The Best College Planner To Never Miss A Deadline Again: 5 Must-Have Options For Students
Don’t Just Survive, THRIVE at School With These College Planners
As you bask in the joy of wrapping up Spring classes and embracing a well-deserved summer break, it’s natural to push thoughts of the upcoming fall semester to the backburner. However, with an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of cure, now is the perfect time to start planning for your future self. In this post, I’ll be comparing the best planners for college students to help you find the one that suits your unique preferences and style.
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose just one. That’s why instead of recommending a single ‘best’ planner, I’ve curated a list of top picks across various styles and price points. This way, you can make an informed decision based on what works best for you.
So, without further ado, let me introduce you to the following top contenders: The Ultimate Student Planner by ClassTracker, The Centered Student Planner, The Erin Condren Academic Planner, The Live Whale Planner, and The Lemome Academic Planner. And as a special mention, I’ll also be highlighting the You Are A Badass Planner.
Whether you’re looking for a planner that’s tailored to your specific needs or simply want to explore different options, this comprehensive guide will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
College Student Planner Comparison
Among the top-rated student planners, several exceptional options stand out for their unique features and benefits. The Ultimate Student Planner by ClassTracker, measuring 7 inches by 8.5 inches, is an overall winner for its comprehensive design and versatility. For those seeking a more centered approach, the Best Innovation Centered Student Planner, available in a 7 inch by 9 inch format (B5), provides a structured framework for organizing tasks and goals.For users who value customization, the Best Customizable Erin Condren Academic Planner is an excellent choice, offering two size options: 7 inches by 9 inches (B5) or 5.8 inches by 8.3 inches (A5). This planner’s flexibility allows students to tailor it to their specific needs and preferences.For a more basic yet still effective option, the Best Basic Lemome Academic Student Planner is available in two sizes: 5 inches by 8 inches or 8 inches by 11 inches. It provides a straightforward layout for managing daily and weekly tasks.Last but not least, the All-in-One Live Whale Planner takes the cake with its unique design, measuring 8.3 inches by 5.5 inches (A5). This planner’s holistic approach to planning combines goal-setting, task management, and reflection in one comprehensive package.While each of these planners has its own strengths, they all share a commitment to helping students stay organized and focused throughout their academic journey.
Best Planners for College Students
To delve deeper into the world of student planners, explore the following five options that have earned their reputation as top-notch tools for staying organized.
The Ultimate Student Planner by Class Tracker
The Ultimate Student Planner: College Edition stands out as the best college planner due to its expertly tailored format designed specifically for college students. With daily reminders, exams/projects, assignments, and a daily plan, this planner helps students thrive even during busy weeks. We love how it’s lightweight and has an intuitive weekly layout that makes staying organized easy. The reminder system is excellent, allowing students to stay on top of their schedule and never miss a due date. The dated and undated versions provide flexibility in starting the planner at any time during the year. While there is limited planning space for weekends, the overall effectiveness of this planner makes it an Editor’s Pick. With its focus-driven layout and simplicity, this planner simplifies the most challenging parts of college life – organizing and prioritizing. The Ultimate Student Planner: College Edition is available in dated and undated versions, priced at $28.99.
The Centered Student Planner
The Centered Student Planner stands out as a top-rated tool for time management and academic success. Designed by an award-winning college professor, this planner is tailored to address common struggles faced by students, particularly those with ADHD, visual learners, and individuals who struggle with prioritizing tasks. With its easy-to-use system, the planner helps users optimize their daily routine, reduce stress, and maintain emotional well-being.What sets this planner apart is its comprehensive approach to time management. The structured weekly layout features hourly time slots, accompanied by exclusive video training and high-quality materials. This means that students can access valuable guidance at their fingertips, making it an ideal resource for college freshmen, visual learners, and anyone seeking to improve their academic performance.While the planner excels in many areas, there is a limitation – the budget tracking space is relatively limited. However, this drawback does not overshadow the numerous benefits of using the Centered Student Planner.In terms of details, the planner features 12 months of planning, with a sizeable B5 (7″ x 9″) format and a range of page types, including monthly, weekly, year-at-a-glance, class schedule, notes, and to-do lists. The binding is secure wire-O binding with a high-quality linen fabric cover, available in five trendy colors.The Centered Student Planner has been refined through feedback from actual university students who use it, resulting in the best version yet. With its modern QR code bookmark and 52 exclusive video tutorials, this planner is an invaluable resource for any college student seeking to stay organized, focused, and successful.
