7 Best Planners for College Students (That Help You Finally Get Organized!)

Master the art of organization by getting your hands on one of the best planners for college students. You need a solid system that keeps all your premed resources, checklists, and important dates in one neat little package. 

Why? Because understanding the application timeline to successfully apply to medical school is way harder than it seems. And a full schedule of hard classes, multiple extracurriculars, constantly studying for another quiz or exam, and trying to still have a life doesn’t make it any easier.

It’s soooo time to finally, finally ditch the chaos and overwhelm for good! I’ve gathered my top picks for the best planners for college students out there, including my It’s Life, By Maggie digital planner, that’s an absolute must-have for premeds. These planners will help you stay organized and keep you right on track so you can finally make to-do lists that actually get done and on time!

This post is all about best planner for best planners for college students.

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List of Best Planners For College Students

How Are Planners Super Helpful for College Students?

A high-quality planner, especially for college students prepping to apply to medical school, provides an effective system for keeping everything you need at your fingertips while also laying out a four-year plan.

I’m sure we can all agree that navigating the medical school application timeline is way more complicated than it should be. It makes trying to write an essay for that one class you absolutely dread seem easy, peasy lemon squeezy. If only it were as simple as focusing on good grades and getting a great MCAT score! 

The reality is you need to wrap your brain around how to apply to medical school in the first place. And don’t expect to rely on Google or Reddit to help you figure it out.  You’ll end up going down the rabbit hole of research and feeling more overwhelmed than when you started. I’ve been there, done that! Let’s just say four gap years later, including a year and a half of doing nothing related to applying because I was so lost and confused, isn’t something I’d recommend!

However, don’t lose hope! There’s a solution, and it starts with one word: ORGANIZATION! 

The right planner can help you stay on track and conquer your goals like a boss! Here are the many ways a planner can make such a difference.

• Remove the crushing weight of stress and replace it with a crystal-clear roadmap. 
• End the self-doubt that prevents you from ever feeling like you are moving forward. Start tracking your progress toward each of your goals.
• Instead of being stuck in planning mode, begin actively studying for the MCAT.
• Rather than missing deadlines or rushing at the last minute for due dates you forgot about, know when they’re coming up so you can prioritize what needs to get done by when.
• Stop wasting entire days and never accomplishing much. Instead, establish a schedule that efficiently manages your time into blocks for classes, studying, extracurricular activities, and downtime. 

Features to Look for in an Academic Planner for College Students

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate planner to get your college life organized, there are some key features you definitely want to keep in mind. Here’s a detailed list of what to look for so you can level up your planner game.

• Detailed Calendar: Look for a planner with dated monthly and weekly spreads so you can easily jot down assignments, exams, and deadlines all in one place! Having a clear layout helps keep your brain from going into overload.
• Schedule Section: A dedicated space for your class schedules and time blocks for your other activities helps keep everything neatly organized. No more stressing over where you’re supposed to be at 10 a.m.!
• Weekly vs. Daily Options: Figure out if you prefer to see your week at a glance or if you want a daily breakdown. It really depends on how detailed you want to get with your organization.
• Project and Exam Pages: Bigger projects and exam prep can feel overwhelming, so find a planner with dedicated sections for these. You want spaces where you can break down tasks into milestones and jot down important due dates so nothing slips through the cracks!
• Note-Taking Pages: Extra lined or gridded pages are super handy for jotting down random thoughts, reminders, brainstorming ideas, or capturing all those “Aha!” moments.
• Customizable Layouts: Flexibility that allows you to add or remove sections based on your need can be a lifesaver. Some planners even come with colored pages or stickers so you can get crafty and personalize them to your heart’s content.
• Color-Coding Options: If you’re all about visual organization, look for planners that support color-coding assignments or classes. Being able to quickly glance and see what’s due in purple versus what’s in blue makes a world of difference in staying on track.
• Motivational Elements: Because we all need a little pep talk sometimes! Planners with inspirational quotes, goal-setting sections, or progress trackers can help you stay motivated and ready to crush your college goals.
• Personal Style: Find a planner with a design or color scheme that you love! The more you enjoy looking at it, the more likely you’ll keep using it throughout the semester.

Digital vs. Physical Planners  

Decide if you’re more drawn to the tactile experience of a planner that you can hold in your hands and write directly on or if you prefer a digital planner app that syncs across all your devices. Do what feels right for you!

When choosing a digital planner, keep these technical considerations in mind while exploring your options.

• Linking Features: Look for planners that let you click through to each day, week, and month. It makes navigation super easy!
• Tutorial Availability: If you’re new to digital planners, see if there’s a tutorial available to help you get started with downloading and using the app.
• Start Day Preference: It’s a great perk when the planner gives you the option to personalize whether you want the start of the week to be Monday or Sunday.
• User Experience: Look for an app that’s easy to use and navigate. If you enjoy the setup, you’ll likely use it to its full potential.
• Sync Across Devices: Make sure the planner app syncs smoothly across your phone, tablet, and computer. You want your planner to be with you wherever you go!
• Customization Options: Can you tweak the layout or add your own flair? Personalization can make planning so much more fun!
• Additional Features: Check for features like reminders, to-do lists, and habit trackers that make planning even more effective for you.

