Recycled Paper Weekly Planner

Best planner for simple scheduling.

This bare-bones planner is our most inexpensive pick. It’s a thin, cardboard-covered booklet with undated pages for each week in a year—no more, no less.

Buying Options

Why it’s great: If all you need is a slim calendar to keep track of weekly tasks and appointments, the Muji Recycled Paper Weekly Planner has a minimalist, elegant design, and it costs much less than any other pick on our list. It’s a no-frills planner with simple boxes for each day of the week on every page.

This planner is small and thin, so it fits easily in a bag, but the layout still leaves sufficient room for writing. Depending on how much you have going on, you can split each day’s wide box into sections for work and personal deadlines, or tasks and meal plans, or any other way you want to compartmentalize your days.

Because the planner is undated, you can start your year whenever you’d like, and you can skip weeks guilt-free. As the name implies, the planner is made from recycled paper.

This planner has understated, medium-gray lines and fonts that are less distracting than those in our previous slim planner pick, the Jstory Large Weekly Planner . Despite the Muji’s dollar-store price,its smooth, cream-colored paper holds up well to all types of writing instruments, including markers and fountain pens. The stapled book doesn’t lie quite flat when opened, but it comes close.

Muji also offers a monthly recycled paper planner , which you can pair with the weekly model. It’s the same size and price.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

With this planner, you’ll find no bells and whistles, like extra room for notes. Yet the Muji Recycled Paper Weekly Planner’s simplicity is part of its appeal. If you typically have a very packed schedule, you’d be better off owning a planner with a different layout or more room for each day, such as the Erin Condren LifePlanner , the Filofax The Original Organizer , or the Agendio Planner .

Size: A5, approximately 8.3 inches by 5.7 inches

Traveler’s Company Traveler’s Notebook

Best for combining a planner with different notebooks.

This planner is a cross between a simple calendar and a beautiful journal. And you can fill it with a range of inserts for any type of planning.

May be out of stock

Traveler’s Company Traveler’s Notebook, Passport Size

Best pocket-size modular planner.

This more-compact version can fit in large pockets or small bags.

Why it’s great: Of all the planners we considered, the Traveler’s Company Traveler’s Notebook was the most popular with our testers. The simple leather folio holds thin notebooks inside (secured with an elastic band), and you can invest in whatever notebook inserts fit your planning needs. There are over a dozen options for inserts on the company’s site as well as on Amazon . Because of its compact size and its ability to add things like a zipper pocket and card holder, you can use the Traveler’s Notebook as an all-in-one organizer and wallet for wherever life takes you.

This is the original Traveler’s Notebook, a style of planner often interchangeably called the Midori (the company’s name before 2015). You can find many other brands of this style inspired by the original (they’re sometimes called “fauxdori”). And some of them are great options if you like more colors and patterns.

But the original Traveler’s Notebook is more widely available. It also has a large following in the online planner community, and the Instagram hashtag #midoritravelersnotebook is full of inspiration. While testing, we discovered that several staffers already own the Traveler’s Notebook and love it.

How the Traveler’s Notebook has held up

Senior staff writer Jackie Reeve has been using the Traveler’s Notebook since 2016, and she said it just gets better with age. The leather is soft and beautifully worn in, plus she said it’s easy to throw in her bag without damaging it.

Several of our staffers still use and love theirs, including senior editor Marguerite Preston, who said the system of swapping notebooks in and out works really well. And she said it leaves a lot of room to experiment with formats that work well for her. “My system has definitely evolved over time,” she said. “It’s also fun that you can find third-party sellers of all kinds of variations of inserts on places like Etsy.”

• The leather, which looks pristine when new, quickly becomes worn with visible scuffs and scratches (we think this just adds to the character of the planner). Also, the notebooks won’t lie completely flat. One of our 10 staff testers thought the regular size was too big for the portability he wanted. Using the passport size and keeping fewer notebooks inside would address those concerns.
• Note that the Traveler’s Notebook comes with a blank notebook by default, so you’ll need to buy a planner insert (normally $10 to $15) separately. Options include undated monthly , weekly vertical , and weekly horizontal plus notes section .

Sizes: regular, 4.9 by 8.7 inches; passport, 3.9 by 5.3 inches

Colors: black , brown , camel , blue

Filofax The Original Organizer (personal size)

The best refillable planner.

Though expensive, this Filofax planner is the highest-quality leather option we tested, and it’s small enough to fit in a bag. You can also purchase refills for it from multiple other brands.

Filofax The Original Organizer (A5 size)

A larger refillable planner.

This bigger, A5-size Filofax is just as good as the smaller version, but this one has more writing space. It works with any A5 inserts, so you can purchase refills from whatever brand you like.

Why it’s great: If you want a high-quality refillable planner for business, we recommend Filofax’s The Original Organizer (which is still made by the English company that made the high-quality leather organizers iconic in the 1980s). The layouts come with a good amount of writing space for each day, and the planner has plenty of plain paper in the back for notes and lists.

We looked at several other business planners in stores, including synthetic-leather versions of the Day-Timer and Day Runner planners, and we tested leather and synthetic-leather planners from Franklin, Levenger, and Quo Vadis. The quality of the Filofax planner stood out—the leather looked and felt exceptional, and the stitching was neater. We also prefer the Filofax planner’s overall look, layout, and color choices.

Filofax’s The Original Organizer comes in fewer sizes than other three-ring planners (only two for the model we tested), but it offers more insert options , including dated and undated calendars and an August-to-July academic diary . Third-party companies on Etsy also sell inserts specifically designed to fit Filofax planners. We tested the Personal size, which would be good for carrying in a handbag. The Original Organizer is also available in a larger, A5 size, which works with any A5 paper insert. Be cautious with the Filofax personal-size inserts—some planner brands change the size slightly so that it doesn’t fit a Filofax, or they call it something else, even if the paper fits.

How Filofax’s The Original Organizer has held up

Senior staff writer Jackie Reeve, who has owned and used The Original Personal Organizer in the Union Jack print since 2016, notes that “the leather itself is in great shape, and there’s no real fraying at the stitching or along the edges.” One Wirecutter staffer has had problems with the rings misaligning on her Filofax organizers, but that hasn’t been a universal experience.

Our testers thought Filofax’s The Original Organizer was austere and expensive for a planner. But once you purchase the cover, you only have to buy inserts in subsequent years. If you’re looking for a more affordable ring-bound planner, or if you’d prefer faux leather to real leather, you might like the Simple Stories Carpe Diem A5 Planner (a former also-great pick). It comes in the same personal and A5 sizes, as well as several bright colors and feminine designs. Jackie has had a Filofax planner since 2016, and it still looks new.

Sizes: ring-bound personal, 5.38 by 7.38 inches; ring-bound A5, 7.8 by 9.2 inches

Colors: 17 colors, including the classic leather, patent leather , and pastel Union Jack print

Erin Condren LifePlanner

A customizable planner with an artsy aesthetic.

This designer pick is decorated on the outside and the inside. It features a cover you can personalize, and there are three layouts to choose from.

Why it’s great: If you could use a bit more color in your life, and you’d like to motivate yourself with inspirational quotes and fun stickers, the Erin Condren LifePlanner will give you the most options. At 7 by 9 inches, it’s bigger than most of our other picks, and therefore it has more writing space per day. Our testers liked that it comes in a choice of weekly vertical, weekly horizontal, or hourly layouts. And there’s also a wide range of removable, interchangeable laminated covers —from Hello Kitty and Star Wars designs to abstract shapes to custom photo collages.

Unlike most other planners that have only a cover design and plain pages, the LifePlanner offers three interior-design themes (floral, typography, or paint strokes). The monthly pages are decorated with the theme you choose, the monthly tab pages feature motivational quotes, and the weekly pages’ colored accents match the tabs. The paper has a slightly toothy texture that’s satisfying to write on, especially with a pencil. Due to the high-quality coil binding, the pages move smoothly, so the planner sits flat when it’s open on a desk.

In addition to the included stickers, there are plenty of accessories—covers, stickers, sticky notes, pens—widely available for decorating the LifePlanner. An Etsy search for “Erin Condren stickers” alone yielded more than 100,000 results at the time of publication, and Erin Condren’s site offers plenty of other accessories . If you’re interested in the planner community, the LifePlanner has active posters on Instagram , in Facebook groups, and on YouTube channels .

The planner is sold through the Erin Condren site as well as at Amazon and Staples, but to customize it you’ll need to stick to the official website. The official site also offers specialty planners, including academic planners with class scheduling pages, teacher lesson planners , and a wedding planner book .

How the Erin Condren LifePlanner has held up

Senior staff writer Jackie Reeve has been using Erin Condren planners off and on since 2015, and she still enjoys their durability, layout, and range of available third-party accessories. She found the LifePlanner to be an ideal planner for PTA meetings. Her one function-related complaint is that in 2019 the company changed the layout of its pages slightly, so the perfectly sized stickers she had stockpiled from various Etsy sellers no longer fit. The official site also offers specialty planners, including academic planners with class scheduling pages, teacher lesson planners , and a wedding planner book .

• Some shoppers may not want to support the Erin Condren brand, due to a June 2020 incident the founder was involved in that inflamed tensions surrounding COVID-era social-distancing policies and the nationwide Black Lives Matter protests . Since then, the company has released planners celebrating identity, including Pride Month and Black History Month collections, and donated some of the proceeds to charity. The company is also no longer owned by Erin Condren herself but rather by her longtime business partner, who is also co-owner of EC Design. This is still the best highly decorated planner because of the customization options. However, if you don’t want to shop from Erin Condren, we recommend The Happy Planner or the weekly or daily planners from the Black-owned Ivory Paper Company .
• As for the planner itself, in our initial testing some of our testers wanted something more portable; it is about an inch thick and best suited for using on a desk. Softcover and ring-bound versions are available, though they’re not as customizable as the coiled-bound model.

Sizes: coil-bound , 7 by 9 inches; coil-bound A5, 5.8 by 8.3 inches

Colors: 80-plus prints for coil-bound

Laurel Denise Mini Horizontal Weekly Planner

A planner with a holistic monthly and weekly view.

This planner’s innovative layout lets you simultaneously see your broad plans for the month, along with the weekly and daily details.

Why it’s great: The Laurel Denise Mini Horizontal Weekly Planner has a layout and design unlike any other. Instead of the standard monthly spread followed by weekly pages (or, worse, a section of monthly pages divorced from their weekly counterparts), this planner combines a monthly calendar with weekly pages in one spread.

Say what? How? Flip open the wide planner (it measures 9.875 inches wide by 7.25 inches high), and you’ll find a monthly calendar on the left, a notes section with a monthly to-do list on the right, and, nestled in between, four to five half-size sheets for the weekly pages. This means you can see your appointments and special events in the calendar view while also seeing your day-specific notes and weekly to-dos at once. It’s a game changer if you’ve ever struggled with balancing long-term planning and day-to-day focusing.

In addition to this unique layout, the Laurel Denise planner offers two yearly pages at the front to plan out goals and things to remember, a monthly habit tracker, a few notes pages at the back, and a page for lists like hobbies, gratitude, and books. We like that these pages are available but not forced on you on every page, as you find with other planners.

The Mini Horizontal Weekly Planner is dated, but Laurel Denise also sells undated planners and vertical weekly planners . These are all substantially larger than the Mini; they are sized like scrapbooks or large photobooks, so they’re not as portable. Other variations include a dated academic planner , teacher planners , and project planners .

To unlock the full potential of this planner, check out Laurel Denise’s guide on how to use the planner system for inspirational implementations.

Even though this planner is a “mini” version, it’s wide when unfolded. You can fold the Laurel Denise Mini Horizontal Weekly Planner back, but then you’ll lose the benefit of seeing each week spread across two pages. So just know you’ll need some space on your desk to use this planner.

Sizes: mini, 9.875 by 7.25 inches; regular, 12.75 by 9.25 inches

Colors: evergreen (mini), various colors and patterns for the larger planners

Agendio Planner

The best customizable planner.

This planner offers a seemingly infinite number of customization options, so you can create one that’s truly your own.

Why it’s great: If you’ve never had a planner that’s been just right for your needs, the Agendio Planner could solve that problem. It’s the most customizable planner we’ve come across.

In addition to offering three planner sizes, three paper thicknesses, three layout formats (days shown in a column, row, or grid), and a myriad of hardcover and spiral-bound printed covers, the Agendio Planner lets you fine-tune just about everything on the page, such as the fonts and font colors. You can add your own events or repeating activities, like monthly meetings or gym schedules, and they can be highlighted in different colors. This is the best way we’ve found to create a one-of-a-kind planner.

We think the best feature of the Agendio Planner is its “pagelets” page sections—blocks that can be used for notes, lists, reminders, and more. You can customize the pagelets’ sizes, labels, background shading, and line spacing. A specific type of section, called the “span,” stretches across a vertical weekly spread, so you can view tasks or projects that overlap multiple days and plan your time better.

For further customization, this planner has an “extra pages library,” which includes templates such as budget, habits, meals, and meetings. And, as with this planner’s other pages, you can place these extra pages wherever you want in the book.

• If you don’t like making a lot of decisions, the Agendio Planner is not for you. It can be as overwhelming as redesigning your bathroom, and going through all of the customization options can take a good part of your morning or afternoon. But we think it’s worth it if you want a very specific, personalized planner.
• The price of this planner changes depending on how many bells and whistles you add. Tabs, extra pages, and detachable corners, for example, cost extra, and you won’t see the full price of the planner until you’ve finished customizing it. The typical cost is between $45 and $95, according to the company.

Sizes: journal, 5.5 by 8 inches; medium, 7 by 9 inches; large, 8.5 by 11 inches Colors: over 150 soft spiral-bound printed covers; 10 synthetic leather hard-cover colors

If you’re looking for a traditional, dated planner: Consider the MochiThings Medium Ardium Planner . The bookbound Ardium stands out from other basic monthly and weekly planners due to its elegant design details, such as the colored page edges that group the months together, the sturdy cover with a grippy feel, and the light brown accent shading on each page. The layout offers a two-page monthly spread followed by two-page weekly spreads with the days of the week in boxes on the left and a gridded note page on the right. MochiThings makes a variety of planners in other formats and styles that may be worth exploring as well.

If you have a packed agenda and need a planner with daily schedules: The Day Designer Daily Planner may be for you. It has a roomy, two-page spread for each day, with sections for top priorities, a daily schedule, to-do list, notes, and prompts such as deadlines, gratitude, and dinner. Because it’s a daily planner, the Day Designer is very bulky, and the pages can be hard to turn. The “mini” size is 6.6 inches wide by 8.3 inches tall, with a 1.5-inch thickness, and it weighs almost 2 pounds.

If you want a customizable planner that doesn’t require a lot of time or effort to create: Check out the Plum Paper planner. It's not as thoroughly customizable as the Agendio Planner, but it’s simpler to design, with fewer steps to make choices and a more-intuitive user interface. A “simplified” mode reduces the number of options to choose from, for an even more streamlined process. To be clear, the Plum Paper planner still requires an investment in time and effort—a bit more than for creating a photo book, for example. Yet it may not be as overwhelming for some people as the everything-you-may-want-and-then-some Agendio. The Plum Paper planner is available with coil or disc binding, and there’s a hardcover with a printed design option, instead of the standard plastic cover.

If you want a planner with goal-setting and habit-tracking prompts: Consider the Purpose Planner . It’s an undated, large (7.5-by-9.8-inch), six-month productivity planner, with sections for lists like “to buy,” reading, bucket lists, and to-do lists for work or home. The Purpose Planner encourages you to think about all aspects of your life and the roles you play (such as parent, employee, sibling, artist, pet owner), so you’re on top of everything that matters to you.

If you need an academic planner: The Class Tracker is the best student-focused planner. It has pages for jotting down each semester’s schedule (including the summer break), and each day in the two-page weekly spread has sections for assignments, tasks, and quizzes/exams/papers/projects. Some sections may feel too prescriptive or unnecessary, such as the habit-tracking “self care corner” and “X weeks until Y” parts. The cardboard cover isn’t as sturdy as those of most of our main picks, and the design looks dated, but the structured layout does the job.

If you’ve researched options for artistic planning, goal tracking, or bullet journaling, you might be familiar with Hobonichi planners. This Japanese brand is known for its Tomoe River Paper , which is ultrathin (almost half the thickness of a piece of copy paper) and known for its resistance to bleeding and feathering from many different pens (even fountain pens). This paper keeps the Hobonichi planners slim and lightweight, even though they are packed with a page for every day. And it makes them very appealing for artists and journalers who like portability.

Several Wirecutter staffers use Hobonichi planners and love them, and in our tests the Hobonichi Techo Original and the Hobonichi Techo Cousin fared quite well. We’re not featuring them as main picks because their availability is limited. JetPens stocks Hobonichi planners, and Hobonichi has an Amazon storefront . Several of the covers we looked at on Amazon had low stock. But shipping time is much shorter on Amazon, and you’ll have a better user experience on Amazon than ordering from the Japanese site, which one staffer noted was very basic. If you find a planner and a cover you like in stock on Amazon or JetPens, or if you can find these planners locally at a stationery shop or bookstore, they’re worth a look.

Planners are for anyone who likes writing things down on paper, and they can be a particularly good tool if you’re unhappy with digital options for tracking your time and your task lists. As Sarah McNally, owner of McNally Jackson Books, told us, “You can approach it on your own terms. It’s calm and still, it doesn’t beep out reminders.”

The best planner will accommodate the way you think and what you want to capture, rather than forcing you to fill in a template that doesn’t fit your needs. Some people use planners not just for looking into the future but also as a sort of journal or scrapbook, for jotting down memories. So finding the right planner that you can use year after year is indeed a win.

To sort through the many options, consider the following:

Layout: If you just want to keep track of your appointments and deadlines, if you don’t use a planner to take notes, or if you’re a minimalist, you might prefer a sparse calendar—for instance, the Muji planner’s weekly horizontal format, which offers a wide block of space for each day stacked on top of the next.

People with a busy schedule—including those who manage a multi-person household—will need more room for each day. A vertical weekly format, where each day is laid out in columns, would divide the days into time chunks for many appointments or events. (Most of our planner picks offer a vertical layout as well as a horizontal one.) Or you might need a thick planner, such as the Day Designer, with one or two pages dedicated to each day.

Dates: Dated planners conveniently print holidays and sometimes other time-sensitive information, such as moon phases, so you don’t have to write those down yourself. Undated planners, however, let you start whenever you want and skip days or weeks guilt-free. If you have an erratic schedule (for example, if you’re a freelancer), an undated planner may suit you best.

Size: Most planners come in “journal” notebook sizes, 5.5 by 8 inches. These are ideal to use on a cramped desk and to take with you on a commute to the office. Larger sizes, of course, offer more room to write, but they also take up more space. So consider where you’ll use the planner most and whether you want it to be portable.

Cover and binding: Softcover planners made of cardboard or laminate weigh less, but they aren’t as sturdy as hardcover planners. Coil-bound planners are easier to fold flat or fold back than stitched planners, but they can snag on other objects in your bag. This can be an aesthetic choice, too. Think about the type of notebook you like to use best, and apply that to your planner choice.