The Erin Condren Academic Planner
The Erin Condren Academic Planner is a premium choice for students seeking a high-quality, customizable planner. This bestseller boasts a vertical weekly layout, dedicated pages for class schedules and monthly project tracking, and a wide range of cute accessories to make organization fun and engaging. It’s an ideal option for nursing school, college students who crave an immersive planning experience, and those who find joy in beautiful things. With its Made-in-the-USA construction and multiple calendar options, this planner is sure to impress. Optional inserts for added functionality, such as productivity pages or nursing study pages, further enhance its value.While it may be more expensive than other options ($32.50-$47.50), the Erin Condren Academic Planner offers exceptional quality, making it a worthwhile investment for students who want to take their organization skills to the next level. With its coiled and softbound binding options, as well as a Lay-Flat design for left-handed users, this planner is designed with functionality in mind.One of its standout features is the inclusion of project and exam tracking pages, allowing students to stay on top of assignments and due dates. Stickers are also included, providing an extra touch of personalization. The planner’s 50+ colors and designs offer endless possibilities for customization, making it a true reflection of one’s personality.For those who want a more minimalist approach, the Erin Condren Academic Planner offers a Focused option, featuring a sleek and simple design. Additionally, this brand is known for its vast selection of covers, which can be easily swapped out to match one’s changing style. With so many options available, it’s no wonder that the Erin Condren Academic Planner has become a favorite among college students.
The Live Whale Planner
The Live Whale Planner is an eco-friendly and comprehensive solution for organizing your life. With its A5 size (5.5″ x 8.5”) and undated design, you can use it for up to 12 months. The planner features a range of page types, including monthly layouts, weekly spreads, brain dump pages for jotting down ideas or reminders, mind maps, vision boards, and budget tracking templates. The book is bound with a hardcover made from vegan leather or linen fabric, ensuring durability and style. Six different colors are available to match your personal preferences. Inside the planner, you’ll find 120 GSM paper that resists bleeding, making it perfect for using pens or highlighters. A convenient pen loop keeps your writing instruments within reach. The planner also includes extras such as a goal date countdown tracker, inspirational quotes for each month, and additional space for self-tracking. The cover features a charming little whale design, adding a touch of whimsy to this practical tool.
Live Whale Planner
For students seeking a comprehensive academic planning tool, an all-in-one planner is an excellent choice. This book-sized option features 12 months of undated pages for daily, monthly, and budget planning, providing ample space to stay organized both on and off campus. Additionally, it includes sections dedicated to habit tracking, brain dumping, mind mapping, and vision boarding – a holistic approach to managing academic and personal responsibilities.
The Lemome Academic Planner
The Lemome Academic Planner is an excellent choice for students seeking a functional and stylish way to stay organized. This A5-sized planner features 12 months of dating, with monthly, weekly, and yearly overviews, as well as ample space for notes, goals, and daily tasks. The simple layout and clean design make it easy to use, while the lack of distracting quotes or unnecessary additions keeps the focus on planning. One of its standout features is the 88 pages dedicated solely to taking notes, making it a great option for students who value this aspect of their planner. The high-quality paper ensures that ink won’t bleed through, and the overall design has a sophisticated yet understated look that appeals to both college girls and guys. Its on-the-go size makes it easy to carry in a backpack or bag, and the elastic closure, pen loop, inner pocket, two bookmarks, and monthly sticker tabs provide added convenience. Overall, this planner strikes the perfect balance between form and function, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a reliable and effective way to stay organized.
Lemome Academic Planner
For college guys seeking a reliable and practical planner, our top recommendation is a no-frills option that offers an impressive 88 pages of note-taking space. Unlike more elaborate planners, this one cuts out unnecessary fluff, providing just the right balance between simplicity and functionality for busy students. Notably, its compact size makes it easy to carry around.As of May 17th, 2024, prices from Amazon’s Product Advertising API show that this planner is an affordable option. For those looking for something even more portable, we suggest the Lemome Pocket Planner, a smartphone-sized planner packed with great features. Alternatively, if you need a planner with hourly planning capabilities, the Lemome Diary Planner is an excellent choice, ideal for daily planning down to the hour.