If you opt for a physical planner, here are a few additional features you may want to consider.

• Size and Portability: Ensure your planner fits well in your bag and isn’t too bulky to carry around. You won’t use it if it’s a pain to lug around!
• Durable Cover: You’ll likely be lugging this baby around in your backpack, so it needs to withstand daily wear and tear. You don’t want your planner falling apart halfway through the semester!
• Pockets or Storage: Internal pockets or compartments for holding loose papers, handouts, and important documents provide a perfect spot for keeping everything tidy and organized without the risk of losing important notes.

The Best Planners for College Students

Here are my top choices for the best planners that’ll get you organized and keep you moving forward toward crushing your goals.

It’s Life, by Maggie Daily Premed Digital Planner

My 24-25 Premed Digital Planner is an absolute lifesaver for busy college students pursuing medicine. Created by Maggie, yours truly, a fourth-year medical student, it’s tailored to give you all the tools you need to stay organized amidst the craziness of premed life. 

This planner combines function with a user-friendly design so you can manage everything from your semester schedules to MCAT study plans without feeling overwhelmed. It’s basically the planner I wish I had when during my own premed journey.

I’m so, so proud of it. It’s going to help you so, so much! This planner is your all-in-one toolkit to keep every aspect of your premed life seamlessly organized. Here’s why you’ll love the It’s Life, by Maggie Daily Premed Digital Planner. 

• Landscape Orientation: Perfect for wide views and easy writing.
• Fully Hyperlinked for Easy Navigation: Jump around sections without wasting time.
• Premed Pages Included: Specially designed to cater to your unique needs as a premed student.
• MCAT Dashboard & Tracker: Keep your study goals in sight and in check.
• Monthly & Weekly Overview Pages: Plan your month and week down to the hour, ensuring you never miss a beat.
• And sooooo much more…

Remember, this is a digital planner, so no physical product will be shipped. But that just means you can take it with you anywhere!

Student Digital Planner by Flourishplanner

This digital planner combines ease of use with a super cute design, making it fun to stay on top of assignments and deadlines. Plus, the goal-setting templates and vision boards add inspiration to crush your academic goals. Overall, it’s the perfect blend of organization and mindfulness to help reduce your stress during the school year!

If you want to streamline your school year while staying mindful and inspired, this planner is definitely for you! Here are a few of the features you’ll find inside the Student Digital Planner by Flourishplanner.

• Dated Monthly & Weekly Planner: Easily plan out your months and weeks ahead.
• Hyperlinked Tabs: Jump between sections effortlessly for quick access to everything you need.
• Goal Setting Templates: Outline your goals and stay focused on what matters most.
• Vision Boards: Get creative and visualize your success!
• Project Deadline Tracker: Never miss a due date again with this handy feature.

Whether you prefer digital or want to print it out, this planner is ready to help you thrive in school your way!

Digital Planner by Good Mondays Paper

This digital planner offers a sleek, minimalist design that has thought of everything. From hyperlinked pages to a stunning range of colors, it’s about as customizable as you can get. Whether you prefer a structured hourly layout or something more chill like bullet journaling, this planner makes organization feel effortless. If you’re looking for a planner that combines style with functionality, this is the one for you!

The Digital Planner by Good Mondays Paper offers the following features.

• Fully dated from January 2025 to December 2025 with yearly, quarterly, monthly, weekly, and daily pages.
• Flexibility to easily switch between two weekly layouts and enjoy a weekly review page at the end of each week.
• Integration with Apple Calendar and Google Calendar for seamless scheduling.
• Customizable with 13 vibrant tab colors and a library of stickers to match your vibe.
• Extra un-dated templates for added personalization, plus a vision board and wellness tracking tools included.

Overall, this planner is all about making your life easier while keeping it stylish!

Papier Weekly/Monthly Planner

This planner is perfect for anyone like me who wants to balance big-picture planning with daily details. The spiral binding is super convenient. Also, I appreciate the way it has sections to encourage you to set monthly goals and look over your week at a glance. Plus, with adorable tulip designs, it’s a total vibe that adds joy to your planning routine!

If you’re looking to crush your goals and keep everything organized in one place, the Papier Planner is totally the way to go!

Here’s what to love about it:

• Spiral Bound: Pages lay flat and can be easily torn away when needed
• Yearly Overview: Get a full layout of 2025 from January to December at a glance.
• Monthly Goals: Clearly defined sections for to-dos, habits, and priorities each month.
• Week-Views: Daily breakdowns that dive deep into your plans, running until January 2026.
• Contacts Page: Keep your important numbers in one handy spot without the hassle.