Design: Last but not least, pick a planner that looks great to you. You’re going to use it every day, so it should bring you joy every day.

Our best advice: See if the planner company offers printable layouts (typically PDF downloads). Print them out and spend a week with them. Or check Instagram for that planner, to see how others are using the layouts, and consider how you’ll use them.

Paper planners encompass a broad range of options, from minimal, undated books with very little formatting to neatly partitioned pages. Some have no adornments or decorations inside, while others have pretty themes and cheerful, motivational messages throughout. We looked at the whole spectrum and decided to select planners in different categories, with an emphasis on those that are customizable or offer some flexibility beyond the standard dated monthly-weekly format.

We researched dozens of brands to narrow down our testing picks, and we asked Wirecutter staffers what they would want to pay for a new planner. You can generally expect to pay less than $50 for a good planner, with a few exceptions. A planner should fit your specific needs, and you may discover that a simple, inexpensive planner you find at a big-box store works better for you than our picks.

Since 2017, we’ve tested 64 planners in different rounds, and our testers have included a mix of paper-planner owners, people who wanted to get a paper planner, and those who’d tried paper planners and were dissatisfied. They gave us notes on what they would personally look for in a paper planner (size, writing space, fonts, the feel of the materials) and how they wanted to use one (simple scheduling, goal planning, and so on).

Our testers looked at each blank new planner and gave their feedback, and in some cases they changed their criteria after examining a planner in person. This is what happens to a lot of people—they buy a planner and later realize it isn’t right for them. So we tried to pick planners that worked for what people actually wanted, not what they thought they wanted.

We knew of several brands through the planner community and what we personally used; we also talked to several staffers about what they used, and we interviewed experts, who helped us determine our criteria for picking planners to test. The following features are the ones to look for:

Customization: We looked for planners that offered different page layout options, as well as many cover colors and designs, so more people could find the best fit. For ring-bound planners, we wanted a standard paper size so we could swap in any inserts from any compatible brand.

Plenty of space for writing: We wanted planners that had enough room for us to jot down tasks, appointments, and notes. We looked for tall, well-spaced lines or boxes wide enough to fit two or three words in a row.

A sturdy and low-frustration binding: JetPens’ Shu Yao noted, “Many planners are meant to last the entire year or academic year, so it needs to survive daily wear.” Coil bindings allow for smoother page-turning than disc bindings, which have individual, disconnected discs that don’t move fluidly together. A ring-bound, refillable planner is especially useful if it holds a standard, easy-to-find paper size. Book-bound or hardbound covers are less bulky than the other types. We preferred planners that let the book lie flat when open.

High-quality materials: We wanted planner covers that held up to wear, paper that was pleasant to write on, and sturdy tabs that didn’t bend when flipped. Sarah McNally of McNally Jackson Books told us, “A planner is a physical relationship you are embarking on. You will touch it as much as a wallet for the next year.” Laminated, leather, or hard covers last longer than cardboard or card-stock covers. And the paper should be creamy and sturdy—Yao told us this is a key consideration when JetPens looks for planners to carry. You don’t want paper so flimsy that it tears as you turn the pages or lets ink bleed through to the next page.

A variety of sizes: We looked for brands that offered both smaller, portable sizes and larger, desk-appropriate sizes. Especially with refillable planners—which are often a pricier initial purchase—we liked having size options that were standardized across a few brands of planners and inserts (such as the A5 size, which fits 5.83-by-8.27-inch paper).

Availability: We decided to focus on brands that were readily available online and, preferably, in at least some physical stores. The experts we interviewed gave us some great suggestions for smaller planner companies, but many of those could be difficult to source and were too niche for this guide.

With all of the planners we tested, we paid close attention to the paper quality and how well the sheets held ink from Sharpies and Uni-ball gel pens. We looked at the construction of the bindings and how sturdy the covers were, and we considered how useful the layouts were and how much writing space they offered. We also painted on them with watercolors to see how the paper held water and color.

This is not a comprehensive list of paper planners we’ve tested. We have removed models that are discontinued or no longer meet our criteria.

Refillable planners

The Simple Stories Carpe Diem A5 Planner is a former also-great pick. And if you avoid buying leather, or you want something less expensive than a Filofax planner, it’s a great choice. It comes in fewer colors than Filofax’s The Original Organizer, and most binders and inserts have a feminine design. In stores we’ve seen these only at Hobby Lobby, but they’re still easier to get than many of the imported planners we’ve tested and recommended. It’s also available in a personal size.

The Happy Planner is a highly decorated planner, similar to the Erin Condren LifePlanner. We didn’t like this planner’s disc binding; opening it all the way around to look at one page at a time wasn’t as smooth as with a coil-bound planner. However, one of our staffers long-term tested this planner for a year and told us the format really worked for her, and she didn’t mind the discs. You can technically refill these planners, swap covers, or add inserts, but they’re so often on sale at craft stores that most people just buy a new one each year.

The Levenger Circa Weekly smartPlanner felt more useful than the Franklin planner we tested, but it’s expensive (a leather cover is sold separately), and we’ve found disc-bound systems more difficult to use.

We reconsidered the classic FranklinPlanner Original Weekly Ring-bound Planner in 2018, after initially dismissing other versions we saw in office-supply stores. We tested the compact and classic sizes and found the Franklin inserts to be especially cramped for writing space, compared with what you’d get with the Filofax planner.

Spiral-bound planners

The Papier Planner , available in spiral or book binding, offers a wide range of cover styles that you can personalize with your name or initials. We tested the academic year version, but the majority of panelists preferred the Class Tracker’s higher-contrast pages and darker fonts. That said, two panelists (including one college-bound tester who dislikes planners in general) preferred the smooth feel of the Papier’s pages, as well as its helpful sections such as schedule, deadlines, and project notes. It’s worth a look if you want an academic planner that looks and feels a bit more elegant than basic monthly-and-weekly planners.

The Day Designer planner is a former pick, and it’s senior staff writer Jackie Reeve’s personal favorite for everyday use, but it’s bigger and bulkier than our picks. If you like a weighty planner that you can leave on your desk, this one has a hard-board cover, sturdy spiral binding, and daily page layouts with space for appointments, to-do lists, and notes.

The Planner Pad is another former pick, and we recommend it if you’re looking to group your tasks and appointments by category. Its highly structured format isn’t as flexible as those of our picks, but the layout may match how you like to divide your week and your days.

Our testers weren’t wild about the Blue Sky Weekly and Monthly Planner ’s layouts, which have a pattern on every page. But Blue Sky offers endless print options, so you may find one you like. Blue Sky previously offered an academic year planner with extra functionality for students, and we liked it, but it no longer exists.

We tested the Black-owned Ivory Paper Company’s 12 Month Daily Planner , which is similar to the Day Designer planner. It’s a nice book with a pleasing cover, but the paper felt like copy paper, and the page layouts were less sophisticated. It was hard to see how this planner cost more than a Day Designer planner, which isn’t cheap.

The At-A-Glance weekly appointment book is a classic business planner available at office-supply stores, but it was a bit too big, too businesslike, and too narrow for us to write in the hourly format.

We recommend Field Notes notebooks as the best pocket notebook for jotting stuff down, but our testers didn’t like the Field Notes 56-Week Planner . They said its looks were less appealing than those of other models, and they noted the lines on the paper were too dark for what they wanted in a planner.

Book-bound planners

The only thing keeping us from fully recommending the Muji High Quality Monthly Planner is its limited availability. If you want a standard dated planner, run to get it when it comes out every November to December, because the silky paper is just exquisite.

The Leuchtturm1917 Bullet Journal 2 is an excellent notebook with guidelines for bullet journaling (also known as “BuJo”). But we eliminated this former pick from the running because it’s really more of a blank notebook than an actual planner, which should have at least some date structure.

Similarly, Rhodia’s Goalbook bullet journal contains only grid-dot paper, with no instructions or tips, and our testers found that design to be too freeform. Our testers thought the cover was too fragile (it was already dented at one corner from shipping) and that the grid dots on the pages were too dark.

The Moo Perpetual Planner is an undated planner with high-quality paper, as one would expect from the company that makes the best business cards . It has a versatile format, with blank space on the top third of each page and days shown in columns beneath that (the week spans two pages). We found the columns a bit narrow (they’d require tiny handwriting to be usable). And we found the colored cardstock dividers for each quarter to be somewhat puzzling to use (they’re all lined differently, with an isometric pattern on one section). However, we like that this planner invites creativity in terms of figuring out how you’ll use the space provided.

The Paperage Planner has the same high-quality, thick paper as the lined journal , which is our budget notebook pick. The planner has a standard monthly and weekly layout, and it’s a good option if you want to spend less than $15 on a hardcover planner with a sturdy cover. We think the MochiThings Medium Ardium Planner feels more polished and special, though it costs more than three times as much.

We tested the Lemome Weekly & Monthly Planner in summer 2020 after seeing it rise in popularity over the previous year. It has a 1950s prep-school charm to it, with a black cover, gold lettering, and a pen holder. After the MochiThings Ardium Planner, it’s the next-best book-bound planner we’ve tried. It’s not very expensive, but the layout is notably basic, and it comes in only one color.

A former pick, the Panda Planner Classic has the most structured layout, with prompts and partitioned sections, such as “Today’s Priorities,” “Morning Review,” and “Things I Will Do to Make This Week Great.” It may be too prescriptive for most people, and it covers only three months, but if you want to try a new productivity system, it’s ideal for goal planning.

The Passion Planner was unpopular in testing because of the inside page design, the cramped writing space, and a cover that showed greasy thumbprints. One staffer liked the visual design of the layouts, but we preferred the Purpose Planner for goal tracking.

The Full Focus Planner is another option similar to the Purpose Planner and the Panda Planner Classic, with prompts to help keep you accountable and productive. In our tests, it wasn’t as intuitive to learn to use, and that might be a barrier for people to stay with it.

The Productivity Planner is also laid out with prompts and involves a system for tracking your time and output. But of all the planners we’ve tested, this one is the most complicated to use—it has 34 pages of instructions at the start of the book. It also lacks simple calendar layouts to track appointments or to plan ahead for projects and goals.

The Jstory Large Weekly Planner is a former pick for bare-bones, simple scheduling. The Muji Recycled Paper Weekly Planner has a less distracting minimalist design, and it usually costs $15 less.

The Ohh Deer Daily Planner offers only enough room for four months’ worth of entries, so you’d have to get three per year, making it one of the most expensive planners we’ve tested. And though this planner is sold in several cover designs, each one features a slightly different interior layout that isn’t disclosed on its product page.

Planners we tested or looked at that lacked sufficient room for jotting down daily to-do lists and notes include the Papier Planner , the regular-size Moleskine planners , and the Leuchtturm1917 Week Planner .

This article was edited by Ben Keough and Erica Ogg.

Meet your guides

Jackie Reeve

Jackie Reeve is a senior staff writer covering bedding, organization, and home goods at Wirecutter since 2015. Previously she was a school librarian, and she’s been a quilter for about 15 years. Her quilt patterns and her other written work have appeared in various publications. She moderates Wirecutter’s staff book club and makes her bed every morning.

Kaitlyn Wells

Kaitlyn Wells is a senior staff writer who advocates for greater work flexibility by showing you how to work smarter remotely without losing yourself. Previously, she covered pets and style for Wirecutter. She's never met a pet she didn’t like, although she can’t say the same thing about productivity apps. Her first picture book, A Family Looks Like Love , follows a pup who learns that love, rather than how you look, is what makes a family.

Melanie Pinola

Melanie Pinola covers home office, remote work, and productivity as a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. She has contributed to print and online publications such as The New York Times, Consumer Reports, Lifehacker, and PCWorld, specializing in tech, work, and lifestyle/family topics. She’s thrilled when those topics intersect—and when she gets to write about them in her PJs.

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IN THIS ARTICLE

• five star academic planner
• anecdote planner
• joy spiral academic year planner
• rifle paper co. academic covered spiral planner
• posypaper personalized planner
• indeme academic planner 
• checkmate academic year planner
• rileys & co weekly planner
• day designer daily planner
• plannedandproper daily planner
• rifle paper co. academic appointment planner
• kikkerland inkerie undated daily planner
• rifle paper co. garden party covered planner
• mantamakesltd personalized weekly planner
• 17-month envelope planner

15 Best Student Planners for 2024 to Keep Them Organized

Time to get organized for the 2024-2025 school year!

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Summer is such a great time of the year , what with all the pool games , outdoor activities, and family vacations . But eventually, back-to-school season rolls around, which can be overwhelming for even the most organized parent or student. But starting your school supply shopping early is always a good idea. You’ll need backpacks, lunch boxes , and, of course, the best student planners. These will help your scholar keep tabs on their homework, class schedule, and extracurricular activities. Plus, they’re a fun way to showcase their personalities.

The best student planners have designated spots for all their needs (and more!) so they’ll never miss a test, soccer game, or homecoming party. Below, we’re rounding up a selection of our favorite academic planners for all ages just in time for back-to-school shopping, including the best planners for college students . We’re ready for you, 2024-2025 school year!

BEST CLASSIC PLANNER

Five star academic planner.

If you consider yourself a millennial, chances are you’ll recognize the logo on this spiral notebook student planner. Five Star has been a backpack mainstay for decades, and for good reason—the quality and functionality are unmatched. This 200-page spiral planner boasts planning room for eight different subjects and activities, plus full-page calendars to keep their semesters organized.

BEST OVERALL PLANNER

Anecdote planner.

This is one of the best student planners, as it touts thoughtful sections to help your favorite student work smarter, not harder. It has pages dedicated to individual days, as well as sections for notes, ideas, to-do lists, and priorities. Choose from a selection of stylish shades, all of which boast a durable cover meant to withstand being tossed in their backpack or locker.

BEST CUSTOMIZABLE PLANNER

Joy spiral academic year planner.

Bound with wide spirals and topped with a laminated cover, this academic planner is simple and classic in the best way. Upon buying, you can customize the journal to how you see fit, from choosing a color and including playful page dividers to adding a name to the front.

WORTH THE SPLURGE

Rifle paper co. academic covered spiral planner.

Anthropologie

Spanning 17 months, this Rifle Paper Co. planner will keep them organized throughout the entire school year and beyond, which is great if they have a summer job or internship. The inside has weekly and monthly pages, plus inspirational quotes and organizational stickers that will keep them on track… even through finals week.

BEST PERSONALIZED PLANNER

Posypaper personalized planner.

Between a signature cover and the flexibility to “start” the planner whenever you choose, this design packs in the personalization. Inside, they’ll find a clean and simple layout that maximizes writing space, plus easily identifiable tables for each month that allow them to plan ahead.

BEST PLANNER FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Indeme academic planner .

This floral-covered planner encourages students to “enjoy the little things”—even if that means something as simple as chicken nugget day in the cafeteria. With a robust collection of pages that includes notes sections, monthly calendars, and daily page organizers, these handy student planners are best suited for those in high school or college who have more on their plate.

BEST TRENDY PLANNER

Checkmate academic year planner.

Trendy and organized? Say less. This Papier planner has both in spades, with a funky-fun cover any Gen Z’er will love. They’ll be able to keep tabs on all their due dates thanks to the organizational features packed inside the pages, while the hard cover is durable enough to hold up to whatever (or wherever) they throw at it. Bonus: A sleek ribbon will help them keep their spot throughout the year.

BEST AFFORDABLE PLANNER

Rileys & co weekly planner.

Let’s be honest—middle and high school students don’t always keep track of their things, so it makes sense that you may not want to splurge on their planner, knowing it won’t be the only one you buy throughout the year. This quality pick is under $10 and touts plenty of interior organization, so it’s a worthy buy (time and time again).

BEST PLANNER FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

Day designer daily planner.

These impressive student planners from Day Designer go far beyond academics, promising to keep busy undergrads on top of their work-life balance throughout the next four years. The best planner for college students, it boasts endless amounts of interior organization, with daily dated planning pages that’ll help students identify their top three priorities for the day, serve them up an inspirational quote, organize their to-do list, and plan their day down to the hour. While it’s a pricey design, it’s a worthy splurge for any college-bound student looking to stay organized throughout the semester.

BEST MODERN PLANNER

Plannedandproper daily planner.

Simple and classic, this academic planner would look right at home in the classroom, boardroom, or office. Large gold spirals frame a linen cover that’s embossed with gold lettering. Users can choose from weekly or daily page layouts and benefit from bonus trackers, like cups that track their daily water intake.

BEST MONTHLY PLANNER

Rifle paper co. academic appointment planner.

This academic planner caters to students, teachers, parents, and anyone else starting a new school year in August. The 24-page book has two pages dedicated to each month, with large boxes where students can note test dates, soccer matches, pep rallies, and more.

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT PLANNER

Kikkerland inkerie undated daily planner.

The Container Store

This student planner will add barely any weight to their backpack, which is good news for overwhelmed high school students. Inside the colorful planner, they can track their daily schedule, to-do lists, notes, habits, and more—basically everything they could possibly want to keep tabs on.

BEST HARDCOVER PLANNER

Rifle paper co. garden party covered planner.

Pottery Barn Teen

Another stunning Rifle Paper Co. pick, this hardcover planner boasts interior rings for painless page-turning. Easy-to-discern tabs help students move between months, where each week is divided into roomy sections for note-taking and schedule planning. The back even boasts a few stages of stickers in Rifle Paper Co.’s classic cheery illustrations.

MOST VERSATILE PLANNER

Mantamakesltd personalized weekly planner.

Help them leave their mark on the 2024-2025 school year with this practical planner emblazoned with their name on the cover. Available in six different colors, this versatile design comes in two sizes and your option of a soft or hardcover, with a calendar for planning out every week, plus extra pages for notes.

MOST STYLISH PLANNER

17-month envelope planner.

This envelope-style academic planner is sleek and sophisticated and will make a great first impression with professors or internship coordinators. The faux-leather soft cover hides immense organization within, with a 240-page planner spanning from August 2024 to December 2025. A vibrant red ribbon will keep their place throughout the year, while the included pen holder means they’ll never be without a way to make note of important tasks.

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9 Best Study & Academic Planners for Students [2024 Update]

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Do you want to learn how to get more organized in your academic or professional life?

Finding the best study planner for your busy schedule is a great way to have everything you need in one place.

If you're like me, your work often becomes scattered because you have so much going on and your schedule is up in the air. However, if you take the time to maintain a college study planner, you will always be able to reference your obligations, goals, and responsibilities.

To help you find the one that is right for you, here is a list of the top nine study planners for students and professionals. I'll go over the pros and cons of each so you can find one that best suits your needs.

No time to read the entire review?

Here's a quick look at our favorite study planners for students and professionals:

Let's jump right in.

How could a study planner benefit you during the upcoming year?

The truth is, when you think about all of the things that you need to get done in the near future, it is probably completely overwhelming. You often wonder how you will accomplish all of your goals when there is so much on your plate.

It is important to know what you will use your planner for so you can make it a focused and organized study tool.

Will you be using it to keep track of your homework assignments and projects? Or maybe you need it to keep track of your appointments, or even your personal goals.

