College Planners To Help You Live Your Most Organized Life

Not matter what your back-to-school plan is for the upcoming semester, you'll want to be as organized as possible when tackling the slew of assignments and tasks that await. In times of tremendous uncertainty (aka the year of 2020), finding ways to feel in control over all the moving parts in our lives is important — and that's where a great planner comes in handy.

There are plenty of reasons to love planners: the month-at-a-glance grids, the daily breakdowns, the blank lines for one-off reminders, the inspirational quotes at the start of each month. Because really... what's a new semester without bullet-pointed lists jotted down in your planner's margins during drop/add period?

Whether you're into planners of the uber-structured variety where everything has its designated space, or you fancy yourself a minimalist and prefer extra doodle room, check out this roundup of 2020's cutest and most useful mid-year and academic planners at a variety of price points.

We’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. 

Erin Condren Fruity Beauty Academic Planner

With lemon-emblazoned products are all the rage in the design world, so why not opt for a planner that follows suit? Erin Condren is known for the vibrant and trendy designs of its must-have academic planners, which feature 12 months of customized planning, a dated calendar, and nifty laminated tabs.

Erin Condren Fruity Beauty Academic Planner, $, available at Erin Condren

Draper James Magnolia Weekly Planner

The undated year, month, and week views of this planner mean you can use it whenever and however it suits your schedule and organization goals. There are even monogram stickers for personalization to give it that extra-special touch.

Draper James Magnolia Weekly Planner, $, available at Draper James

M H Angelica 36 Months Calendar Academic Agenda Planner

For the uber-prepared who just won't stop at 12 months of planning, there's always this 3-year option offering space to record notes, organize work assignments, and keep a to-do list — spanning over a whopping 36 month period.

M H Angelica 36 Months Calendar Academic Agenda Planner, $, available at Walmart

Mrs Welch Creates Hawaiian Vibes 2020-2021 Teacher Planner

Students aren't the only ones that need to stay organized throughout the school year. If you're a teacher, this planner was made with you in mind. It includes monthly spreads, weekly layouts, a notes section, inspirational quotes, and contact log along with a grid to lay out your classroom seating chart. The weekly spreads also have space to write your lessons plans for each subject.

MrsWelchCreates Hawaiian Vibes 2020-2021 Teacher Planner, $, available at Etsy

TF Publishing July 2019 - June 2020 Medium Daily Weekly Monthly Planner

This mustard-hued planner covers the academic months of July 2019 - June 2020 featuring interior planning pages that are simple and effective. Monthly two-page spreads feature a full-month view on one side and multiple notes sections and reminders on the opposite. What's more, each week you can enjoy an additional organized layout with a weekly schedule and habit trackers.

TF Publishing July 2019 - June 2020 Medium Daily Weekly Monthly Plann, $, available at Staples

Day Designer Academic Year 2020-2021 Daily Planner

If you're drawn to delicate flora and foliage, this is the academic planner for you. Its signature Today & To-Do page format keeps your schedule and immediate tasks on track, while goal-setting worksheets, annual overviews, and monthly calendars will keep you on top of things over the long term.

Day Designer Academic Year 2020-2021 Daily Planner, $, available at Day Designer

Emily Ley Blue Stripe Academic Customizable Weekly-Monthly Planner

Created by designer and mom Emily Ley, this planner made based on the belief that a full and abundant life doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Use its many spreads, calendars, and design tools to de-clutter your life without skipping a beat.

Emily Ley Blue Stripe Academic Customizable Weekly-Monthly Planne, $, available at At A Glance

Claire Tillustration 2020-2021 Mid-Year Planner

This mid-year planner was made by hand using eco-friendly recycled papers. Its stunning cover pattern is inspired by seasonal woodland botanicals like autumn leaves and winter berries, and the inside is filled with the space needed to organize all your plans, thoughts, and ideas throughout the year.

ClaireTIllustration 2020-2021 Mid-Year Planner, $, available at Etsy

TF Publishing Pineapple July 2020 to June 2021 Weekly/Monthly Planner

Busybodies, rejoice! This option makes it easy to check or update your schedule using expansive monthly grids and weekly pages for recording appointments and other detailed information. Plus, it comes with 368 stickers for some added color and fun.

TF Publishing Pineapple July 2020 to June 2021 Weekly/Monthly Planner, $, available at Bed Bath & Beyond

Papier A Year of Plans Diary

Perfect for embarking on a new academic year or pencilling in plans for the months ahead, this mid-year diary has got you covered from now until July 5, 2021. Expect to find weekly, monthly, and yearly overviews, along with plenty of space for goals, deadlines, and tasks.

Papier A Year of Plans, $, available at Papier

Poketo Daily Weekly Monthly Planner

This open-dated planner features space for you to timestamp events and tasks with extra room for notes and sketches. It includes daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly sections along with two pockets in the back to keep loose-leaf papers and documents in one place.

Poketo Daily Weekly Monthly Planner, $, available at design milk

Moleskine Classic 18-Month 2020 Daily Planner

When it comes to getting organized, Moleskine is a classic choice. Their daily and weekly planners have long been a favorite for business and travel planning, bullet journaling, even fitness tracking. Each day gets its own page so you can stay on top of even the most complex of projects.

Moleskine 18 Month 2020-2021 Daily Planner, $, available at Amazon

Minted Things To Do Next Year Notebook

Record your thoughts and plans while supporting your local community with this customizable notebook planner or address book created by Minted's global community of independent designers. Plus, a portion of every sale from this collection goes to Frontline Foods to help support restaurants and feed healthcare workers on the frontlines.

Yours Madly Things to do...next year Notebooks, $, available at Minted

Maalbok 2020-2021 Academic Planner

This textured planner is comfortable to carry and use featuring monthly and weekly pages with durable, coated tab dividers for easy (and pretty!) year-round planning and tracking.

Maalbok 2020-2021 Academic Planner, $, available at Amazon

Blue Sky 2020-2021 Palms Weekly Planner 

Get a stylish head start on the academic year with weekly and monthly pages for planning and scheduling, a notes section, and reference calendar all waiting for you behind a chic palm-leaf cover.

Blue Sky 2020-2021 Palms Weekly Planner 8.5 x 11, $, available at Blue Sky

from refinery29