Honorable Mention: You Are A Badass Planner
The You Are A Badass Planner takes a unique approach to organization, focusing on positivity and functionality. Its vibrant yellow cover adds a pop of color to any space. The planner’s design features a horizontal weekly spread with ample space for each day, accompanied by checkboxes for task management. Additionally, the book includes monthly overviews, habit trackers, and fun stickers to make planning more enjoyable. Unlike traditional 12-month planners, this one spans an impressive 17 months, making it an excellent choice for students looking for a comprehensive planning solution. Reviewers have praised both the original and previous versions, indicating that the newest iteration is likely just as effective at keeping college life organized. While not specifically designed as an academic planner, its layout lends itself well to such purposes.
You Are A Badass Planner
A planner that fosters motivation, while not exclusively designed for students, offers ample space to record assignments and reminders. This planner is well-suited for goal-oriented individuals who find visual progress motivating, particularly those who appreciate sassy quotes and fun stickers. With its comprehensive layout, this planner provides a perfect platform for tracking goals and celebrating achievements.
Deciding Between College Planners
When it comes to preparing for college life, I believe that a little foresight can go a long way in avoiding future headaches. By choosing a suitable college planner during the summer, I’m able to take my time and find one that aligns with my needs without the pressure of back-to-school season. This approach allows me to make a more level-headed decision rather than rushing into something at the last minute. Being prepared is key to success in college, and I know firsthand how important it is to have a system in place to stay organized and on top of tasks. As a college student, there’s no shortage of responsibilities, from keeping track of class schedules and assignment due dates to social events and extracurricular activities. Having the right planner makes all the difference in helping me manage my life effectively.
How do I find the best academic planner for ME?
When selecting the perfect college planner, simplicity reigns supreme. To find the ideal fit, consider three key factors: your daily schedule, writing habits, and personal preferences. First, assess your busy-ness. Do you need an academic planner that accommodates every detail or a minimalist approach? This will help determine if you require ample space for hourly tasks or just a basic to-do list. Next, evaluate your relationship with writing. If you’re not fond of writing or struggle with legibility, a digital student planner or bullet journal might be the way to go. Finally, think about size and weight. A compact planner that fits in your backpack or purse is convenient for on-the-go use, while a larger notebook can provide ample space if you prioritize portability. By considering these factors, you’ll find a college planner that meets your unique needs and helps you stay organized throughout the school year.
Final thoughts on college student planners…
As we’ve explored my top 5 picks for college student planners, I’m excited to hear which one resonates with you as the most effective tool for staying organized throughout the academic year. Your thoughts are valuable, so please share them in the comments below and let’s start a conversation.
Before we part ways, don’t forget to take some time to relax and make sure your bucket list doesn’t collect dust this summer. With great organization comes great freedom!
More articles related to planners & college:
In this review, we’re taking a closer look at three exceptional tools designed to help college students stay organized and on top of their academic responsibilities. First up is the ClassTracker Ultimate Student Planner, which offers a comprehensive planning system tailored specifically to the needs of higher education students. Next, we’ll be diving into the details of the Bloom Planner for College, an innovative tool that provides a unique approach to organizing daily tasks and long-term goals. Finally, we’ll explore some time management tips specifically geared towards college students, equipping them with the skills necessary to balance their busy schedules effectively.
Best Academic Planners for College Students 2024
Meet Charlie Lake, a seasoned college insider turned blogger, who’s dedicated to demystifying the college experience. As a 2015 graduate, she’s got firsthand knowledge of what it takes to thrive on campus. Her credentials are impressive: author of the book ‘175+ Things to Do Before You Graduate College’ and co-founder of College Life Made Easy, a student lifestyle site that helps young adults navigate the ups and downs of college life with ease. When she’s not sharing her expertise, Charlie can be found crafting innovative DIY projects, from Halloween costumes to care packages, or doling out advice on scholarships, dorm room decor, and more. With features in prominent publications like Redfin and College Ave Student Loans, Charlie is the go-to guide for all things college. Want to learn more about her? Head to the About Page.