Let your planner help you by using it to prevent yourself from procrastinating. Create a plan and stick to it until you see your goals all the way through.

With a study planner, you can break your big goals down into little tasks and plan out exactly when you will complete each one.

If you are able to pinpoint one small thing that you need to get done every day in order to achieve your goal, you will make the progress that you need to succeed.

Do you find yourself procrastinating a lot when trying to study? Check out: The Study Plan Schedule Strategy (That Actually Works)

Table of Contents

Set Deadlines

Break down your goal and set mini-deadlines for yourself. Setting deadlines is helpful, and having milestones for every few weeks will help you continue to feel like you are accomplishing something. With the progress that you gradually make, you will be motivated to keep going.

Creating deadlines for yourself to meet your goals is not an arbitrary thing. According to Forbes magazine, there are some things you should keep in mind when you are setting your schedule:

• Create specific and attainable goals.
• Don't make any promises that you will not be able to keep.
• Make your deadlines firm.
• Execute your plans.
• Do not stop your progress because you are scared you will make a mistake.

Essentially, you should lay out a reasonable plan for yourself and make a commitment to executing it. It is ok to be firm with yourself if you start to slip up and get behind on your deadlines. It is important to get back on track so you can keep up with your study planner.

Create a Habit

Use your study planner to make sure you have a task to complete each day. That way, working towards your goals becomes a habit. Even if the task is very small, keep the momentum going throughout the week. Set aside a specific time for every day that you will be working.

To do this, figure out when you perform your best. Is it right when you wake up, before your day starts piling up? Or maybe it is after you wind down at night and can sit and focus on what you are doing. Either way, determine the best time to do your work and set that time aside every day.

During this time, set aside any distractions that may prohibit you from doing your work. If you have a set amount of time, you are more likely to be able to focus on what you are doing and save any possible distractions for later.​

​And if you're having trouble remembering the material you're trying to learn, then The Feynman Technique can help you solve this issue.

Features to Look for in a Study Planner

Take some time to think carefully about your planner. Do you want a planner that has a section for every day, or a planner that goes by weeks?

Day-at-a-time study planners are ideal for people who are very detail oriented and have a lot of small tasks. Week-at-a-time planners give a better overview because they are able to let you see your entire week at a glance.

Day-at-a-time planners may be right for you if you have do to things at a specific time of day, because they offer more room in each day to take notes. However, if you only have one overall goal that is not time-sensitive, a week-at-a-time planner may be a better option for you.

After choosing the format of your study planner, you will need to decide if you want your schedule to move vertically or horizontally . A horizontal format is the most common, with wide spaces set apart for each day. However, a vertical format allows you to create long lists or put your day in chronological order.

Finally, a verso format has a horizontal week on each page, and space to take notes on the opposite page. This lets you have a task list on one page and a schedule for completing the tasks on the other.

You will also need to consider the size of your study planner. Do you want to be able to take it with you everywhere you go? Study planners range from micro size to grande size. Depending on how often you will need to reference your study planner, consider how much room you want it to take up.

Are there some supplemental features that would be helpful for you? Perhaps an important dates memo page or a birthday page?

You may need to reference some kind of conversion chart on a regular basis that would be great to have handy in your study planner. Consider any extra features like this that may be useful for you.

Additionally, do you find that you have important papers that seem to pile up, but you don't really have a specific place for them? If you have some papers that you need to keep with you often, look for a planner that comes with a pocket inside where you can slip those papers in.

How well-built do you need your planner to be? Typically, the higher quality study planners are also the most expensive, but if you plan on taking it with you everywhere, it may be worth the investment so it doesn't start to fall apart half way through the year.

Consider the binding and the paper quality when looking for a study planner.

Study Planner Reviews

Take some time to think about how you want your planner to work for you, and how much you will be relying on it.

For example, if you want something that you will be able to jot things down on throughout the day while you are out and about, you may not want to get a full-sized, heavy planner, but rather one that you can comfortably carry around with you all day.

Here are the top nine planners that may suit your needs.

1. Best Overall Choice: BestSelf Co’s Self Planner

Check Price Here!

BestSelf Co. is on a mission to provide people with the frameworks, systems, and tools to help people take action towards living a more fulfilled and meaningful life. Their planning tools and other products leverage the art and science of success, to help you achieve anything.

Their products have been featured on the Huffington Post, LifeHacker, Readers Digest, CNN, Buzzfeed, Business Insider, and more. BestSelf Co. is also proud to partner with Feeding America and donates a meal to someone in need with every purchase.

Their Self Planner is designed to help you manage your time, plan your life, and define and work toward your own goals. It's a flexible, versatile planning tool that is perfect for students.

BestSelf Co’s Self Planner is an undated six-month planner. It has a hard cover, so it can easily be used on the go, when you don't have a desk or table nearby. The 100g white ivory paper is thick enough for fountain pens, and it has a back pocket and two ribbon place markers.

Inside, it has templates to help you manage your time, clarify your priorities, benchmark your successes, and even self-reflect on your progress.

It has project planners and habit trackers that help students manage their time and study load every day. It even has a 6-month bucket list to help you dream big.

The two bookmarks, along with perforated page corners, help you track multiple projects at once, and there is plenty of space for notes, sketches, and free-form ideas.

BestSelf Co’s Self Planner measures 7 x 10 inches and comes in either black or coral color. Every purchase provides a meal to someone in need through Feeding America.

• Great size and durable cover for easy, durable portability
• Organize large goals, daily tasks, and ongoing habits to manage time and achieve goals
• Convenient templates along with free pages for versatile uses
• Undated so you can start any time
• Two bookmarks, back cover pocket, elastic band closure, and perforated corners make it easy to stay organized
• Proceeds help to feed those in need
• Students may not need so many templates for bucket lists and self-reflection

2. Runner-Up Option: BelfSelf Co's Weekly Action Pad

The Weekly Action Pad from BestSelf is an incredible tool to help you manage time, get organized, and get everything done on time. It's more than just a note pad; it's an organizational system. To use the weekly action pad correctly:

• In the “Task” column, write down everything you need to this week that will take time. This helps you start to get organized and prevents forgetting things. If your tasks have a specific deadline, record it in the “due date” column. Otherwise, leave that column empty for now.
• In the “Priority” column, assign your tasks an “ABC” priority. “A” for tasks that are time sensitive, “B” for tasks that are important but not urgent, and “C” for tasks that are not crucial this week. Try to not assign yourself more than 2-3 “A” priority tasks per day.
• In the “time estimate” column, record how much time you think each task will take.
• Use the “E/N/D” column to record which tasks are energizing, draining, or neutral. Noting how certain tasks make you feel can help you organize when to get them done, as your energy levels fluctuate during the day, and reduces procrastination.  
• In the “due date” column, add deadlines for tasks that don't have a due date. Use your assigned due dates and time estimates to set your own deadlines and try to not assign yourself more than 2-3 draining tasks per day.
• Add notes. Every page has space for notes in the far left column, and further notes on the back of each page.
• Celebrate your successes as you check off completed tasks.

This system is much more effective at helping you plan, prioritize, and complete tasks than a simple to-do list. It helps you organize your time to meet deadlines, reduce procrastination, and be more productive every week.

BelfSelf Co's Weekly Action Pad has 52 undated pages, so you can start any time and stay organized and productive for an entire year. It's a tool that is backed by the proven successes of highly productive people and is a great way to beat procrastination and stay on target.

It's a 7 x 11.75 inch notebook, with acid-free, 100gsm white ivory paper that is fountain pen friendly. An elastic closure and ribbon marker make it easy to take with you, stay on track, and turn your to-do list into a “done” list.

• Proven tool to help stay organized and complete tasks
• Makes it easy to stay organized, stay on schedule, and manage daily tasks
• A full year of weekly planning
• Tracking your energy levels reduces procrastination
• Generous space for free-form notes
• There is a light checkmark already printed in the “done” column, which may reduce clarity between done and un-done tasks, or reduce some of the satisfaction of checking off completed tasks

3. Best Value for the Money: Erin Condren’s Academic Planner

Erin Condren is famous for planners that are as fashionable as they are useful, and her designs have been featured on The Ellen Show, Rachel Ray, The Today Show, and in Family Circle Magazine.

Her student planner is incredibly popular, with space to organize your class schedule, exams, assignments, and more, along with inspirational quotes and endless customization options. It's durable, useful, and a great value for the money.

Erin Condren’s Academic Planner has a full 12 months of customized planning, where you can choose and customize your start month to fit your academic year. It has monthly and weekly views, with lots of space for notes, exams, to-dos, and important dates.

Colorful dividing pages have inspirational sayings, and it comes with stickers that are both useful and decorative.

This planner comes in a huge range of cover colors and patterns. Covers can be customized with your own text and name, and you can also choose the coil material, for an additional cost.

• Fun, fashionable, and customizable planner
• Full 12 months for the entire academic year
• Monthly and weekly calendars with to-do lists
• Free space for notes
• Inspirational sayings
• Comes with stickers
• Some people wish for more space for daily tasks and lists

4. Most Budget-Friendly: The Work-Smart Academic Planner, Revised Edition

Check Price on Amazon!

The Work-Smart Academic Planner, Revised Edition: Write It Down, Get It Done is great for students as young as middle school aged, but just as effective for those in college.

It provides the user with one place to keep track of deadlines and assignments, while also helping to develop critical executive skills that are needed to succeed in life.

This may be the right study planner for you if you are looking for more than just a blank calendar to fill in. It is an interactive planner of sorts, as the authors have provided information inside to help the reader.

This study planner provides tools to get organized, learn study skills, succeed in time management, create study plans, and stay focused. It also has enough space on the pages to allow users to evaluate their skills throughout the year.

This planner urges the user to assess their professional weaknesses that need to be worked on, and to profit from their strengths. With simplified planner pages, this edition also comes with an improved form that helps students study for tests.

The planner has spiral binding, and is triple hole punched so it can fit into any binder. It comes with undated calendars so it can be used at any starting point during any year. It also comes with a reference calendar for future planning.

This is a great planner for people who need a little extra help staying motivated and organized. If the user follows the advice of the authors and uses the tools provided, they are likely to be more successful.

• Uses logical language in its menu of options.
• Teaches strategies for personal self-management.
• Increases the user's sense of self-efficacy.
• Offers clinical tools that lead to success.
• Some may not like the undated calendars, as they must be filled in manually.
• This is a larger planner, so it may not be as easy to transport as others.
• It may not be right for people who are not interested in an executive career path.

5. Best Daily Planner Option: Panda Planner Pro

The Panda Planner Pro was created by Michael Leip, after illness and a traumatic brain injury left him feeling disorganized, anxious, and depressed.

When conventional planners didn't work for him, he researched planners and productivity aids, doing research that would help him find a way to stay organized, but also fight anxiety and depression.

The Panda Planner is more than just a planner: It's a system to help provide the inspiration, motivation, and organization to manage stress and reach your goals.

It's a great choice for students, because it helps manage monthly, weekly, and daily schedules, but also helps to build mini-routines and habits for productivity and mental health.

These daily habits and organization tools build a mindset that keeps you productive every day.

The Panda Planner Pro is a 6-month planner, where you schedule and organize every part of your life. In the monthly view, you schedule deadlines and appointments, and plan ahead for the goals you want to reach that month.

Choose a monthly area of focus and add a daily habit you would like to develop that month. In the weekly view, reflect on the prior week and review your successes and areas for improvement.

Break down your projects into simple baby steps. Plan the upcoming week and set goals. In the daily view, take a moment in the morning for a moment of positivity.

Schedule your daily tasks and focus on 3-5 daily priorities. Use the notes areas for ideas and notes and check off your daily tasks.

At the end of every day, week, and month, reflect on your goals and successes and build a healthy mindset.

The templates guide you through every step of your planning, keeping you organized, on track, and positive.

The Panda Planner Pro also comes with 11 free eBooks, including A Billionaire's Secrets to Productivity, How to Cure Procrastination, How to Crush Your Goals, and How to Get Back on Track When You Fall Off Course.

It also comes with a video start guide to show you how to make the most of your Panda Planner.

• Focuses on mental health and happiness as well as organization and tasks
• Helps you structure months, weeks, and days
• Helpful templates for every day
• Helps build healthy habits
• Comes with free video start guide and 11 free eBooks to help you reach your goals
• The templates give a lot of space to daily habit, daily focus, daily affirmations, and daily reflections, which for some busy people doesn't leave a lot of room on the page for detailed tasks and to-dos
• For some people, the need to take time for morning and evening goal setting, planning, and reflection feels too time consuming, and that maintaining the planner becomes another task in itself

6. Best Budget Option for High School or College Students: Blue Sky Weekly & Monthly Planner

Blue Sky Weekly & Monthly Planner will help you stay on top of things all year. It incorporates fresh page designs that add style and offer the necessary room to take additional notes. It is large and durable, so it is perfect for people with busy schedules.

Made from thick, premium quality paper, this planner is environmentally friendly, as it is printed with soy-based ink on 50% post-consumer waste recycled paper. Its durable tabbed dividers will last throughout the year.

This sophisticated planner will easily fit the scheduling needs of busy students, or anyone who needs to keep track of appointments. Its front decor is protected by a plastic liner, so you don't need to worry about the planner getting damaged among your other belongings.

This planner is best for Millennials who love color, design, and adding their own notes. Because it is larger, it is best for people who carry big bags around, or for those who plan to leave their study planners at home.

This planner has a feminine look that is aimed more towards women, but males would also get great use out of it for their organizational needs.

• Has lots of room to write notes
• Incorporates attractive colors and designs
• Does not have a pocket
• The pages are slightly rough

7. Best for Budget-Friendly Options for Busy Students: bloom daily planners 2024

This planner has “charming” written all over it, with its elegant floral design. However, it isn’t just cute—it also gets the job done properly.

If you’re looking for a straightforward planner, then you might want to consider getting bloom daily planners . It features a whole-year preview, and places each monthly calendar on a two-page spread, allowing for a quick view of your schedule for the entire month.

Furthermore, the weekly/daily schedule pages provide enough space for you to write your appointments, class schedules, or meetings. On top of that, there is space for a bulleted daily to-do list, making it a handy organizing tool that helps you get things done on time.

The planner also contains motivational quotes from influential historical figures to inspire you on a daily basis.

Unlike other planners that can accidentally snag or tangle with other items inside a purse, the book-bound spine on this planner ensures no issues when you store it.

This planner has a nice entry-level price point for students who are learning how to manage their time more effectively, as well as for educators who need a no-frills planner to keep track of class schedules and meetings.

• A simple planner that gets the job done.
• Provides an overview of the entire year in one page.
• Has a two-page monthly calendar for a quick look at schedules and special dates.
• Space is provided for bulleted, daily to-do lists.
• The spine is book-bound, so it does not snag on other items inside a purse.
• There are no monthly tabs to more easily locate specific entries.
• The cover is flimsier than most standard planners.
• The binding may not be able to withstand heavy use through the year.

8. Best Option for Skill Mastery: The Mastery Journal

The Mastery Journal revolves around FOCUSing (Follow One Course Until Success). It teaches the user how to accomplish the important tasks that need to get completed in order to achieve a final goal. This book promises to help the user master productivity and focus within 100 days.

This is a great tool for people who tend to have trouble seeing their projects through until the end. It keeps the user's attention on their work in order to be successful in their long-term goal.

Every day, this study planner offers a guide through four FOCUS sessions, each beginning with a timer and one “focus.” Once the timer begins, the only goal is to finish the specified task. After four sessions, the user goes through a review process to determine their level of discipline and productivity.

Furthermore, this planner offers tips on how to prepare for the following day. It teaches how to establish tomorrow's routine, and how to determine your main goal for the day.

Finally, this journal guides you to evaluate your overall performance every 10 days. With reflection on your successes and struggles throughout the past 10 days, you can create a plan to help boost your level of success and find solutions for future problems that may arise.

This is another interactive planner that works to motivate the user through tempting times of procrastination.

• Provides structure for the work day.
• Straightforward journal that is easy to follow.
• Hard cover and high quality.
• There is a lot of text on each page, which some may find distracting.
• Higher priced planner.
• A bit heavy.

9. Best Basic Student Planner: Dated High School or College Student Planner

If you are looking for a small planner that has enough room to take notes, Dated High School or College Student Planner may be the right planner for you. It is small, however, it comes with a complete package of 144 pages, including:

• 104 calendar pages
• 24 monthly pages
• 16 reference pages

The annual calendar begins and ends in June and includes an “Advance Planning” page to help you prepare for the remainder of the calendar year. This planner includes reference pages that address:

• Weight conversions
• Math formulas
• Frequently misspelled words

With its nice compact size, it is easy to transport with you throughout the day. There is very little clutter in this planner, and it only has the essentials that you may need for success.

This study planner is especially useful for high school and college students because it includes success tips on useful subjects such as writing resumes, and tips for having a successful career. It focuses on self-responsibility, weekly goals, and inspirational quotes.

The quotes help to motivate students to succeed, and the book offers an organized layout for students to learn how to take on responsibility and set reasonable goals for themselves.

• Helps improve organization
• Includes a grade record and class schedule page to keep you on track throughout the week
• Small enough to carry in a purse or small backpack
• Budget-friendly
• Not great for people taking spring classes that begin in May
• Does not have monthly dividers on the side
• Made out of flimsy material that may break down throughout the year

Final Thoughts on Study Planners for Students

In conclusion, the best planner overall is BestSelfCo’s Self Planner . It helps the user stay on track with their goals while not being too specific in giving directions on how to do their work.

This is the perfect combination of motivating and liberating, as it allows the user to plan for themself, yet keeps them consistently working throughout the process.

It motivates people through times of procrastination, yet offers space for the user to makes changes as needed.

If you're not much of a “planner” person, check out our roundup of free study plan templates you can download for free.

And if you're looking for more articles on being productive, be sure to check out these blog posts:

• 14 Bad Habits that Kill Your Productivity & Time Management Efforts
• 25 Work and Life Hacks for Maximizing Your Productivity
• 27 Best Productivity & Time Management Books

Finally, if you want a PROVEN method to mastering your next test, then take this short masterclass on how to study for exams and getting excellent grades .

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

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Our Favorite Paper Planners for Organizing Your Life

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Buying a new planner gives me an endorphin rush like no other, whether it’s for a new school semester, work year, or a much-needed fresh start. A good one should help you stay on track without overwhelming you. Some folks on WIRED's Gear team prefer paper planners over digital tools . Plus, writing things down has the added benefit of improving retention .

There's no such thing as the best paper planner, but the WIRED staff has tried and tested all kinds of paper planners to bring you the best recommendations for your planner needs. Once you find something that works for you, read our guides on work-from-home gear , the best digital notebooks , and the best laptop backpacks for more.

Updated August 2024: We've added Plum Planner as our new pick for parents, added a few more planners to Honorable Mentions, and updated links and details to reflect planners for the new 2024–2025 school year.