If you’re looking to elevate your planning game, give this a try!

Day Designer Daily Planner

I used this planner when I was studying for the MCAT. I loved the format!  The daily pages kept me organized and focused. It’s super stylish. However, the only con of this planner is that it’s on the pricey side! Although if you know someone who appreciates a beautifully crafted planner that pays attention to every little detail, this would make an incredible gift!

Here are a few of the features you’ll discover inside the Day Designer Daily Planner.

• Dated Monthly and Daily Pages: January through December 2025, complete with tabbed months for easy navigation.
• Comprehensive Daily Layout: Includes your hourly schedule, to-do list, space for gratitude, top three priorities, and inspirational quotes.
• Sturdy Design: Hardcover with durable coated tabs and gold twin-wire binding, so it can take on whatever life throws your way.
• Smart Goal-Setting Pages: Helps you visualize your goals and maintain balance while keeping you productive every day.
• Bonus Extras: Comes with stickers, a removable ruler bookmark, an interior pocket for loose papers, and gorgeous gift packaging if you’re gifting it!

Even though it’s expensive, don’t overlook how this planner offers the perfect blend of functionality and elegance. It makes it easy to stay on top of your busy schedule and inspires you daily!

Rifle Paper Co. 17-Month Academic Covered Spiral Planner

Not only does this planner cover your planning needs for well over a year, but it’s also very aesthetic! You’ll likely want to show it off to your friends. The hardcover is sturdy, and the gold foil details make it feel fancy without being over the top. Plus, the layout is so easy to use, and the added stickers make planning feel a little more fun!

The Rifle Paper Co. Planner provides the following features:

• 17-Month Coverage: Spanning from August 2024 to December 2025, perfect for students and planners alike.
• Stylish Design: A metallic gold band and beautiful floral prints bring some charm to your daily planning.
• Inspirational Quotes: Keep your motivation high with uplifting quotes sprinkled throughout the pages.
• Storage Solutions: Includes pocket folders and sections for celebrations, notes, and contacts to stay organized.
• Fun Extras: Comes with three sticker sheets to add a touch of creativity to your planner!

If you’re all about blending aesthetics with functionality in your planner, this is definitely the one to grab. It’s so perfect for anyone who prefers to write with pen and paper.

Full Focus Leather Coil Planner by Michael Hyatt

If you’re looking for a game-changer to help you crush your goals, every page of this planner encourages you to focus on your big dreams. It guides you to plan your day based on the goals you set in the beginning. 

However, just a little heads up: it’s on the pricier side. And you have to buy a new planner each quarter, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for something long-term. Overall, it’s super well-designed for anyone who wants to make the most out of each day while intentionally working towards their ambitions.

Here are five awesome features of the Full Focus Planner by Michael Hyatt:  

• Goal-Oriented Design: Each section helps you link your daily tasks to your long-term goals.
• Proven Strategies: Based on the wisdom of productivity expert Michael Hyatt, so you know it’s legit.
• Progress Tracking: Weekly and quarterly review templates keep you on track and accountable.
• Daily Framework: Helps you prioritize your most impactful tasks over everyday distractions.
• Focus on What Matters: Keeps your top priorities front and center, so you make meaningful progress daily.

Although it’s not an “academic” planner, it’s still perfect for college students, especially if you’re serious about making your goals a reality and you thrive on structure!

Quick Tips for Using a Planner as a College Student

So you’ve got your planner all picked out, but how do you make the most of it? Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

1. Make it a habit to update your planner regularly. Jot down due dates, project timelines, and even fun campus events. The more you record, the less you’re scrambling to remember! 
2. Grab some colored pens or highlighters and create a color-coding system that works for you. For example, use one color for your classes, another for social events, and one for deadlines. This visual cue makes it super easy to see what’s coming up and helps you prioritize without even thinking about it. Plus, it makes your planner look super cute!
3. Set aside a little “planner time” at the beginning or end of each week to check in on your planner. Peek at upcoming deadlines, review what you accomplished, and adjust your plans as needed. Maybe you need to devote more time to studying for finals or shift around some social plans to make room for a group project. Regular check-ins help you stay on track and ensure you’re not blindsided by any last-minute surprises!

Sticking to these tips will not only help you use your planner more effectively but also lead to less stress and more time for Netflix binge-watching (just saying!). 

Which of These Best Planners for College Students is Right for You?

When it comes down to choosing the right planner for your college journey, it’s all about finding one that vibes with your unique style and needs. Each planner on this list has something special to offer, whether you’re looking for digital flexibility, a beautiful design to inspire you, or a structured layout to keep your study schedule on point.

Think about your habits. Are you a doodler who loves to personalize pages or someone who prefers keeping it sleek and simple? Whichever route you take, investing in one of these planners can help you reign in the chaos of college life and keep your premed goals on track. So, go ahead and explore these options. Your future self will definitely thank you!

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