This post shares some of the best academic planners for staying organized
I love planners. I have always been that student with the overly organized binder in middle school or color-coordinated supplies in high school. So when I started college and it was apparent I needed a planner, it became my new favorite school supply.
While I love Target planners and think they are a great affordable option, I have been the type of person who wanted an Erin Condren planner. However, when I went to spend the money, I noticed the planner didn’t fit what I needed. So I set out to find the best academic planners for my needs. And I have found a lot that I fell in love with.
Here are some of the best academic planners I have used
Passion Planner
The Passion Planner was my college go-to planner for years. It was especially helpful when I started traditional college courses with set schedules.
Planner focus
This planner focuses on mind-mapping goals and time blocking. The first few pages of the planner teach you how to mind map your goals. Then you are provided space monthly, weekly, and quarterly to mind map your goals.
There are also reflection pages throughout the planner to measure your goals.
The layout
Each month starts with the traditional monthly layout. The left margin consists of a monthly focus, and sections for your to-dos based on categories (things to do, people to see, etc.) You also get a to-do list for personal things and work, which is broken down by priority.
Next is the weekly layout. Each week comes with the same focus and to-do sections. Each day is then broken down by hourly schedule. This is great if you are someone who loves to time block.
The design
What I love the most about this planner is how many designs there are. You can choose from countless covers that vary in color and design. There are also three size options and you can choose between a physical or digital planner. You also get to choose a Monday or Sunday start. This was great as my weeks always started on Monday.
Other fun things
If you are a true planner girly, Passion Planner has a big community. They are all over social media sharing how they decorate their planners.
If you are unsure of what size you want or if you will even like the planner, there are free printable pages to get a feel for it all. They also recommend this option for students who can not afford a planner.
Finally, Passion Planner loves to give back to the community. For every planner you buy, one is donated to a student who can’t afford one.
- Pros: Multiple design options, great community, time blocking
- Cons: little space to write to-do lists, wish the schedule was longer for late night scheduling
Amplyfiy Planner
Amplyfiy Planner was the planner I used when I first started grad school. This planner is broken up into quarterly sections, meaning you have a planner for 4 of the months.
The layout
Each planner starts with a few goal pages to plan out your quarter.
Monthly sections are tabbed, including a focus section, a to-do section, and a habit tracker. Following the monthly layouts are two blanket pages to use however you wish.
Next, you have a weekly section to plan out your week followed by another blank sheet. This was my favorite place to write out my weekly assignments and readings.
Then you get into the daily sheets. Each day includes a spot for time blocking and to-do lists, daily focus, and multiple blank spaces.
The design
You can choose between a verticle or horizontal weekly layout, which is great depending on how you want to schedule things. Each quarter focuses on different colors, so you never know what is coming up next. Each year there is also a color of the year that usually sells out quickly.
Other fun things
You can buy these planners buy the quarter or with a yearly bundle. There are also options for digital and printable planners.
This planner also is starting to build a community. They have a subscription that comes with fun covers and other exclusives.
- Pros: great for students who are on quarterly schedules. Monthly, weekly, and daily scheduling.
- Cons: expensive! Each planner costs around $55 for a quarter, meaning you will spend around $200 for the year. They also sell out fast in fun colors.
The Dailee
The Dailee is my current planner and I think one of the best academic planners. My life does not need an academic planner as much now, so I use the yearly planner. However, most of the planners are the same with a few adjustments to the front pages.
Planner focus
The first thing you will be told about this planner is that it is for Type A’s. There are so many pages that it can feel overkill if you aren’t that type of person. But this has been my favorite planner by far, and the first one I have used consistently.
The layout
Each planner starts with pages based on the type of planner you choose. For the academic planner, you have pages for assignment tackers, group project planners, and course schedules.
Then you go into your monthly layout. Each month includes pages for reflection on the previous month and goal planning for the future month. Months are tabbed making it easy to flip through them. My favorite part of the monthly layout is that the page is lined. Meaning straight writing! You also get pages for monthly budgeting and a spending tracker.
Then you have your weekly layout. This includes a spot to input your workout, meal plan, and create a grocery list. You also get space for to-do spots, goals, habit trackers, and blank space for anything else.
Next, you get a page for each weekday. Each day includes an hourly planner (that goes from 5 am to 12 am!), a to-do list, and blank space for notes. Then you get a sheet for the weekend that includes to-do lists for each day.
The design
I love the designs for these planners. They are basic and calming. Pages are also off-white, giving a more calming feeling.
Other fun things
These planners are hardbound, meaning they are sturdy which is great for moving around all the time. Each planner also comes with a removable bookmark. I love that this bookmark is thick enough that it doesn’t break down over time.
There are also multiple options for planners. You can get a mom planner, teacher planner, yearly planner, blog planner, or academic planner. Each planner also has specialized pages to fit your needs. They also all come in digital options as well.
- Pros: This planner has everything! I love everything about it.
- Cons: it has a lot, meaning it is big and heavy. This planner also sells out fast! There are restocks in the summer and late fall. If you are interested, definitely get on the email list.
Choosing the best academic planner is hard
I have tried so many planners that I love. Each time I fall in love with one, there is always another that captures my attention. As always, a planner should fit what you need. But hopefully, this list gave you some ideas on what to look for!
Leave a Reply