• The Best Weekly Planner: Happy Planner
• Runner-Up Weekly Planner: Erin Condren Coiled Weekly LifePlanner
• Great for Students: Class Tracker
• Great for Business Owners: My PA Planner
• More Weekly Planners
• Best Daily Planner: Day Designer Daily Planner
• Runner-Up Daily Planner: Skinny Confidential Hot Minute Planner
• Great for Kids: Bright Day Kids Daily Checklist
• Great for Parents: Plum Planner A5
• More Daily Planners
• A Dotted Notebook: Muji
• A Lined Notebook: Midori MD
• If You Can Find It: Miquelrius
• Honorable Mentions
• Alternative: Index Cards
• If You Can't Give Up Digital: Notion Digital Planner
• Accessories for Your Planner

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Weekly Planners

Weekly planners are some of the most popular types of paper planners. They're great for students, professionals, and parents who need to plan each day but also see the entire week.

Photograph: Nena Farrell

No matter how many perfectly adorable planners I try and love, I've been repurchasing Happy Planners since 2017—though I've switched from a vertical layout to a large dashboard (there is also a horizontal style ). These planners have room for organizing work and to-do lists with enough extras for other planning and notes without feeling overwhelmed. The divider pages are cute and sometimes include phrases and quotes, but they aren't unbearably corny (usually).

The Happy Planner is almost infinitely customizable. Stock and themes fluctuate throughout the year, but in addition to the layouts already mentioned, you can choose between Classic , Skinny Classic , Mini , or Big sizes, and dated or undated pages. There are daily planners, ones tailored to teachers and students , among many others. You can get extension packs to add a few more months or to keep track of things like your budget and fitness goals. If you need it, the Happy Planner probably has it.

Photograph: Amazon

If the Happy Planner isn't for you, you might lean more toward the Erin Condren LifePlanner (ECLP for short). WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe says it's the Rolex of paper planners. It's one of the most popular for weekly-spread enthusiasts, with gorgeous layouts and room for notes or doodles. It's customizable and there are extra touches, like a storage pocket and snap-in ruler. Together, these features aren’t cheap (or lightweight), but Strampe has used an ECLP for the past three years, and it’s her favorite system of them all (and makes a great gift).

Once you find the size and cover you like, finish designing it with your desired layout—hourly, horizontal, or our favorite, vertical—choose a coil color and internal color scheme, and add your name or quote to the cover. The minimal Focused Planner can't be personalized as much, but you can add a monogram and choose the coil. A cheaper version is available from Target, but you lose the customization options.

Photograph: Class Tracker

I still have nightmares of being in school and having no idea what or when my next class is. If that's you, Class Tracker's first three pages are designated for outlining your semester schedule from Monday to Sunday, 6 am to midnight.

Like most planners, there are monthly calendars, but the weekly pages shine. Each day gets a section for things to remember, tests, papers, or projects due that day, and larger spots for assignments and a daily plan. There's a Self-Care Corner for non-school things you should focus on and a countdown box for something you're looking forward to. The only thing I want is tabs to easily sift through months. The planner pictured here is the college version, but there are middle school and high school options.

Photograph: My PA Planner

This planner is hefty, but it's full of pages for business owners to organize their thoughts and plans along with their weekly tasks (the PA stands for personal assistant). The first section is for filling out your mission and goals, marketing plans, and finances. Each month, you get spaces for goals, projects, and a social media content planner for the next 30 or so days. Then there are weekly overviews like the other planners here, broken down by hours with spots for that day's goals, and weekly notes and expenses.

There are also little illustrations for tracking water intake and minutes of meditation and exercise. At the end of each week, a weekly review section gives you space for achievements or misses, sales, and subscribers, plus a brainstorming space for the following week.

There are a lot of quirky planners, but Ban.do might be my favorite. It's the cool aunt of the planner world. The art and included stickers are incredible—cowboy boots and opossums? Yes, please. Plus the calendars list important dates like Dolly Parton's birthday (January 19). The weekly layout has enough room for daily planning, and you'll get fun extras like note pages and a paper fortune teller template. Ban.do recently dropped updated 17-month academic planners starting in August 2024 through all of 2025, and new 12-month planners ($28) are available for 2025. In both versions you'll find meal planner and notes pages for each month, and a fun overview section for the year at the front of the planner. There are also undated ($25) versions if you want full date flexibility.

Former WIRED senior writer Maryn McKenna prefers the Moleskine Pro Weekly Vertical, which is a notebook planner hybrid. The left page has blank lines, and the right is divided into sections for projects, status, and a classic to-do list. Weekly pages break down days by the hour, and blank check box pages let you plan elaborate arrangements of daily and category to-dos. McKenna says she feels like she has accomplished something before she even starts ticking off tasks.

Photograph: Blue Sky

Several members of our team like Blue Sky. Its affordable planners give you space to jot down tasks without cluttering up the page. They're also a good size—much easier to tote around than some on this list. As with the Happy Planner, you can find different layouts, sizes, and formats to suit you, and there's a collaboration with Day Designer, another favorite of ours. One thing I like about this collab with One Tree Planted is that the planner is sustainably made and recyclable. The cover is durable and has a nice texture to it, plus there's no plastic coating (not even on the month tabs!).

Photograph: Brass Monkey

Brass Monkey makes fun tchotchkes like games and office goods, and its planners are as snarky as the rest of its lineup. Each week includes dates, so you have to fill in the year and check off which day of the week it is. I like that better than having to fill out everything myself. It offers fun facts like two pop culture birthdays and an “on this day” note, and it keeps you on top of what national day you should be celebrating—like how October 8 is National Pierogi Day. You'll either like or dislike how compact the pages are, and while the text and lines could stand to be darker, the fun and quirky extras make up for it.

Daily Planners

If your schedule is particularly busy and you need to plan each day rather than weeks as a whole, daily planners might be a better fit. They often give each day its own page, organized by hours.

Photograph: Day Designer

If you need a detailed checklist for each day, get the Day Designer. Each page is divided into a schedule from 5 am to 9 pm to outline meetings or appointments and a to-do list, making it easier to keep track of assignments and other tasks. The top of each day page has a box for planning dinner and keeping track of bills due that day, plus your top three tasks of the day. There's a notes area at the bottom too.

It's big—something I prefer in a planner so I never have to cram stuff in the corners—so you might not want to lug it around, but if you can keep it at your desk, you'll benefit from its organization. Also, it arrives in a nice box, making the entire thing feel like a fancy little ritual.

Photograph: The Skinny Confidential

I tried to switch to daily checklists to keep myself more organized. Ultimately, my brain needed a weekly overview. If I wanted to plan each day though, I'd use the undated Hot Minute Planner. It's pink and cheeky, with hearts instead of dots for the to-do list, which makes me feel like Cher Horowitz from Clueless . There are spots for your skin-care routine, intentions, workouts, books, music, and weekly goals. Its cover also just speaks to me. Sometimes you just need a minute. Like the Brass Monkey planner, the pink could be a little darker. If the room isn't bright, you have to squint. It's currently sold out, but you can sign up to get an email when it's back in stock.

Even second-graders need (or want) to remember things! WIRED reviewer Adrienne So wanted something cheap for her kids and didn't just want a notebook they'd fill with drawings. This Daily Checklist fits the bill. There are included to-dos like brushing teeth and making the bed, with extra lines for items to be written in. There are a few other prompts for them too. It’s sturdy and has held up under aggressively rough treatment in her kids' backpacks.

As a parent, there are a lot of schedules and people you’re trying to keep track of. Plum Paper’s Customizable Planners have a few different layouts to choose from, but the Vertical Priorities layout is particularly great for parents. Vertical Priorities lets you customize two priority sections at the top of each day of the week, so WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell made one of her sections for her son to track things like his appointments, play dates, and which days she was on daycare drop-off. You could have one section labeled for all your kids, or one section for each kid if you have two. Plum Paper also has a few parenting-themed add-ons, like baby tracking pages for $6 to track different milestones and memories, though they're designed for that first year rather than for toddlers and older kids. There are sticker sets ($5) you can add on too, and I liked making custom stickers that said things like “Play Date” and “Appointment." Plus, you’re able to start the planner at whatever month you want—perfect for scatterbrained parents who might not remember to order one in time for the new year.

Several WIRED staffers recommend the Hobonichi Techo (Japanese for “planner”). WIRED reviewer Adrienne So says it's the perfect size—small enough to fit in a bag and hold information but also able to lie flat on a desk. There is a monthly overview and then a page for each day, along with a quote that manages to be thought-provoking without being too trite. The cover is a distinctive black, stamped with gold foil and it comes with a wide variety of cute accessories .

Photograph: Papier

Papier has incredible cover design options to match nearly any style or mood. For layouts, I like the undated Daily Productivity planner best. Each week has a box per day, lines for notes, areas for three priorities, a long to-do list, and a habit tracker. Plus, there's a meal planner and shopping list for every week. There are also a few pages dedicated to outlining each day's schedule. I didn't need these pages as much during my usual week, but people with rotating weekly schedules might appreciate it.

I don't like the layout of Papier's yearly planners which feature all the month calendars first, then an overview for each month with goals and to-do lists, and then the weeks. This kind of scramble doesn't work for my brain. But Papier is the only brand I found that lets you scroll through every single page before you buy. I'm so specific about what I like and need, this should be standard.

Not everyone needs or wants a rigid planner. If you just need daily to-do lists or are a fan of bullet journals, consider getting a great notebook instead.

Photograph: Muji

“Planners should transform according to the shape of your life,” former WIRED reviewer Pia Ceres says. For her, that means using a dotted notebook. This single notebook can be used for class schedules, daily planners, to-do lists, and angsty diaries. She says dots are the perfect medium between the limitations of lines and the void of blank paper. It's just structured enough to let you draw the calendars and lists you need—then remake them when life inevitably upends itself again. Muji's notebook has a durable cover to withstand book bags and coffee spills. If you have a Muji store near you, you may be able to find one for cheaper.

Former WIRED reviewer Jaina Grey opts for a plain lined notebook. After trying dozens, her favorite is the Midori MD Notebook with paper made from cotton pulp (just like money!). Grey says there's just something meditative about turning over a blank page at the beginning of each week and carefully jotting down her schedule, plans, and workload. No missed days to make you feel guilty. Midori’s notebooks are designed to fit inside notebook or journal covers (which you can find all over Etsy). The pages are a subtle off-white and have a weight and texture that draws you in. The soft cotton paper makes drawing, sketching, and plain old writing an absolute joy.

Photograph: Miquelrius Notebooks

Miquelrius notebooks are my all-time favorite. The paper feels like velvet. I want to make bedsheets out of it and sleep between them all day. Writing on it is smooth and satisfying. These notebooks are also divided using different color strips down the edge if you want to break up each color by use (be it classes, projects, or kid schedules). They used to be available in stores like Target in tons of different sizes, but they've become harder to find. However, Miquelriusshop.com is usually reliable ( Miquelrius.com , on the other hand, doesn't have anything for sale). Amazon typically has a few options too, though sometimes only available through third-party sellers at a higher price. If you can find them, they're the best I've ever used.

• Laurel Denise Horizontal Weekly Edition for $59 : I've never seen a planner designed like this. It's wider than a traditional planner, and the left side is for laying out the month—it's undated—while the right has a spot for the month's to-dos and a dotted area for whatever else. In the middle are five half-pages for organizing each specific week. You turn the week page and still get to see everything else you already wrote for the month.
• Levenger Circa smartPlanner Weekly Agenda for $59 : This is another solid weekly planner with little frills. If you just need lines and days, this is your match. The brand also sells a leather folio for the planner, which looks very professional but is pricey.
• Artful Agenda for $40 (per year) : If you wish you could add stickers to your Google Calendar, this is the tool for you. This isn't a paper planner, but it turns your digital calendars into the paper planner experience. There are both monthly and weekly views, plus an area for lists, and tons of stickers you can add. Some stickers you need to buy on top of the annual membership, but lots are included, and the included stickers have a ton of variety.
• Happy Planner Undated Wedding Planner for $35 : This undated 12-month planner reminds me of other wedding planners I've tried, but the Happy Planner style rings make it a little more compact than the classic binder. It also has a nice combination of writing and planning space, along with various guidance, checklists, and organized tabs.
• Blue Sky Monthly Planner for $13 : This is the only monthly planner we tried, though many of our favorite brands have monthly versions. They work for folks who want a broad overview of tracking tasks or appointments. Blue Sky's planners are affordable and unburdened by extra junk—we recommend a weekly version above. Each day of the month has a few lines for jotting down multiple bullet points, and there’s a notes section for anything that would require more writing room. The yearly overview lets you track from an eagle-eyed perspective.

Photograph: Getty Images

WIRED reviewer Scott Gilbertson says he doesn't use a planner, but each day he writes down the handful of things he's going to do on a single 3-by-5 index card. The index card with this to-do list lives in his pocket, along with a small notebook in which he jots down notes throughout the day—often the source of the following day's to-do list. The notebook and index cards fit inside this very cool waxed canvas notebook cover . Gilbertson says he copied this system from one of the most successful people he has known, and after nearly 20 years, it's still better for him than any other system he's tried. It's cheap, lightweight, and easy to manage.

Photograph: Notion

If you're reading this guide, you probably are a pen-and-paper person, but sometimes going digital is more convenient. A good digital planner can complement your analog one instead of replacing it. Notion is a multipurpose productivity tool with tons of powerful and customizable features. WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe uses it as an endless to-do list, with tasks separated into categories like Work and Long-Term Goals, but it can be used as a team database, a budget spreadsheet, a habit tracker, and more. There are tons of templates to choose from, including planners that range from monthly at-a-glance views to granular hour-by-hour days. It even syncs across devices. The best part? It's free.

Maybe all you need is paper and a good pen and you're good to go. But we like to get creative. Stickers are a popular accessory, and they're a delightful slippery slope. Once you make your first “ spread ” (a collection of themed stickers on a planner page, similar to a scrapbook), you will never go back. Etsy is the central hub of planner stickers. You can order printed stickers or buy digital files and print and cut them yourself. You can also opt for a full kit (an entire spread’s worth of stickers) or just the individual components you like the most.

Make sure your purchase will fit the layout of the planner you have. Many planning enthusiasts swear by PipSticks ; WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe likes the shops SimplyWatercolorCo and CricketPaperCo , but there are hundreds of shops. You can also get sticker books at craft stores, but the variety pack usually lands you with some stinkers, and the cost can add up.

• Washi Tape (various prices) : This cheap accessory levels up your planner without much effort, and there are colors and prints available. You might find some at the dollar section of Target too (the arts and crafts playground).
• Aiex Monthly Calendar Tabs ($6) : Turn anything into a planner with these tabs.
• Pens: Get creative with your pens and colors. Pens are personal, so you may want to go play with a few at a craft store that has a testing station. But some of our favorites are the Sakura Pigma Micron Fineliner ($12) , Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens ($12) , and the Sakura Gelly Roll Glaze Pen ($17) .
• Markers: Fine-tip markers make great pen alternatives to add some pizzazz. We like the Tombow Fudenosuke Hard Tip Brush Pen ($4) , Tombow TwinTone ($15) , and iBayam Fineliner ($9) .

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10 Best College Planners For Every Type of Student

Whether you are a type-A planner or just trying to get yourself organized, these are the best planners for college for whatever type of student you are! Get ready to change your life with these planners.

Note: There are affiliate links included in this article. Check out my  disclosure policy  for any questions.

Let me tell you something about myself: I’m obsessed with planners and journals and writing lists. If you’re anything like me, your life is documented in all these books. So, when it comes to college, I knew I needed to write an article about the best planners for college students.

Whether you are big on tracking everything in your life or just want something basic, I am covering it all! These are my top 10 picks for the best planners for college!

This post is all about the best planners for college!

what should be in a college planner?

A college planner is whatever YOU want it to be. Looking for something to track your homework and assignments? Maybe you want something to plan your meals? Or somewhere to write down your mood and habits?

A planner can literally track whatever you want or need, you just have to find the right one! (that’s where I come in)

what is the best daily planner app?

If you aren’t big on paper planners, there are a million digital options as well. My favorite digital scheduling app is Google Calendar , which has all the best features to organize a schedule and keep track of assignments. Check out this article for my best tips to organize your google calendar .

Another digital option is Google Keep , which is a more list-based app. I used this in the beginning of high school when I didn’t want a paper planner. This app was absolutely amazing and kept me so organized and color coded!

If neither of these options are something you like, there are hundreds of other apps and platforms you can use.

things to consider when choosing a planner

1. what kind of layout do you want.

There are so many different types of layouts in a planner depending on what it is tracking. Some have weekly spreads, others have monthly spreads. Some have vertical spreads, others are horizontal. Research different planners and figure out what you like the best.

2. How much do you want to track and write?

Before buying a planner, you need to decide what you want to track and how often you want to track it. If you are using a planner for your daily schedule, do you want to plan by the hour, block of time, or day? Do you like a monthly calendar or weekly?

3. How big do you want it to be?

The final thing you want to consider when choosing the best planners for college is its size. Try to determine where you are going to carry this planner and go from there.

If this is something that will always be in your bag, go for something smaller and lightweight so it doesn’t become annoying to carry. On the other hand, if you are just using it for school assignments, it can be a larger size (around the size of a piece of paper) because you are only carrying it with other larger books.

planner accessories

You can’t have the perfect planner without all of the perfect accessories! You can go all out on the accessories or just buy the basics. Above all, I would just recommend multi colored pens and highlighters. If you want even more than the essentials, check out these amazing college planner accessories:

• page markers
• highlighters

Digital planners for college

If you are looking for an iPad planner for college, I’ve got the perfect option for you.

I designed an ultimate iPad college planner specifically for a college student lifestyle. This covers absolutely everything you will need to organize in college, without all those random pages you never actually use in your planner.

Best planners for college

Now that we got all the background info out of the way, onto the actual planners. Here are my top 10 picks for the best planners for college!

1. Overall winner – My Daily Planner by Papier

Quick Facts

Size: 6″ x 8.5″

Color/Pattern: 250+ designs

Dating: July-July OR undated

Page Types: weekly overview, daily schedule, daily to do’s, goal tracking

For this design: link

For all designs: link

Of all the planners out there, the My Daily Planner by Papier is by far the best one I’ve found for a general life planner. This planner has a little bit of everything, so it is perfect for whatever things you want to track and organize in your life.

There are two things I love about this one that makes it one of the best planners for college. The first is the weekly overview section. This had 3 pages each week that you can outline your schedule, appointments, meal plan, grocery list, habits, to-do’s, and more. Imagine how organized you can be using all these features!

My second favorite thing is the daily schedule page. This planner is super versatile because the daily spread can be altered depending on your life. The spread includes a spot for your schedule, to-do list, and notes.

It also has a section for planning and tracking your goals.

Overall, this planner is perfect for whatever type of life you are living!

2. For the student – College Edition Student Planner by Class Tracker

Size: 7″ x 8.5″

Color/Pattern: 4 colors

Dating: August-June OR undated

Page Types: school schedule, goals, weekly vertical spread (divided into sections), monthly spread

Dated: link

Undated: link

While that first planner was the overall winner, this one, in my opinion, is the best for students in specific. The College Edition Ultimate Student Planner by Class Tracker includes a basic monthly spread and a vertical weekly spread. Plus, it also has a space to add your class schedule and track your goals.

