So, you’ve got a big project due, a test next week, and five emails you still haven’t responded to.
Sounds familiar?
Well, college life can get overwhelmingly fast, but the right tools can make all the difference.
Staying organized is key to keeping everything under control, and thankfully, there are free apps designed to help students manage their time, assignments, and goals.
Whether you need help tracking assignments or managing your time, this list of free organization apps of 2024 will help you keep your academic life in order and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
1. Notion
I can’t count the number of times Notion has saved me when everything feels chaotic.
I use it to organize my entire academic life. Notion allows you to create separate pages for every class or project. This platform makes it easy to keep track of notes, deadlines, and to-do lists.
You can also add tags, prioritize tasks, and even collaborate on group projects. If you’re like me and enjoy having everything in one place, Notion will become your go-to app.
Here’s how I use it:
- Separate pages for each course with embedded lecture notes and assignments
- A master to-do list for the week to keep track of deadlines
- Sharing project progress with classmates for group assignments
2. Todoist
Sometimes, I need something a little simpler to manage my day-to-day tasks, and that’s when I open Todoist.
This app is perfect for managing short-term tasks like homework assignments, exam dates, or even personal goals. I love how easy it is to create new tasks and organize them by priority.
Thanks to this app, you can set recurring tasks, so you’ll never forget to check on that weekly reading or submit an assignment.
Use Todoist for:
- Creating lists for daily and weekly study tasks
- Tracking important project milestones
- Prioritizing urgent tasks with deadlines coming up soon
3. Google Calendar
Let’s be honest, Google Calendar is a lifesaver.
If you aren’t using Google Calendar yet, it’s time to start. I use it to schedule everything—classes, study blocks, meetings, you name it.
Google Calendar syncs across all devices, so whether I’m at my desk or on the go, I know exactly what’s coming up.
Plus, you can set reminders for tests, assignment deadlines, or even personal events, so nothing slips through the cracks.
Here’s how I stay on track:
- Blocking out dedicated time for study sessions
- Color-coding events by type (e.g., classes, social, personal)
- Setting up alerts for upcoming deadlines
4. Microsoft OneNote
I’m a huge fan of digital note-taking, and Microsoft OneNote has become my favorite way to keep track of class notes.
I love that it lets me organize notes by subject, and the ability to insert images, links, and even audio recordings makes it a really dynamic tool.
OneNote syncs with all my devices, so I can quickly review lecture notes before an exam no matter where I am.
Ways I use OneNote:
- Organizing lecture notes by subject
- Adding visual elements like charts or graphs into notes
- Creating to-do lists within class notes to keep assignments in focus
5. Trello
For project management, especially for group work, Trello is unbeatable.
I use Trello to organize multi-step assignments and visualize my progress. Each subject or project gets its own board, and I love moving tasks from “To-Do” to “Completed” because it’s so satisfying to see my progress.
If you’re working on a group project, Trello makes it easy to assign tasks and track what each member is working on.
Why it’s great:
- Perfect for breaking large projects into smaller tasks
- Keeps group projects organized by assigning tasks to each member
- A visual layout that makes it easy to see what’s done and what’s left
6. Forest
Sometimes I struggle with staying focused, and that’s where Forest comes in handy. It’s a simple but effective way to boost focus by gamifying study sessions.
Whenever I need to concentrate, I “plant a tree,” and if I stay focused for the full session, my tree grows.
If I get distracted and leave the app, the tree dies. It’s a fun way to keep yourself accountable and get some serious study time in.
What I love about Forest:
- Encourages focus during long study sessions
- Helps you track how much time you’re spending productively
- Provides a fun, visual incentive to stay off your phone
7. My Study Life
Another app designed specifically for students, My Study Life helps me keep my class schedule, assignments, and exams organized.
Unlike a typical calendar app, My Study Life is built with students in mind, so it’s easy to track coursework and sync important dates with your calendar.
It even reminds me about upcoming exams and overdue assignments, so I never miss a deadline.
Here’s why students adore this tool:
- Syncs class schedules and assignments seamlessly
- Provides automatic reminders for tests and deadlines
- Keeps everything in one simple, easy-to-navigate app
8. Google Keep
For quick notes and lists, Google Keep is my go-to.
Whether I’m jotting down ideas for a paper or making a list of readings for the week, Google Keep keeps it simple.
The best part is that I can color-code my notes and pin the most important ones to the top. It’s a great tool for when I don’t need a full planner but just want to remember a few things.
Why it works:
- Great for capturing quick thoughts or lists
- Easy to organize notes by color and priority
- Syncs instantly with my Google account
9. Slack
When it comes to group projects, Slack has been a game-changer. Instead of using messy group texts or endless email chains, Slack lets me create separate channels for each project or subject.
This way, all communication stays organized, and files are easy to find. Whether it’s coordinating a group project or planning a study session, Slack simplifies collaboration.
How I use Slack:
- Organizing group project discussions in dedicated channels
- Sharing documents and notes quickly
- Setting reminders for group deadlines and tasks
Summary
Staying organized as a student can feel like a juggling act, but these free apps can help you manage everything from assignments and exams to group projects and study sessions.
Whether you’re using Notion to organize your entire semester, Trello to break down big projects, or Forest to stay focused during study time, there’s an app out there to fit your style.
Try incorporating a few into your routine and see how much easier it is to stay on track in 2024!