My favorite thing about this planner is how the weekly spread is arranged and divided. Instead of just giving a bunch of space each day, this planner divides it into categories. For each day, there is a spot for reminders, exams, assignments, and a daily plan. That makes it a million times easier to keep track of all of your classes and tasks to do!

Overall, this planner is perfect for someone looking for a planner specifically for school.

3. For the no-fuss girl – 2021-2022 Academic Planner

Size: 8.45″ x 6.45″

Color/Pattern: 3 colors

Dating: July-June

Page Types: weekly spread, monthly spread

For all colors: link

This planner is exactly what it sounds like: a no fuss, straight to the point planner. If you are not the person looking for habit trackers and goal planning and meal prepping, this is the planner for you.

All it’s got is a basic monthly spread and a horizontal weekly spread. For some people, this is too basic and boring. For others, it’s just enough.

While all the fun features may seem cool, sometimes all you want is the basics.

I bought this planner four years in a row for all of high school and it worked perfectly to track all of my assignments and exams. I had to make a few adjustments once I had it to better stay organized , but other than that, it was amazing!

4. For the tracker – By Sophia Lee College Planner

Color/Pattern: 1 design

Page Types: weekly overview, daily spread, budget organizer, goals, class schedule, course planning

This planner is very different than the others, but such an amazing option. I labeled it “for the tracker,” in that this planner will literally track everything for you at once. Meal plan, check! Budget, check! Assignments, check!

The By Sophia Lee Planner is specifically for college students, so it has all the best college features. Plus, it was made by a recent college grad, so she knew everything that should be included.

For the week, this planner has a weekly overview section for you to include things like a meal plan and grocery list, appointments, priorities, due dates, and habit tracking.

As far as each day, there is a spot for a daily schedule (by the hour), to-do list, and notes.

For the month, there are both monthly budget and goal trackers that can keep every aspect of your life on track!

As an added bonus, this planner also has a spot to plan your courses for your coming college years, as well as add your schedule for the current year.

I wasn’t lying when I said this planner has everything!

5. For the customizer – The Student Planner by Purple Trail

Size: 6″ x 8″ OR 8.5″ x 11″

Color/Pattern: 100+ designs

Dating: customizable

Page Types: weekly spread options, monthly spread, optional add ons

If you are looking to basically make your own planner, this is the one for you. When you go through the customization process, the first thing you pick is the cover design, material and layout colors.

One of the coolest customization options is the ability to choose which weekly spread you like best. One is a five-day schedule and the other is seven days.

This planner is perfect for tracking assignments for a bunch of classes. Regardless of which weekly spread you choose, both are divided into multiple sections, which could be assigned to your different classes.

Of all the best planners for college students on this list, this one is by far the most versatile for any type of person and student.

6. The Erin Condren Academic Planner

Size: 7″ x 9”

Color/Pattern: 50+ designs

Dating: Sep-Aug OR Jan-Dec

Page Types: weekly horizontal spread, class schedule, monthly spread, yearly spread, projects/exam planning,

7. You Are A Badass Planner

Size: 7.5″ x 9″

Dating: 17 months

Page Types: habit tracker, weekly vertical spread (divided into sections), monthly spread

8. GoGirl Planner

Size: 7″ x 10″

Dating: undated

Page Types: weekly spread, monthly spread, dreams, goals, budget organizer

9. The Live Whale Planner

Size: 8.3″ x 5.5″

Color/Pattern: 5 colors

Page Types: monthly spread, weekly spread, budget, vision board

10. Passion Planner

Size: 3 sizes

Color/Pattern: 4 designs

Dating: Aug-July

Page Types: passion roadmap, monthly spread, weekly spread, monthly reflection, blank pages

Now that you know all the best planners for college, learn how to organize everything within your new planner with this article!

This post was all about the best planners for college!

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Hey there! My name is Bri and I am a college lifestyle blogger! I love organization, productivity, cooking, baking, reading, and photography. Throughout my blog, you will find a little bit of all these passions! My goal is to help high schoolers, college students, and young adults, whether it be by creating a functioning living space or learning how to cook healthy meals.

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16 Best Academic Planners for Students in 2023 (Paper and Online Options!)

Help them plan for success all year long.

One of the most important life skills we can teach kids is how to plan ahead and manage time well. Introducing them to academic planners at an early age can help them stay focused throughout their school years. This mix of paper planners and online apps offers lots of great options for kids, teens, and even college students.

(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)

Paper Academic Planners for Students

Online planners for students.

Paper student planners are easy to use and offer kids a chance to add stickers, doodle, and otherwise personalize this important tool. Try these picks for elementary school through high school.

Global Datebooks Elementary Student Planner

This is the perfect pick for elementary kids, with space for planning each day subject-by-subject. The big perk is the section on how to use a planner effectively, which teaches kids to set goals and manage their time. They’ll also appreciate the helpful resource pages at the end.

Buy it: Global Datebooks Elementary Student Planner at Amazon

Bright Day Dino Train Daily To-Dos Planner

Student planners can help kids stay on track in all parts of their lives, including chores and daily tasks. This cute design includes some standard daily to-dos on every page, like brushing your teeth and making your bed. There’s also room for kids to add their own to-do items, plus make notes about what they’re grateful for and what they achieved that day. We love this one for encouraging a growth mindset in little ones.

Buy it: Bright Day Dino Train Daily To-Dos Planner at Amazon

National Geographic Weird-But-True Daily Planner

Academic planners only work if kids use them. The cool thing about this one is the chance to learn new and unique facts every single day. This will keep students coming back so they don’t miss the important reminders and other notes. One caveat: This planner has months and days, but not specific yearly dates. That means you can use it for any year but will need to make sure kids are marking the correct days of the week as they go.

Buy it: National Geographic Weird-But-True Daily Planner at Amazon

School Mate Middle School Planner

Middle school is a unique time, and this planner is a nice fit for this interesting age. It helps kids plan for each subject on a daily basis, along with monthly calendar pages in bright, engaging colors. There’s a nice selection of reference pages at the end, with fascinating STEAM-related facts scattered throughout the whole thing.

Buy it: School Mate Middle School Planner at Amazon

Five Star Student Planner + Study App

If you want the best of both worlds, check out this planner/app combo. The paper planner is perfect for middle or high school students, with room to plan out each day by class period. Then, students scan items into the Study App using the handwriting recognition feature, so they’ll have reminders on-the-go even if they leave their paper planner at home.

Buy it: Five Star Student Planner + Study App at Amazon

8-Period Student Planner

Cute and colorful academic student planners are a lot of fun, but sometimes it’s better to minimize distractions. This simple setup includes useful features like an assignment tracker, long-term study planner, at-a-glance pages, and more.

Buy it: 8-Period Student Planner at Amazon

Day Designer

Super-busy students will appreciate the ability to plan out each day down to the hour, so they’ll never miss a practice, club meeting, or family game night. Day Designer offers a huge array of cover designs, including the ability to customize your own. This would make a great personalized back-to-school gift for a high schooler or college freshman.

Buy it: Day Designer at Amazon

Youthamazing Student Planner

This well-designed planner includes weekly and monthly layouts, space for goal-setting, and even room for parents and teachers to add notes. Reference pages include the periodic table, parts of speech, measurement tables, and more. Plus, kids will love the stickers they can add throughout the year to mark special achievements.

Buy it: Youthamazing Student Planner at Amazon

Living My Best Life Academic Planner

Sports-loving kids will like this planner, which includes all the standard calendar and organizer pages inside. It’s got room for goals, projects, activities, important dates, and even grade records.

Buy it: Living My Best Life Academic Planner at Amazon

Academic Weekly & Monthly Planner

When you just need something basic to keep students organized, this bargain choice fits the bill. It’s got pages for just about everything, with nothing extra to distract or waste space in an already-full backpack.

Buy it: Academic Weekly & Monthly Planner at Amazon

Middle and high schoolers do just about everything online today, so using a digital planner tool just makes sense. Here are some of the best free and paid online planners for students to try.

MyStudyLife

This popular online planner is available on any device, via apps or a website. Customize your calendar to match your own schedule, add items to a to-do list, and get reminders when you need them. This free planner has a lot to offer students, without distracting bells and whistles they don’t really need. (iOS, Android, web; free)

Learn more: MyStudyLife

This app’s free (ad-supported) version is pretty robust, with all the basic planning tools most students need. For a very minimal yearly fee, you can remove ads and receive access to premium features like the ability to share your schedule with others. (iOS, Android, Kindle, web; free, premium $4.99/year)

Learn more: myHomework

Today/Studyo

Parents and kids looking for a free online planner will find the Today app very useful. It interfaces with Google Classroom and Google Calendar to automatically add assignments and activities. Parents and teachers can also access the planner to help kids stay on track. Schools who want to offer these benefits to all of their students, along with tools like analytics and insights, should explore Studyo, which works with all major LMS programs. (Web, iOS, or Android; Today app is free, Studyo is priced per student)

Learn more: Today/Studyo

ClickUp makes planning tools for a variety of audiences, and the free version of their app is ideal for students. The robust suite of features includes collaboration options so kids can coordinate group projects and other joint activities. You can upgrade to paid options (education discounts are available), but most students will find everything they need in the free version. (iOS, Android, web; free, with paid options available)

Learn more: ClickUp

This is the kind of planning app that works as well for adults as it does for teens. That makes it a nice fit for high school and college students, who can keep using it as they transition to adult working life. The free version will suit most students just fine, but if you need to upgrade, you can do it for a small monthly fee. (iOS, Android, web; free, with paid upgrades)

Learn more: Todoist

While it’s not a full-fledged planner, Calendly is a good solution for situations where students and teachers need to schedule meeting times on a regular basis. It’s great for college students, or high schoolers working on group projects or coordinating clubs and activities. Try the free Basic version to see what you think, and consider upgrading if it works well for you. (iOS, Android, web; free, with paid options)

Learn more: Calendly for Education

Now that you’ve got your students squared away, check out the Best Teacher Planners, as Recommended by Educators .

Plus, get all the latest teaching and learning ideas, straight to your inbox, when you sign up for our free newsletters .

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Best Planners for College Students

We will help you find the best planner for college students to get you organized both at school and after school.

The best academic planner for one student is not necessarily the best for another. Everyone prefers to get organized using a different method, so what works for one person might not work for another. For that reason, I have presented 7 student planners that I think are great and you can choose the one that works best for you!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you purchase anything I earn a commission on your purchase but it doesn’t cost you anything. 

Best all-around student planner

Best for those who want an all-purpose planner

I must say that I love the cover. I love both the design and the colors.

• This planner is for the period from Jan 2021 to Dec 2021.
• This is a monthly and weekly planner that is not specifically an academic planner but will most probably provide a solution for most of your needs. It has spacious monthly and weekly spreads with a lot of writing space. It’s perfect for those who have large handwriting.
• The pages are relatively thick so you can use markers and colors without worrying about feathering and ghosting.
• There are 12 tabs, one per month, to help you find each month without having to page through the planner.
• There are 15 note pages.
• A section for important dates.
• Calendar and holiday list.
• Addresses and numbers.
• A vision board to motivate and inspire you.
• There are review sections, goal-setting pages, and more.

The planner comes in a gift box, which makes it the perfect gift.

A bookmark and Interior pockets for notes and loose-leaf papers.

The size is 8″ x 10″

Best for those who want flexibility and creativity

Happy Planner

By: Me & My Big Ideas

If you have spent more than a few minutes on this site, you will probably have noticed that I love Happy Planner s. I love the flexibility and the option to add or remove pages easily. This planner is actually made for teachers but there are very few teacher-specific pages and even those can be used for students as well as teachers (such as the grade sheet). The planner is deskbound, so if you have an HP punch , then adding a page is a breeze. You can customize your planner to suit your needs. If you don’t like a page, you simply remove it. You can also add student planner pages from this site. See planner sizes to check how to resize printables to fit your Happy Planner. The cover reads “The influence of a good teacher can never be erased” which is true for both teachers and students. We do offer free printable custom Happy Planner covers in our Happy Planner printables section so you can make a new cover and other fun printables for your HP (Happy Planner). The planner is undated which I love. It is more flexible than a dated calendar. There is a grade section at the back, which is good to keep track of your grades. The box kit comes with additional items that make planning fun and creative. It will depend on the box that you get, but for example, the Teacher’s Influence Teacher Planner Box Kit includes:

• A big-sized undated planner
• 2 rolls of washi tape
• 3 punch cards
• 3 sticker sheets

Best for Time Management

This is the best student planner if you need help with time management, then this one is for you. It is dated and can be used for one year only. It focuses on time management and helps you use your time well.

• From Jan 2021- Dec 2021
• 12 months of monthly and weekly planner pages. Each monthly spread contains an overview of the month and a notes section. Weekly spreads include space to write your daily schedule, appointments, and notes.
• Monthly tabs to access months (although it seems that some versions don’t have tabs so if this feature is important to you make sure the product you purchase includes tabs)
• Yearly Overview
• List of holidays
• 21 note Pages
• Contact list pages
• States, Capitals & Time Zones
• 7 colors are available (black, blue, green, grey, orange, purple, and pink).
• An inner pocket that can hold up to 10 pages

The size is 6.25″ x 8.3″.

Best for Students with Executive Function challenges (including ADHD)

By Marilyn Gannon

The Bulletproof Planner was designed for students with Executive Function challenges, including ADHD. The planner not only helps students complete tasks and assignments but also provides tools to help organizational skills. The author has provided tools that help students manage tasks and due dates, eliminate procrastination and improve self-image and motivation .

The planner is designed to help people with executive function challenges reach their full potential despite the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis. The author gives an example of a Ferrari with a flat tire. The potential is there, but you need to fix the flat tire for the car to reach its full potential. I love the concept since I believe everyone should utilize the tools available to reach their full potential.

• Monthly calendar pages to help plan long-term assignments
• Daily homework pages. The planner provides you with a 7-step process to get your homework done

The planner is for middle-school and high-school students, but it can be used in college if you only want to track homework and assignments.

The size is US letter (8.5″ x 11″)

Best for Those who want a Pretty and Inexpensive Student Planner

• From January 2021 to December 2021
• Weekly & monthly planner covers 12 months. Each month has a full monthly view page with daily blocks and a monthly calendar for the next and previous month. There is a note section to take notes or write your priorities and goals. There are also weekly views for daily planning.
• Quick reference information
• A yearly Overview of major holidays
• Contacts pages
• Monthly quotes for inspiration
• Monthly tabs
• An inner pocket for storage

Best for Focus and Productivity

If you need your planner to help you focus and boost your productivity , then this is the one for you.

Undated Smart Academic Planner

By the Smart Planner

This planner is good for middle school, high school, or college students. It is undated which gives a lot more flexibility in my opinion. It comes in 7 different colors!

• The day planner includes a daily hourly class schedule from 8 AM to 9 PM (4 pages of class schedules)
• Project, papers, and exam planning (13 pages)
• Monthly goal tracker
• Grade trackers (14 pages) (it has a section to write what your goal was, your final grade, and the difference). I love that idea to help you reach your goals and keep you accountable.
• The weekly review calendar will help you review, reflect, and become more efficient. Each week you are asked what your biggest win was and what you should improve.
• Daily gratitude section to keep you positive. Every day there is a line to write what you are grateful for.
• Every monthly calendar has a motivational quote to inspire you.
• Log in info pages
• 7 colors are available (black, green, light blue, orange, pink, purple, and red).
• 3 silk bookmarks
• An elastic strap closure and a pen holder
• An expandable inner back pocket

The size is A5 (8.6″x5.7″).

Best for those on a budget or those who want a digital planner

Free Digital or Printable College Student Planner

By 101Planners.com

This is a comprehensive student planner that includes everything you will need to plan your academic year. Full disclosure: this is our college student planner so we are not objective, but still think it is the best student planner and it’s free! There are two versions: a digital planner or a printable planner (insert the printable pages into a binder or an old planner). If you are missing anything, you can add it. On the other hand, if there are pages that you don’t need you don’t have to print them. The digital version has 120 pages and the printable version has 20 pages and you decide how many copies of each you print.

Each page has many different layouts so if you don’t like the college packing list , for example, you can go to the college packing list page and select another version. Then, when you print, you simply insert a different page into that section. If you are using the digital planner, then there is less flexibility. You can also decide not to print that page if you don’t need it.

Dimensions: 8.5″ x 11″

The planner includes class info, class schedule, and course and credit tracker.

The textbook tracker will track textbooks ordered, bought, arrived, etc.

This is a room cleaning schedule to make cleaning easier and more effective.

There is a two-paged college list in the planner to help you pack. See the college packing list for more formats you can download.

There is a section for each month with a daily planner , weekly planner , monthly planner , study tracker, assignment tracker, homework tracker , project planner, essay planner, and a to-do list .

There is also a section for notes, sketches, and a to-do list.

The advantage of a DIY planner is that you can totally customize each section to meet your specific needs. There are sections on the site that you might want to add to your planner. A daily planner , weekly planner , monthly planner , homework tracker (there is one in the planner but this section has more options), goal planner and goal tracker , gratitude list or gratitude journal , password log , and a to-do list .

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Top 10 Best Student Planners for 2024 to Help You Stay Organized

Hey there, student superstars! We all know that juggling classes, assignments, and extracurricular activities can be a real challenge. That’s where a trusty student planner comes in. It’s your go-to tool for staying on top of your schedule, time management , and keeping everything organized.

As we dive into 2024, having a reliable and efficient student planner is more important than ever. With new tech and evolving academic demands, a student planner that meets your needs is a game-changer.

Key Features to Look for in a Student Planner

When you’re hunting for the perfect student planner in 2024, here’s what you should keep an eye out for:

• Customizable Layouts: Everyone’s schedule is different, so a planner that lets you tweak the layout to fit your life is a must.
• Goal-Setting Sections: Whether it’s acing that exam or joining a new club, dedicated spaces for your goals help keep you motivated.
• Space for Extracurricular Activities: Life isn’t all about classes. Make sure there’s room for your hobbies, sports, and social events.

Top Student Planners for 2024 (Dated and Undated)

Ready to find your perfect planner match ? Here are our top ten picks for the best student planners available in 2024, based on design, functionality, and rave reviews:

1. Class Tracker Ultimate Student Planner - College Edition

Features : Weekly and monthly layouts, goal-setting pages, and academic tracking. Benefits : Specifically designed for college students with sections for assignments, exams, and extracurriculars. It’s your all-in-one academic sidekick and the best planner for college students.  Learn more .

2. Passion Planner Academic Weekly

Features : Hourly scheduling, weekly reflections, and a roadmap for personal and academic goals. Benefits : Balances planning with mindfulness, helping you stay on track and stress-free.

3. Erin Condren Academic Planner

Features : Customizable covers, goal-setting sections, and plenty of space for notes. Benefits: High-quality design and vibrant, customizable options to suit your style. A great planner for students looking for both functionality and flair.

4. The Happy Planner Student Edition

Features: Disc-bound system, inspirational quotes, and flexible layout options. Benefits: Super customizable with the ability to add or remove pages as needed. Perfect for a homeschool student planner or any student looking for flexibility.

5. Blue Sky Academic Year Planner

Features:   Monthly and weekly views, dedicated project planning pages, and durable covers. Benefits:   Affordable and functional with a straightforward design that gets the job done.

6. Lilly Pulitzer Agenda

Features:   Colorful designs, stickers for customization, and ample space for daily planning. Benefits:   Adds a touch of style and fun to your daily planning with vibrant layouts.

7. Panda Planner Academic

Features:   Focuses on productivity and happiness with sections for gratitude and daily priorities. Benefits:   Combines academic planning with personal development tools. Ideal for those seeking a student planner daily.

8. Bloom Daily Planners Vision Planner & Calendar

Features:   Vision board pages, goal-tracking, and inspirational quotes. Benefits:   Encourages long-term planning and personal growth alongside your academic schedule.

9. Moleskine Academic Planner

Features: Classic design, high-quality paper, and minimalist layout. Benefits: Perfect for students who prefer a simple, elegant planner with a professional look. A top choice for a college student planner.

10. Smart Planner Pro

Features: Integration with digital calendars, habit tracking, and undated pages for flexibility. Benefits: Blends the best of digital and traditional planning methods, making it a versatile planner for students.

A student planner is your secret weapon for staying organized and smashing your academic goals in 2024 . The right planner helps you manage your time, set and reach goals, and keep a healthy balance between school and life. Our top picks offer a variety of features and designs to match your unique needs.  So go ahead, explore these awesome planners, and start your journey to a more organized and successful academic year! Whether you're looking for the best student planner, the best planner for college students , or a planner for schools, there’s something on this list for everyone. Happy planning!

College Edition 2024-2025

High School Edition 2024-2025

Middle School Edition 2024-2025

• Majors & Careers
• Online Grad School
• Preparing For Grad School
• Student Life

The Best Academic Planners for 2024/2025

Are you looking for the best academic planner to get you through grad school? There’s no denying that graduate school is a busy time that may sometimes have you feeling out of your depth. When you add work and family, it can get even more challenging to balance.

Paper planners aren’t for everyone, but the best academic planners (below) might change your mind. We’ve also included a buying guide for the best planner for college or graduate students. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

The Best Academic Planners At-a-Glance

The Best Planners for Students in 202 4

Here’s the more detailed guide on academic planners. I’m highlighting those that will best help you prepare for exams, homework, and (most importantly) academic goals. In the past, The GradCafe recommended six planners. I’ve narrowed that down to two. Both have appeared on the list in the past. The difference? These stood the test of time.

1. Class Tracker Student Planner: College Edition  – Best Academic Planner Overall

Key Information :

• Size : 7 x 8.5 inches
• Months : 12
• Starting Month : July
• Paper Type : Thick, but thickness unspecified
• Cover Type : Soft-touch laminated cover; coil bound, rounded corners
• Cream and pale pink
• Cream, ocean blue, and seafoam
• Cream, pale pink, and salmon
• Cream, poppy, and bubblegum
• Cream, violet, and bubblegum
• Ocean blue and seafoam
• Pine and cream
• Class schedule pages
• Notes pages
• Goals pages
• Self-care tracker

If you’re looking for a tried and tested option, the Class Tracker Ultimate Student Planner  is an excellent option. This dated planner has monthly and weekly pages that start in July and end in June of the following year. It includes various features to make your life easier, such as weekly pages with self-care trackers, class schedule pages, goal pages, notes pages, monthly pages, and more.

This planner (featured by Wired, CNN, and College Life Made Easy) has plenty of space for you to write everything you need. To help maintain focus, the pages have an unassuming design to restrict distractions.

Another element that makes The Class Tracker Ultimate Student Planner one of the best planners for college students is perfect for people who want to start at their leisure. The undated planner has more cover options and the same features as the dated planner.

2. Live Whale Undated Planner  – Most Flexible Planner for Grad Students

• Size : A5 (5.83 × 8.27 inches)
• Months : 12 months
• Starting Month : N/A; Undated
• Paper Type : 100% recycled 120 GSM with satin-reinforced edges
• Cover Type : Hardcover, vegan leather
• Grey/silver accents: Black
• Yellow/gold accents: Blue, Pink, Purple, Red
• Vision board pages
• Dreams and goals pages
• Health and wellness pages
• Expense tracker pages
• Three ribbon bookmarks
• Hidden back pocket
• Riveted pen loop

The Live Whale planner is one of the best college planners for students who need extra flexibility. Because it’s an undated planner, start planning any time you’d like. If you stop using the planner for any reason, come back and start fresh whenever you want. That’s one reason we like this college planner again for the current academic school year. If you bought it two years ago, you could still update the due dates and use it this year.

This planner offers monthly and weekly layouts to help you stay organized, as well as plenty of other features that might come in handy. The paper is 100% recycled and thick at 120 GSM, making bleed-through unlikely.

Thoughtful design decisions went into the color and accent choices for this planner, making it an aesthetic choice for those who aren’t into busy prints or flashy colors.

Recommended Accessories for a Graduate Student Planner

Even if you have the best planner for Ph.D. students, it can still sometimes feel as though you’re struggling to stay organized. If you find yourself on this boat, the following list of accessories might be able to help.

How to Find the Best Student Planner

Finding the right grad school planner can feel challenging – not all planners are made the same! Additionally, a planner can be deeply personal, so what works for others may not work for you. Consider some of the criteria below to find your perfect planner:

• It’s Designed for Students: Compared to a traditional option, academic planners have certain features that make them better for students, like detailed pages for class schedules. Designers also make other considerations, such as offering flexibility, adding prioritization methods, and more.
• It Fits Your Needs: Check out product pictures to see what the inside of the planner looks like and determine whether the features you need are included. Look at product reviews to see what others have thought about their purchases. Additionally, you can look into some of the additional tools each planner can offer. Some have pages for mind maps, habit tracking, goal-setting (and tracking), budget tracking, to-do lists, and contact lists. Consider whether the planner includes the organizational tools you need. Many students will purchase a planner for its function over its form, but it’s possible that a better-looking planner will motivate you to use it more often. We recommend balancing your aesthetic tastes, learning style, and time management methods.
• The Start Date Aligns with Your Schedule: ‘Normal’ planners start in January, while academic planners may start in different months (such as June or July). If you start on a non-standard date, consider using an undated planner. Undated planners allow more flexibility, letting you plan only for the weeks and months you need.
• Check How Many Months the Planner Has: Some planners offer six months of pages, a typical 12 or even 18 (for some college student planners)! The amount you require is a matter of preference – so it’s up to you to decide!
• It Has Plenty of Space: The best planners for grad school will have plenty of space. As a grad student, it’s almost a guarantee that you’ll be incredibly busy. Make sure that your academic planner has plenty of space to accommodate school activities, schoolwork, tasks, meetings, and even your real-life stuff. You may even get enough space to help accommodate some notes!

Why Have a Planner When You Have Electronics?

Digital planners often work with some of the  best note-taking apps  on tablets. However, there are many reasons to choose physical planners for college students (rather than digital alternatives). These reasons include:

• Paper Is More Tangible A digital student planner works perfectly fine, but sometimes the best academic planners for grad students are paper-based. A physical paper planner feels much more tangible and might better remind you of your tasks, deadlines, and meetings. When you have a book to look at, it can help make your schedule and priorities feel more “real.” Plus, it’s just nice to have something you can chuck in your backpack  and keep with you wherever you go!
• Fewer Distractions A planner app or to-do list on your phone has its benefits, such as giving you reminders and notifications when something important is imminent. However, the downside to a digital solution is that the chances of distraction are far greater. Getting a notification while checking your calendar could lead to wasting an hour on social media. Another fantastic reason to choose a paper planner over an app or other electronic service? There are few-to-no distractions.
• Writing By Hand Offers Many Benefits Finally, numerous studies and articles state that handwriting is simply superior to typing when it comes to memory retention, deeper comprehension, and learning. Choosing physical planners for a college student or a grad student can help you more deeply comprehend the importance and urgency of the tasks at hand. It can also help you commit important dates to memory (though digital reminders are great for dates that shouldn’t be missed).

Top Tips for Staying Organized in Grad School

It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed when you’re starting — or are in the middle of — grad school. Things can get hectic fast. Without time management and organizational skills, you might find yourself struggling to keep up with necessary tasks. To help you out, we’ve put together some of the best tips for staying organized in grad school.

1. Use Your Planner!

It’s not enough to have an academic planner: You need to use it! Make it a habit to check your planner in the morning so you know what you need to do that day. Always add new tasks, deadlines, and meetings as they come up.

It takes time to get accustomed to using a planner, so stick with it! If you struggle to remember to use yours, keep it in plain sight so you remember.

2. Work Out an Organizational System

A color-coding system can help you instantly recognize items at a glance. Use various tools and stationery like Post-it notes, flags, stickers, and colored pens to make important events (as well as coursework, research, and notes) stand out.

3. Use Digital Alarms and Reminders

Just because you’re using a paper planner doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use technology to supplement your daily planning. Digital reminders and alarms will help you remember when the most important things are happening.

4. Develop Your Time Management

To stay organized while earning your master’s  or Ph.D., you’ll need to work on your time management. Everyone has a style that works best for them, so find yours and stick to it.

It’s also a good idea to do as much as you can without procrastinating (if it’s possible). Procrastination is one of the biggest reasons that many grad students get derailed! While there is such a thing as productive procrastination , too much can lead to problems!

Frequently Asked Questions

What should be in an academic planner.

Features included in an academic planner may vary, but you can generally expect:

• A monthly calendar spread with space to write important dates and deadlines
• Weekly calendar spreads with plenty of room to write down assignments, coursework, important meetings, and more
• Note pages if you forget your other notebooks
• Some academic planners may also have pages for your class schedule.

What’s the Difference Between an Academic Planner and a Regular Planner?

There’s not much difference between a regular planner and an academic planner. Regular planners start in January, while academic planners often start before the fall semester (June-July). Academic planners may also have more space for writing down tasks, as well as a few pages for your class schedules.

How Do I Organize My Academic Planner?

Organizing your academic year planner is a personal experience and can depend on your preference. However, you can try techniques (such as color coding with pens, using Post-it notes, highlighting important dates and deadlines, and using stickers to draw your attention). If you experiment, you’ll eventually find your preferred method of organization!

Do Students Use Planners?

Yes! Many students (of varying levels) use planners to help them stay organized and stay on top of deadlines and important dates.

Having the right tools can make academic life much easier, especially if your schedule is exceptionally busy. A planner might take some getting used to, but getting into the habit can make a massive difference in how well you organize and manage your time.

We hope this list of the best academic planners has helped you find the right productivity companion. If you think we missed a great addition to this list, tell us in the comments below!

If you prefer digital planners, check out some of the best planner apps for students !

Chriselle Sy

Chriselle has been a passionate professional content writer for over 10 years. She writes educational content for The Grad Cafe, Productivity Spot, The College Monk, and other digital publications.  When she isn't busy writing, she spends her time streaming video games and learning new skills.

• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ When to Apply for Grad School: Easy Monthly Timeline [2025-2026]
• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ Best Laptop for Programming Students in 2024
• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ Graduate Certificate vs Degree: What’s the Difference? [2024 Guide]
• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ The 18 Best Scholarships for Black Students in 2024-2025

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27 Best College Planners For Students To Stay Extremely Organized

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Looking for the best college planners that will keep you insanely organized? This post is all about the best college planners.

Staying organized is extremely important in college. One of the key ways to stay on top of everything is by having the perfect planner. 

There are so many different college planners out there. For me, I love time-blocking so that's something I looked for in a planner. Some people are goal-oriented so having goal planning pages is important to them.

No matter what kind of planner you are, there is definitely something out there for you! Here are our favorite college planners that are sure to keep you on top of your A-game.

This post is all about college planners.

Best college planners:, 1. the dailee college planner.

The Dailee wanted to come up with something to keep you extremely organized and make sure no assignment or to-do is forgotten. As obsessed organizers, the Dailee team is in love with this planner and we know you will be too. 

This has it all - from time-blocking, semester schedule, 4-year course planning sheets, weekly overviews, monthly goals & budgeting sheets, and so much more. This would have saved my life in college!

Looking for an iPad version? We've got you covered...  click here.

2. Erin Condren Life Planner

I have heard amazing things about Erin Condren planners. If you are someone that loves having a college planner that has everything laid out for you - full day pages with time blocking, to-do lists, notes, etc. - this is the planner for you. 

My sister has the Life Planner and has nothing but good things to say about it. Definitely one that comes highly recommended! 

Erin Condren also has other planners that aren't as intense. If you aren't someone that time-blocks, they have more simple planners as well. They also have a ton of designs that you can customize too!

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3. Ponderlily Weekly Planner

The Ponderlilly Planner is simplistic in the best ways possible. Each month has a “roadmap” where you can layout your wellness, relationship, finance, home, and project goals to really ensure you're on the right page for the coming month! 

The week is set up into timetables which are amazing and they have a to-do list on the side. If you need a to-do list for every day of the week you’ll definitely need to use sticky notes but that’s not too big of a deal. If you are looking for a small planner that still gets the job done, this is it!

4. Anthropologie Planners

I went out of my way to see if Anthropology had any planners and I’m so glad I did! This planner is amazing if you have your schedule down and you just need a place to write your to-do lists. I know for me there’s a point in the semester where I stop using the scheduling part of the planner because most days look the same every week. Love this planner a lot!

5. My Daily Planner by Papier

The name of this planner speaks for itself - it’s all about making it happen daily. I love this planner because it really implements all the best productivity tools into one. I also love that the planner incorporates goal-making. I think this is an amazing planner whether you’re in school or not.

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6. Full Focus Planner Planner

The Full Focus Planner  is all about staying on task and getting into the “zone” to ensure you accomplish as much as you can in a day. There is a section for annual goals and goal details - here you can really hone in on what you want to accomplish and how you are really going to make that happen. There’s a daily page(s), weekly preview, and quarterly preview. These sections will keep you on top of everything! I highly recommend this planner!

7. Papier Customized Planner

I have this planner and have loved it. It is super straightforward so if you’re the type of person who wants to quickly jot down a few thoughts for each day, this is the planner for you.

8. Goldie Floral Planner

This planner is absolutely beautiful and makes me smile every time I look at it! If planners are supposed to make you extremely happy then this one hits the hammer on the nail.

9. Sugar Paper Academic Planner

This planner has all the necessities you could want to be laid out in a simple, easy-to-understand format! 

10. Retro Custom Planner

Minted has a customizable section of notebooks that can be turned into planners which is amazing! I love the cover of this planner and how you can personalize it with your name.

11. Leopard Print Personalized Planner

This is another super simplistic planner that gets the job done in the most straightforward way possible!

12. Elegant Notes Weekly Planner

Another planner from Minted that I had to show because I am so in love with the cover! The inside is super straightforward and allows you to get your thoughts out.

13. Weekly Planner

Target has a wide array of planners and they get the job done! With weekly and monthly calendars, notes sections, and a space to write out your daily to-do’s it’s super easy to use.

BEST PRODUCTIVITY PLANNERS:

14. productivity planner.

If you're struggling most with staying productive, definitely look into this productivity planner. This is made my the same company that created the  Five Minute Journal  (also an amazing product!) and they really know what they're doing. 

The planner is "based on historical leading Productivity Principles and Supported Goals Research that are proven to increase productivity."

15. Make It Happen Planner

Planners that really focus on productivity are my absolute favorite. I honestly think that’s what planners should be all about! This planner is 16-weeks long and really allows you to fully focus on your personal growth goals.

16. Pastel Brilliant Weekly Planner

MochiThings is an extremely well-known company, specifically for its planners. Including a yearly, monthly, and weekly plan you can really get into the nitty-gritty of your routine. 

17. Daily Greatness Journal and Planner

“How we start our days determines how we spend our days.” This is the beginning description for the Dailygreatness planner and I think it’s so true. For those looking for a planner that incorporates your physical and mental health, along with the normal daily planner pages, this planner is for you!

This planner has daily pages, as well as places to write things like personal goals - both physical and mental - gratitude, successes, etc. which I found really cool.  

18. Five Minute Journal and Productivity Planner Bundle

I already discussed the productivity planner a little before this, but I wanted to show you that they offer a bundle that includes The Five Minute Journal which I absolutely love.

19. Panda Planner Pro

For a simple, no-frill planner, the Panda Planner is your guy. People rave about this planner. And it's also pretty inexpensive which is always a plus! 

With space for goal setting, gratitude, and focus, as well as weekly and daily agenda sections, this college planner will definitely ensure you're as productive as humanly possible.

PLANNING ACCESSORIES:

While having a good college planner is a great step towards an organized life, you're definitely going to need the right tools to go with it! From color coordinating notes and schedules, to having the perfect pen, these are some of my go-to supplies for staying organized in college.

20. Gold Page Markers

I wanted to start with these gold markers because I think they’re so cute and will elevate any planner (but there are more useful items below). There are so many little sections in my planner I constantly go back and forth to, so having these markers makes it a whole lot easier.

I'm not even kidding when I say these are the best pens  I have ever written with. I will never write with another pen again. Highly recommend getting a big pack of these so if you lose one, you have back up! 

22. Highlighters

I love highlighters. They make me feel so much more put together and organized. If you know, you know.

23. Colored Pens

Something else I love to do to keep organized is use colored pens in my college planner. Every time I would get a syllabus at the beginning of the semester, I would go through each big date (like exams or projects) and put them in my calendar. For the next class, I would do the same but with a different colored pen. Basically I would color coordinate depending on the class! 

Colored pens are nice to have when making notes or edits to things too. Definitely a must in college!

24. Sticky Notes

Ahh... sticky notes. I love sticky notes! Whether you're making a note in a book, or giving your future self a reminder, sticky notes are great to have on hand.

BOOKS ON PRODUCTIVITY:

Productivity books are my absolute favorite and I have read so many under the sun. They are the cherry on top to really ensuring you get the most out of your day and know exactly how to utilize your college planners. 

25. Atomic Habits

Atomic Habits is one of my favorite books ever written. It shows you just how easy creating a habit can be. And yes, I said easy. Just a 1% change in your life can catapult you in a completely different direction. Whatever you want to be, he gives you the exact steps to making it happen.

26. Getting Things Done 

The author of this book, David Allen, is a veteran coach on management consultant and basically knows everything about productivity. From his personal experience, he gives the go-to guide on how to stay focused and achieve ultimate success in your day.

27. The Power of Habit

The Power of Habit goes into all the science behind the habit. The insane amount of knowledge packed into this book is incredible and you’re guaranteed to learn something you never knew before! 

28. The 12 Week Year

The 12 Week Year is a book all about reframing how we look at goal planning and reframes our entire outlook. The book creates clarity on what truly matters most and how to get it done!

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The 8 Best Digital Planners for 2024

Looking for the best digital planner to replace your paper notebook?

We’ve researched and rounded up some of the best digital planners compatible with Goodnotes on the iPad. Our curated list features all-in-one planners, time-scheduling planners, and simple planners too, with a variety of designs to choose from — all available on the Goodnotes Marketplace or elsewhere online.

Here are Goodnotes’ picks for the best digital planners for 2024! 

1. Applike Digital Planner with Sticker Wizard

‍ Price : 12.45 USD ( Free sample ) Where to Download : MyDailyPlanners website Available layouts: Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Yearly 

The “Applike” Digital Planner is just that – works like an app. 

Don’t be fooled – it’s still a PDF-based planner, but with very cleverly designed links and shortcuts that give you features you might expect to find in an app. 

For example, this is the first digital planner we’ve seen that you can create your own stickers in. Check it out: 

Notable features: 

• Sticker Wizard: create your own word, notes, and shapes stickers to use in the planner 
• Schedule events from your digital planner straight to your Google or Apple calendar
• Includes a bonus 2025 yearly planner

This is the best digital planner for: 

• A digital planning expert looking for a true all-in-one planner 
• Someone looking for an interactive, Goodnotes-friedly PDF planner

Bonus : You can find more digital planners from My Daily Planners right in the Goodnotes Marketplace. If you’re looking for a simpler 2024 planner by the same creator, take a look here . 

2. All-In-One Digital Planner for 2024 & 2025 by ForLittleLion 

Price : 13.95 USD Where to download : ForLittleLion website Available layouts: Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Yearly 

If there’s one planner that does it all, it’s this one. 

This isn’t just a 2024 digital planner – it includes 2025 as well, and even an undated planner. There are templates and trackers for anything you’d want to track, including fitness, reading logs, projects and more.

• Comes with 10,000+ digital stickers that you can use alongside your planner
• Schedule events from your digital planner straight to Apple or Google Calendar
• Several bonus templates including: finance trackers, goals and project trackers, fitness trackers, wellness, reading, and more  
• Someone who wants to make just one purchase and get everything they’ll need

‍ Bonus : The undated Ultimate Student Planner, designed by ForLittleLion, is one of the most popular items in the Goodnotes Marketplace. See it in-app, here .

3. Aesthetic 2024 Goodnotes Planner by TemplateStack.io

Price : 9.99 USD Where to download: Goodnotes Marketplace Available layouts: Daily, Weekly, Monthly

If you’re a beginner, or get easily overwhelmed by all the buttons/links in digital planners, the Aesthetic 2024 Goodnotes Planner might be the one for you. 

With its intuitive design, you can easily find your place and seamlessly navigate to any page. Aesthetic provides you with daily and weekly planning layouts to keep you organized. This straightforward planner prioritizes functionality over extra templates, making your planning journey a breeze.

• Simple navigation, with only 4 main buttons on each page 
• Very user-friendly and suitable for beginners
• “Someday” page, where you can log any daily to-dos that were left undone
• Someone who needs a functional digital planner to plan their daily tasks

If you'd like the same planner but with more templates and stickers, you can also find a version on TemplateStack's website.

The undated Hustle Planner, also designed by TemplateStack, is one of the most popular items in the Goodnotes Marketplace. See it in-app here . 

4. 2024 Digital Planner by Good Mondays Paper

Price : 19.99 USD Where to Download: Good Mondays Paper website Available layouts: Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Yearly 

If you’re looking for a digital planner that can also help you with guided goal setting and monthly reflection, this is the one for you. 

This digital planner gives you everything you need to plan every month well, without too many bonus templates to get lost in.

What’s more, the daily plan layout features a unique grid layout, which gives you increased space to plan more minute details.  

• Schedule events straight into Apple or Google calendars
• Multiple monthly calendar views, for those that want to separate school/work from personal items 
• Grid layout for daily schedules, allowing you to input more
• Someone who needs a planner that helps plan every detail of every day

5. 2024 Lifelog Diary

Price : 9.99 USD Where to download: Goodnotes Marketplace Available layouts: Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Yearly 

Looking for a daily planner without too many extras? 

The Lifelog Diary is just that. 

Even with its minimalist approach, this planner offers comprehensive daily, weekly, and monthly layouts, ensuring all your planning needs are met. Wave the unnecessary extras bye bye — Lifelog Diary is a clean, efficient, and distraction-free planner that focuses on what matters most.

• Simple and easy-to-use layout
• Space for a photo diary every day
• Water and step tracker for each day
• Someone who wants a simple planner to record daily tasks

6. Cyberry Planner by KDigitalStudio

Price : 34.99 USD ( free sample here ) Where to Download : KDigitalStudio website   Available layouts: Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Yearly 

With a sleek, intuitive design, The Cyberry Planner emulates the look and functionality of an app, and hyperlinks that work like buttons. 

After your purchase, you can also connect with fellow Cyberry planners through the separate user community app. It’s an exclusive space to exchange tips and ideas with other people using the same planner. 

• Add events or reminders directly to your calendar and reminders app from your planner
• Become a member of the closed Cyberry digital planning community 
• People who prefer to keep their school or work commitments separate from their personal life and want the flexibility to plan and manage each aspect apart

7. The Advanced Business Planner by Chattan Designs

Starting a side project? Looking for a planner to use alongside your work? 

If that’s you, the Advanced Business Planner could be the digital planner you need. 

Created with business owners in mind, this 2024 digital planner helps you to plan your business goals alongside your day-to-day schedule. Several business specific planning templates are also included in your purchase. 

• Business specific pages, including business goals, meeting notes, customer feedback logs, competitor analysis pages, executive schedule, and more
• 24 additional note paper templates, including lined paper, dotted, graph, columns 
• 100+ digital stickers to aid your business planning, such as sticky notes, task lists, and labels
• Entrepreneurs, business owners, or self-employed individuals

8. 2024 Simple Drawing Planner by Somdoo

Price : 6.99 USD Where to Download: Goodnotes Marketplace Available layouts: Weekly, Monthly, Yearly 

With a delightful, hand drawn design, this planner is perfect for those seeking a simple and uncluttered planning experience. 

Free from unnecessary embellishments, if you're a beginner diving into the world of digital planning — or purely want something to plan your weeks and months with — this may be the choice for you.

• Unique hand-drawn illustrations on each page 
• Easy navigation due to straightforward layout 
• Someone who wants something simple and straightforward, without the bells and whistles 

Find more of the best digital planners for Goodnotes in the in-app Marketplace 

Looking for more 2024 digital planners? 

Discover and download hundreds of new stickers, templates, and digital planners right in Goodnotes. (GoodNotes 5 users can also explore most of the same content in the Goodnotes Shop too.)  

Visit the Marketplace today and unlock a universe of inspiration at your fingertips. Your digital planning journey awaits!

What is a digital planner and how do I use one? 

A digital planner is a virtual version of a traditional paper planner that you can use on tablets with a stylus, like an iPad with the Apple Pencil for example. 

It offers various features like customizable layouts, reminders, note-taking capabilities, and more. To use a digital planner, you typically import it into a note-taking app like Goodnotes. Then, you can use a stylus or your finger to write, type, and interact with the planner. It's a convenient way to stay organized and keep track of your schedules, tasks, and notes digitally.

What are the benefits of using a digital planner?

In general, digital planners have much more functionality than a traditional paper planner.

• Easily add multimedia : Digital planners allow you to easily incorporate digital stickers, images, and links, making it easy to personalize 
• Creative Freedom: Your one stylus puts a thousand pens, highlighters, and tools at your fingertips.
• Editability: Edit your writing or ink, and make changes effortlessly.
• More Content: Digital planners often offer more pages and extras compared to traditional paper planners due to restrictions in bulk
• Reusability: If your digital planner is undated, you can reuse it year after year, saving money and reducing waste

You can also read this blog post on why Goodnotes is the best bullet journal app .

How do I import a digital planner in Goodnotes? 

If you download or purchase a digital planner outside of the in-app Marketplace, here are the steps to import a digital planner template into Goodnotes:

• Find the planner template file you want to import. It needs to be a PDF, JPEG, or .goodnotes file
• Open Goodnotes on your iPad.
• Tap the "+" icon in the bottom right corner to create a new notebook.
• Tap the three dots in the top right and select "Import" from the menu.
• Select the file you want to import from your files app (e.g. Dropbox, Files, etc).

You can now start using your imported digital planner template within Goodnotes. Any edits or notes you add will be automatically saved.

How do I use digital stickers with my planner? 

Many digital planners will come with a sticker book at the end. Here are 3 ways to use them in Goodnotes:

• Copy and paste
• Open two Goodnotes windows side-by-side, with one side showing your planner page and the other the sticker book. You can then drag and drop stickers directly into your planner! 
• Circle each sticker to save them as an Element. Then, when you want to use the sticker, simply open up the Elements picker and insert!

Check out 11 of our recommended digital sticker packs!

Do I need an iPad to use a digital planner? 

Not necessarily! At the basic level, all you need is a tablet, a stylus, and a note-taking app. 

That being said, the majority of digital planners on the market are designed to be used with Goodnotes on the iPad.

So to get the best of your digital planning experience, we’d recommend using an iPad + Apple Pencil + Goodnotes.

Where can I get more templates for Goodnotes? 

Here are some places you can get more templates for Goodnotes: 

• Goodnotes Marketplace : Download new templates, stickers, and planners directly into your library. If you’re on the paid version of Goodnotes 6, you’re also eligible to download many freebies 
• Etsy: There are thousands of creators that make templates and other digital stationery to be used in Goodnotes. 

You can also customize your own templates from Goodnotes’ existing default collection. 

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The Macmillan Student Planner 2021-22: Academic Diary (Macmillan Study Skills) Calendar – Engagement Calendar, May 7, 2021

• Print length 256 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Red Globe Press
• Publication date May 7, 2021
• Dimensions 6.3 x 8.27 inches
• ISBN-10 135201226X
• ISBN-13 978-1352012262
• See all details

Editorial Reviews

About the author, product details.

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Red Globe Press; 1st ed. 2021 edition (May 7, 2021)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Calendar ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 135201226X
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1352012262
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.1 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.3 x 8.27 inches

Customer reviews

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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

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Life Between Weekends

Make Every Day Feel Like Saturday

The 10 Best Planners of 2024-2025, Reviewed & Compared

This post may contain affiliate links. Every link is hand-selected by our team, and it isn’t dependent on receiving a commission. You can view our full policy here .

When you’re really trying to get your life in order, you know a planner isn’t just a planner. The right one can make you feel more organized, less stressed—more on top of it all. But with so many out there, ranging from free to triple digits—which agendas are worth buying? Without being too bulky or having too little space to write down what you need? What’s the best planner for you ?

I’ve been a planner obsessive since middle school, and over the years, I’ve tried almost everything. They keep me from ruminating over the same things endlessly (while worrying I’ve forgotten something) and help me destress and focus. I’m constantly trying new ones, from traditional agendas, mid-year, academic and productivity planners, to wellness logs and bullet journal-inspired ones—but there are only a handful I keep coming back to and would recommend.

In fact, for this year’s selection of the best planners, I tried seven new styles, and wound up with two new brands in the mix. Here are my favorites I’ve tested, so you can reach your full potential in 2024 and beyond (no matter your goals or organizational style).

One quick note: Right off the bat, I list whether each planner is dated or undated, aka whether the planner comes printed with each day’s date or not. The latter is more evergreen, and great if you want to pick up a planner and get organized whenever—not just on January or in August. But they can be annoying, because you have to manually fill in each day’s date.

The Best Planners & Agendas of 2024 & 2025:

1. best planner overall: lh agenda anna bay quilted weekly planner.

• Is This Planner Dated or Undated? Undated
• Chic quilted cover
• Inspiring intro section to help you set goals for year ahead
• Portable/lightweight
• Somewhat pricey

I’ve never had so many people stop to ask me where I got my planner or simply compliment me on it until I started using the Anna Bay Quilted Weekly Planner by LH Agenda. The Australia-based company’s agendas are every bit as stunning IRL as they look online —the quilted vegan leather is plush and easy to wipe clean, and it can be monogrammed for a custom touch. You can get a closer look at it this video :

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Candace | Baker, Crafter, Blogger (@lifebetweenweekends)

But, what’s even better is how portable and functional it is. It’s about an inch thick, clocking in at about 5.8 inches by 7.8 inches, and inside that small package is an incredibly well-organized approach to planning out your year: Each two-page spread lets you see the week at a glance, with a spot each day to highlight your top three priorities and an overall notes/intentions section for the seven-day span. There are also sections for planning out what you’d like to get out of the year and each month, AND you can buy planner tabs and other accessories to truly make this book your own. I’m obsessed. (If you want to know more, check out our in-depth review .)

• Best Discount: Sign up for their emails (at the bottom of the page ) to score 5 percent off your order; free shipping on orders of $90+

2. Best Customizable Daily Planner: Papier

• Customizable cover
• One page for each day’s tasks
• It only spans 4 months
• Can get pricey ($100/year)

This is the best planner I’ve found for organizing all aspects of your life while still being ultra portable. The Daily Planner includes the week at a glance, with detailed entries for each day, as well as weekly meal planning pages and room for notes. I’ve heard some people complain there isn’t enough space in the daily section, but you’re given a whole page (!), with areas to break down your schedule hour by hour, list your top three tasks to achieve and have room for general to-dos and notes. The book would have to be larger to provide more space for notes, which would make it bulkier (like the Priority Planner , which is nearly the size of a textbook and not so easy to tote around).

Another pro: The customizable covers make it feel extra special, making it a great gift for college-bound students (or anyone who needs to get their lives together).

• Best Discount: 25 percent off your second book
• Another Discount to Try: Score 10 percent off when you sign up to receive emails from Papier.com

2. Most Budget-Friendly Undated Planner: Brass Monkey Hidden Agenda

• Compact size (smaller than novel)
• Daily to-do list section and scheduler to time block
• Time blocks only run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Meant to start your planner on January 1st…and forgot? You can pick this one up anytime. While Brass Monkey recently changed its layout, the new version makes even better use of each page. It still has the fun facts and playful snark—all packaged in a fun, irreverent-yet-upscale design—but there’s more room to map out each day. It now includes a daily to-do list and notes section, as well as ways to block our your calendar from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (People who work alternative hours may not love that feature as much.) The two-page Month in Review is a fast way to reflect on the past 30ish days before heading into the next stretch, too. Its cloth-wrapped hardcover binding lends a luxe touch, and at 6 inches by 9 inches, it’s easy to stow even in a small purse.

If you prefer the older, full week-at-a-glance style, you can still buy it for $16 on Amazon , though it looks like quantities are limited.

• Best Discount: 10 percent off through the brand’s site if you sign up for emails , but you only score free shipping on orders of $30+. Score free shipping on the planner if you order through Amazon and are a Prime member.

4. Best Undated Planner for Students: Notcoy Daily Planner

• Aesthetically pleasing
• Plenty of room for to-do’s
• Spiral binding keeps pages open when laid flat
• Thick paper, so ink doesn’t bleed through
• no option for time-blocking day
• limited space to list meetings (5 max per day)

If you appreciate aesthetics, and your style skews more whimsical, this is the planner for you. This spiral-bound book is undated, so you can start whenever, and each day is divided into sections so you can easily note meetings, to-do’s, your top priorities and reflections at the end of the day. There’s a week in review, too, and it comes with fun stickers to help you highlight important moments—or just imbue a little more joy into your day. There’s enough room in the planner to last you six months, so you can test it out for a semester and see how it works for you. (Oh, and if you need more convincing, check out the full Notcoy review .)

• Best Discount: 10 percent off when you sign up for their newsletter

5. Honorable Mention: Slimmest Planner for Students: Blue Sky 8.5″x11″ Planner

• Is This Planner Dated or Undated? Dated, runs January through December
• Size of full sheet of paper
• Spiral bound makes it easy to jot notes without book closing on you
• Feels flimsy compared to hardcover books
• Not as chic (more practical)

Despite all of the bells and whistles my other planners have, I find that outside of Papier, this is the planner I used the most day-to-day when I was in college. Why? Every three days is a full page, giving you plenty of time to jot down the day’s meetings and tasks, yet the planner itself is very slim, like toting a magazine. It slips easily into a laptop sleeve with my MacBook, making it easy to take on the go.

• Best Discount: 79 percent off on Amazon, plus one-day shipping is available via Amazon Prime

6. Best Planner for Work/Entrepreneurs: At-a-Glance Foundation Planner

• Can track almost everything, from water to budget, with it
• Small, compact size
• Great goal-mapping section
• Intro guide takes intimidation out of getting started
• Clean, minimalist design
• Like all undated planners, can start anytime

Previously, the My PA Planner got my vote for this category, but I couldn’t get over just how bulky it was—and how the business-planning features felt so specifically tailored that they seemed to appeal to a nice audience. This is where the Foundation planner excels. It features a mind mapping and goal setting section in the front to help you focus, then it delves into a two-page monthly calendar, before offering a two-page spread per week.

It’s all packaged in a slim, hardcover book with a magnetic closure, so Post-Its and loose notes aren’t as easy to spill out. It looks professional and sleek, and it gets the job done well, while being easy to tote from meeting to meeting. See my in-depth review here .

• Best Discount: N/A

7. Best Wellness Planner: Silk & Sonder Annual Subscription

• Is This Planner Dated or Undated? Dated, each one spans one month
• Inspires as it helps you organize
• Something to look forward to each month
• Includes recipes & other bonuses you don’t find anywhere else
• Can feel flimsy
• More wellness journal than traditional planner/agenda

Calling Silk & Sonder’s spiral-bound book a planner is an understatement. Yes, you can use it to track your to-do’s and manage your calendar, but each planner lasts for a month and includes meal, habits and mood trackers. If you subscribe to their service, you can also access workshops and guided audio reflections for getting your thoughts out on the page. Check out our full review here .

• Best Discount: Use code FREEMONTH to score one month free on an annual subscription.

8. Best Tiny Planner: The Home Edit 5″x8″ Planner

• Is This Planner Dated or Undated? Dated
• Great for jotting down just the essentials
• May not have enough room per day

Leave it to decluttering gurus The Home Edit to come up with a sleek, streamlined planner in a tidy, tiny package. This flexible little datebook still has fairly spacious spots for each day’s tasks, yet it’s small enough to fit in a purse. Plus, it includes a section to list your goals and brainstorm what you want to get out of the year ahead.

• Best Discount: 10 percent off your first order when you sign up for their newsletter, plus free shipping on orders over $100

9. Best Planner for Teachers: The Happy Planner Daily, 12-Month Planner

• Pages are designed to be customized
• Great for bullet journalers and creative types
• Engaging design
• Bulky, particularly the giant spiral-bound rings

This planner lasts the longest of the bunch and is the most customizable (there are all kinds of dividers, pockets and stickers you can buy to trick out your Happy Planner). It’s great for crafty types, who like to bullet journal or vision board just as much as they like tracking their to-do’s. Or for anyone who needs a bit more space, say if you need to brainstorm a few lesson plan ideas or jot down notes between classes, which is why I recommend it for teachers and other creative-yet-organized types. It is a bit bulky though, and I found I rarely decorated its pages, even though I aspire to that level of *aesthetics.*

• Best Discount: Free shipping on Amazon for Prime members; currently $10 off (normally $35, now $25)

10. Most Innovative Planner: Laurel Denise Mini Vertical Weekly Planner

• Is This Planner Dated or Undated? Dated, runs July through June
• Lets you see week and month at the same time
• Incredibly slim and portable
• Decent space for notes
• Includes space for monthly and weekly to-do lists
• Can choose whether week starts with Monday or Sunday
• Daily space may be too narrow for some (recommend using a .05-point pen)

You’ll need a fine-point pen to really make use of this planner’s narrow columns for each day, but I found I really liked the Laurel Denise layout. The planner itself is incredibly slim, with each week featuring half-width pages, so you can see the week and the full month at the same time. It’s great for people who tend to plan ahead, or if you need to cross-reference appointments and other deadlines.

The planner comes with two adjustable bookmarks, which are much better than ribbons for holding your place. Plus, there are ample notes pages, formatted bullet journal-style, so you can organize stray thoughts or key points during a meeting without having to carry a separate notebook (or tap away at your laptop).

• Best Discount: Sign up for email alerts to snag 10 percent off

How I Chose the Best 2024-2025 Planners:

I’ve been reviewing planners for the past 10+ years. Here’s how I go about testing them:

• Research the top planners on the market, both in terms of reviews and general buzz. Include any new/under-the-radar brands that seem worth a closer look.
• Buy or receive samples of said planners, making no guarantees that any will be featured (or included favorably—I only share what I truly like). Use them for at least one month, noting the pros/cons and who the planner would be best for, since what works for me may not work for someone else.
• The best planners are: roomy enough to maintain basic to-dos and meeting notes without being so bloated/bulky that you can’t carry them around. They offer additional tools—like weekly or monthly reviews —but don’t have so many ‘inspirational’ pages that you feel too overwhelmed to use them (or worse, they’re so detailed they really only apply to very few people). Other important factors are paper/cover quality, durability, aesthetics and value .

What’s the Best Planner for Me?

Ask yourself 3 questions:.

• What do you need the most help organizing and tracking? Is it your to-do list? Do you prefer an hour-by-hour breakdown of the day ahead, because you’re in a ton of meetings or appointments?
• How much space do you need for a day’s tasks? (And how much writing do you actually like to do?)
• How portable do you want your planner to be? Do you want something slim and bendy, like a folder? Something small that can stash in a purse? Something big enough that you can jot down every stray thought—and bulk doesn’t really matter, because you’ll be keeping it in one place for the most part?

The Main Types of Daily Planners:

• Annual or Yearly Planners span one calendar year (January through December). They often pop up in stores around November or December, with pages pre-printed with the dates for the year ahead. They’re helpful for keeping track of dates at a glance, and they’re often clearanced out of stores by mid-February.
• Academic or Mid-Year Planners usually start at the end of summer and run through the school year. Some can be 18 months long, allowing for more long-term planning.
• Multi-Year Planners are often intended for goal setting, as they span multiple years and let you track your progress over time. They’re a rare find.
• Undated Planners are great for starting fresh at any time of the year, because you write in each day’s date. That can make them a little annoying for long-term planning, unless you take the time to jot every date of the year in ’em in advance, but they’re also nice if you stop using it for a few weeks then pick things back up—no pages wasted.

Is a Paper Planner Worth It?

It really depends on your organizational style. I love them for the ability to brain dump everything that’s on your mind (especially since a University of Tokyo study found that you’re more likely to remember things when you physically write them down), and I use a digital calendar to alert me to meetings, so I don’t miss them. It’s that one-two punch that helps me stay on top of things.

What Daily Planner Is in That Top Image?

So glad you asked! That’s the Anna Bay Quilted Planner by LH Agenda , which appears in the third spot on this list.

Why Trust My Planner Recommendations?

While I’ve tried a few other big name brands, I didn’t include them on this list simply because many felt too bulky, or overly simplistic, or straight-up pricey (for what you get) to include. If there’s a brand you love that I didn’t include, I’d love to hear it. DM me @lifebetweenweekends .

A previous version of this story included Rachel Hollis’s Start Today Priority Planner . Since the planner itself has sold out and has been discontinued (and it’s rare to find on eBay), we’ve removed it from this list.

Author: candacebd

Candace Braun Davison is a writer, editor and recipe developer who divides her time between New York and Florida. She's written articles that have appeared in PureWow, Delish, House Beautiful, Cosmo, Elle, Esquire, Elle Decor, Veranda, Good Housekeeping and more. She's also published and contributed to multiple cookbooks, including a tailgate cookbook specifically designed for USF students. A portion of the proceeds benefitted student scholarships at the university. View all posts by candacebd

7 best student planner apps

The best apps to help students keep track of classes, homework, due dates, quizzes, and more.

Thad Thompson Jan 21, 2022

12 min read

Table of contents

Experience scheduling automation for yourself!

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If you're a student, you need a system to organize classwork, exams, and life in general. And it's true, there is an app for everything. But there are lots of apps for planning and time management. Which ones make effective school planner apps?

When deciding on a planner app, you should obviously look for one with features most relevant to your life and your schedule. It should have a distinct purpose. And It shouldn't be thought of as a one-size-fits all productivity app . Here are the qualities to look for in a good student planner app:

Visually clean user experience vs. info-dense

Highly customizable vs. highly structured

Integrated with other apps vs. self-contained, with all the features you'll need in one place

Specialized for students vs. transferrable to post-school life

Here, you can check out just a few of the best school planners currently available. Each is highly rated, affordable, and, in several cases, geared specifically toward school and study. And they’re easy to find. Most are available in the Apple App Store or Google Play store for use on your iPhone, iPad, Android, or other smartphone.

7 great planner apps for high school and college students

Android, iOS, and desktop: Free with paid upgrades available

Todoist is a project planner and to-do list all in one. Used by companies like Amazon and Disney, and made for everyone from students to executives, Todoist is an app that can carry you through school and beyond.

Although you can pay to upgrade, the free version offers more than most students are likely to need. Todoist includes features that help you: 

 Enter important details or to-dos in a note-taking section before you forget them

Set up projects for each class and any other activities or hobbies you're involved in

Add "next action" items, so you can always look ahead to your next assignment

Cross items off your checklist without losing them for good

Other helpful features include due dates for individual tasks and reminders that pop up on your phone or email. You can customize every feature, so you won't get lots of notifications without asking for them.

Todoist also allows you to label tasks. You can label by priority, context (laptop work, library, etc.), or any other system you want to create. You can also indicate recurring tasks, like weekly quizzes, so you never miss an assignment.

2. Microsoft To Do

Android, iOS, and desktop: Free with Microsoft account

A reworking of the long-appreciated Wunderlist, Microsoft To Do has continued to evolve its features to make it stand out in the field of student planner apps.

One feature that stands out in To Do is that things you didn't check off from previous days stay in the “Yesterday” box. That way you can specifically choose which items to transfer to "My day," and plan a better time for those that won't fit in today's schedule.

To Do allows you to sort tasks into basic lists that you set up, such as "Work," "Home," or "Lab." You can then add subtasks to the items on each list. For example, if your list includes, "Presentation for econ class," create subtasks for "Brainstorm subjects," "Find sources," or other project milestones. 

To Do also includes some features that will please visually oriented people. Dark mode is helpful if you're reviewing your day just before sleep or when you first wake up in the morning. You can also change the background for each list, with lots of modern and inspiring designs.

3. Calendly

iOS, Android, and desktop: Free with additional features available on paid plans

Calendly simplifies scheduling with groups and individuals. As group projects have become the new normal, you’ll likely have to set up plenty of meetings with groups and individuals during the course of your time as a student. You can save a lot of time by scheduling and managing those meetings with Calendly.

Here's how it works:

Connect Calendly with your digital calendar, like Google Calendar , Outlook , and others.

Create a meeting request.

Set the parameters. For example, you can let recipients see your availability, so they can pick a day and time, or you can set a day and time and they can either accept it or request a different time.

Select recipients and send.

Calendly will gather responses from the people you want to meet with, and you'll have a meeting set up without the long texting thread that's usually required.

Other helpful features include the options of Round Robin or collective scheduling on the paid plans. If others share their availability, Calendly will show times that work for everyone, so you can pick. Or, you can use its Meeting Polls feature to let people vote on proposed times before setting your meeting . Also, you can set reminders both for yourself and for those who agreed to meet with you.

Calendly streamlines setting up meetings, so you can free up your time and attention for classes and other responsibilities.

Get started with Calendly

Ready to make scheduling easier than ever?

4. iStudiez Pro

Android, iOS, and desktop: Free with available paid Full Version upgrade 

iStudiez Pro is one of the highest-rated planner apps designed just for students. Enter your class schedule including the professor's name, contact info, and office hours. Then, you can color code your classes and use icons to make it visually interesting and easy to scan.

"Week view" allows you to plan your time and get ready for upcoming classes. "Day view" shows you tasks and scheduled items for today. For each class, you can add assignments, their due dates, and specific tasks associated with them.

If you upgrade to the Full Version of iStudiez Pro, you can even get a regular update on your GPA. As you receive graded assignments back, enter the grade and point value. iStudiez will do the calculating for you with its GPA tracker. It keeps this info from semester to semester, so you can keep the big picture in mind.

5. myHomework

Android, iOS, and desktop: Free or $4.99 per year for Premium

The myHomework student planner is a clean and simple planner app for education. Many teachers have already adopted it for e-learning or online instruction, but it's great for individual use as well.

It's formatted for several types of class scheduling, such as block, period, or time-based schedules. myHomework allows you to not only input assignments and add tasks required to complete them, it also allows for prioritizing and categorizing tasks, so you can focus on what's most needed at any given time. You can set reminders for upcoming due dates too, so you don’t miss deadlines by accident (or procrastination).

While you do need internet connectivity to sync with other devices, this homework app still has full functionality even when you're not connected to WiFi. The free version has plenty of great features, but the paid version of this homework planner lets you get rid of ads as well as share assignments, add file attachments to assignments, and switch out your theme.

6. Power Planner

Android, iOS, and desktop: Free with paid upgrade available

Power Planner is a well-established student planner app with many of the same features as myHomework and iStudiez, like entering your schedule, keeping track of your GPA, and viewing assignments and exams.

Though the app is full of useful features, one element that sets it apart from other similar apps is the responsiveness of the developer. Power Planner is updated regularly, offering continual improvements to its features.

The GPA calculator is more robust in this app compared to others, with its "What if?" feature, which calculates what scores you need on assignments to get an A in a class. It also includes notifications for due dates coming up. The paid version allows you to enter more grades and stores your GPA info from one semester to the next.

Android, iOS, and desktop: Free with multiple paid plans starting at $5, and an automatic student discount

ClickUp is the only productivity platform built to tackle everything from complex projects to your daily assignments, all in one screen. With hundreds of customizable features to organize documents, take notes, schedule due dates, and more, ClickUp is a great daily planner for students at every level.

ClickUp's flexible organizational Hierarchy is perfect for breaking down course loads into manageable tasks, subtasks, and Checklists. There are over 15 ways to visualize your schedule in ClickUp including a dynamic Calendar, List, and Everything view for a high-level look at all projects and deadlines. Plus, ClickUp's Home feature syncs with your favorite calendar app to present your classes, reminders, and messages conveniently alongside your upcoming tasks.

ClickUp was built to consolidate your work into one centralized hub that can be accessed virtually anywhere, even offline, from your phone, or on your Apple Watch. You can create detailed course notes, format drafts, and everything in between using ClickUp's built-in document editor, then export or share them in seconds with a simple URL.

Access its top daily planner features, ClickUp Docs, unlimited tasks, over 1,000 integrations, and more when you sign up for ClickUp's Free Forever Plan, and automatically save 25% on any paid plan for being a student.

3 tips for getting the most from your student planner app

In addition to finding a great app for students, these tips can help you increase your productivity and keep your schedule running smoothly. No matter which app you choose, you’ll get more out of it if you use it alongside smart planning practices.

1. Treat yourself to a semester review

At the beginning of each semester, set aside a couple of hours to prepare yourself and get everything organized in your app and in your head. Make it fun: Take yourself out for coffee, turn on your favorite music, and turn off your texting and other notifications. This is time to get in the zone.

Give yourself time to look through your new app's features and figure out the best way to use them (or customize them) for you. It's helpful to read reviews, as people will talk about the most useful features. It's also an easy way to learn how to use the app.

Gather your syllabi, work schedules, and any other pertinent calendar info. First, enter all your calendar info for the semester. This helps you understand what your weekly schedule will be like. Then create projects or enter assignments (and due dates) for any big projects  your professors already have planned.

For example, the class may require a video assignment due at the end of the semester. Create a task called "plan out video project," and set the due date for around the time you want to begin the project. You don't want to get bogged down in planning the details of all those projects during your semester review. If you stay focused on the big picture, you may have time for more specific project planning at the end of your review session.

This is also a good time to set goals for yourself. Do you want to turn in more assignments on time or participate more in class? Do you want to learn a new instrument or join a team? Get inspired about doing more than just making it through the semester. With a powerful school planner app on your side, this could be your best semester yet — and there's more to that than just getting good grades.

2. Add a weekly review to your calendar

To keep your planner system functional, you have to keep giving it attention. Set up a time every week — about 30 minutes to an hour — for reviewing your projects and planning out your weekly schedule. Make this appointment as set-in-stone as your class times, so you aren’t tempted to put it off.

You can use this time to input any grades you've received if you've chosen an app with a GPA-tracking feature. Make sure that for every project, assignment or exam, you've entered specific tasks to prepare for them as well. You don't want to just remember that you have something due. You want to have a plan for turning in your best work! 

This is also a great time to set up meetings you'll need for the week. Use an app like Calendly to send out requests for meetings, so you're not scrambling at the last minute to find a time when everyone can meet.

And don't forget to schedule some rest! One of the best ways to stay motivated and stick with your work is to know you have some quality fun time coming.

3. Plan daily check-ins

Every morning look over your daily schedule and your list of things to do. This usually doesn’t take more than five minutes, but it can do a lot to help you bring your best to the things that are important to you.

Improve your learning through great planning

Choosing the student planner app that’s right for you is a great way of keeping your mind focused and your grades high during the semester. A great app will help you stay on top of your classes and work, especially if you keep your app up-to-date with regular reviews. 

A great calendar app can also help you to make the most of the other aspects of your life, for a less stressful, more rewarding student experience. The world needs what you have to give, and these apps can help you give your best.

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Thad Thompson

Thad is a former Content Marketing Manager at Calendly. When not sharing scheduling and productivity insights, you’ll find him hiking trails with his family or thumping a bass with a power pop band.

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Monalisa Deb

| Updated On - Sep 16, 2024

JEE Main exam is considered one of the most challenging exams for Engineering aspirants in India and Mathematics is a critical component. Fortunately, Cengage by G. K. Tewani has made exam preparation easy by providing comprehensive resources that significantly enhance the exam preparation of JEE Main aspirants. Cengage Mathematics books are the highest-selling books in e-commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart with over 4.4 ratings. This book is popular for its conceptual clarity, comprehensive syllabus coverage, illustrative diagrams, PYQs and solutions.

Reasons Behind Choosing Cengage for JEE Main Mathematics

A wide range of books are available in the market but Cengage’s Mathematics books have gained significant popularity. The reasons behind this popularity are elaborated below.

Conceptual Clarity: In this book, every topic is clearly discussed with simple definitions, theories and derivations which make every topic easily understandable. The conceptual clarity helps students figure out the underlying principles of the subjects rather than just memorising formulas.

Wide Variety of Problems: Cengage offers a plethora of practice problems ranging from basic to advanced levels. This helps students to gradually build their problem-solving skills and tackle a variety of questions. Over 5000 questions with detailed solutions are provided. These problems are of different difficulty levels which ensures that both beginners and advanced students can utilise this book to a great extent.

Self-Evaluation : At the end of each chapter different types of problems are provided. By solving those problems students can evaluate their strengths and weaknesses. It helps them to make exam strategies accordingly to get success in the exam.

Aligned with JEE Pattern : The content is designed to align with the JEE exam pattern, which helps students get familiar with the format and difficulty level of questions.

Content Coverage: This book offers a comprehensive coverage of the entire JEE Main syllabus. It maintains the simplicity of concepts for every chapter. It ensures students’ strong grasp of both basic and advanced concepts. The structured flow of topics makes the book suitable for classroom use and self-study.

Mock Tests & PYQs: Cengage Mathematics books consist of a huge number of mock tests and PYQs which help JEE Main aspirants familiarise themselves with the exam pattern and the difficulty level of the exam. Practising these mock tests and PYQs helps aspirants measure their progress and help them evaluate the areas they need improvement.

Detailed Solutions: Cengage Mathematics books provide step-by-step solutions to every problem which enable students to understand the methodology and the logic behind the answer. The concrete problem-solving ability students get from this book is one of the main reasons for its popularity.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cengage’s JEE Main Mathematics Books

Like any resource, Cengage Mathematics books have their strengths and limitations, and students must be aware of how to use them effectively in their JEE Main preparation.

Overall, while Cengage books can be a valuable tool for JEE preparation, it's essential for students to evaluate their own learning styles and needs, and possibly supplement their study materials with other resources to address these disadvantages.

Recommended Books for JEE Main Mathematics

Some Cengage books are recommended here to JEE Main aspirants.

• Cengage Problem Solving for JEE Main: This book primarily focuses on advanced problem-solving strategies and techniques.
• Cengage Mathematics for JEE Main: It covers a wide range of topics with a huge number of problems and step-by-step solutions.
• Cengage Objective mathematics: This book is ideal for practising objective-type questions aligned to the syllabus.

Proper Techniques to Utilise Cengage Mathematics Books for JEE Main Exam

The following strategy can be used by JEE Main aspirants to maximise the benefits of Cengage’s Mathematics books.

Proper Study Plan:

JEE Main aspirants should make a study plan based on the updated JEE Main syllabus. Cengage’s resources can be helpful in making a structured study plan. You can start with the chapters that have the maximum weightage and gradually move to the low-weightage chapters. Based on the JEE Main syllabus and previous years questions a list of chapters that have maximum weightage is presented below.

Clarity of Fundamentals: Utilise the explanations that are given in the books for each concept to strengthen your basic knowledge. Ensure you grasp the basics before moving on to more complex problems.

Practice: You must make a habit of solving problems regularly to increase your speed and accuracy. You should start with simple problems and progressively solve more challenging problems. This book is full of a variety of problems which can prepare you for any kind of problem.

Evaluation: After solving problems you must analyse your mistakes by using detailed solutions that are provided in the book.

Mock Tests: You must attempt regularly to stimulate exam conditions. Regular practice will help in time management and you will be able to understand where you need to improve more.

Revise: Revision is the key to success so you need to frequently review the problems and concepts that you have learned. The structured layout of these books can help you go through the material systematically.

It can be said that Cengage Mathematics books are worth buying as these are the best resources for JEE Main aspirants for their key features. By using these books effectively you can build a strong foundation in Mathematics and enhance your problem-solving skills.

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