15 Best Planners for College Students with ADHD
Are you looking for the best planners for college students with ADHD?
For college students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), managing time can be a significant challenge. Good planners designed for students with ADHD can help!
Many students with ADHD struggle to maintain a consistent schedule and may find it difficult to balance academic, social, and personal responsibilities.
College students with ADHD might need some extra help keeping track of their to-do lists and organizing their study time.
If you have ADHD, you know how important it is to stay organized.
And if you’re a college student with ADHD, you know it can feel pretty much impossible to stay organized in college.
So, what to do?
One effective tool for managing time and staying organized is using a planner. A planner can help college students with ADHD set goals, plan tasks, and create a schedule that works for them.
College students with ADHD need to find a daily planner that works with their brain. Some planners work better for neurodivergent minds than others do. And of course, everyone has to find the planner that suits them the best.
The right planner will help you accomplish your goals, bring intentionality to your day, and not feel overwhelming.
This blog post will explore the best planners for college students with ADHD and provide tips for incorporating a planner into daily life. I’ve looked at dozens of planners and read hundreds of planner reviews to choose this list of the absolute best planners for students with ADHD.
Whether you are a student with ADHD looking to improve time management skills or a parent or educator seeking strategies to support students with ADHD, this post will offer practical advice and insights to help you get started.
My Top 3 Picks: Best planners for College Students with ADHD
Why should college students with ADHD use a planner?
Simply put, planners help you plan your life! By using a planner, you can manage some of the challenges of having ADHD in college.
Planners help you:
- Remember important things
- Manage your time
- Stay organized
- Avoid distraction
- Stop procrastinating
- Think through the details
- Get things done
All college students, whether they have ADHD or not, should use a planner!
Why do students with ADHD struggle at college?
College students with ADHD often have difficulty keeping up with the pace of college classes and the hands-off approach of professors. College coursework requires a lot of self discipline and excellent time management skills.
In college, all students might struggle more than they did in college. High school provided more structure to each day, sometimes with built-in study halls.
High school grades didn’t depend entirely on only a few big assignments or exams. Even students who learned how to deal with an ADHD diagnosis in high school will still find college challenging.
Of course, many students are diagnosed with ADHD in college. Usually, the main feeling upon receiving that diagnosis is relief, followed by the thought “This diagnosis explains so much!”
Students with ADHD struggle with:
- Organizational skills: managing all the tasks required in college classes
- Time management: struggling to make effective use of time
- Executive function: organizing and integrating information
- Time blindness: not realizing how time passes or how much time things take to do
- Working memory: remembering information even while they’re using the information
What are the best Planners for college students with ADHD?
Planners designed for college students with ADHD should be tailored to how ADHD brains function. People who have a neurodivergent brain may not have success with traditional planners.
Also, a digital planner or calendar app might be less effective for a student with ADHD.
And, many people with ADHD need a more structured planner than just pages of blank lines.
The best planners for ADHD college students are ones that let users:
- See time passing visually
- Allow transition time (like travel and getting ready)
- Have room to write down all. the. things.
- Have areas to prioritize tasks
- Create subtasks by breaking large projects into smaller tasks
- Easily reorder and reprioritize tasks
- Reschedule events easily
- Avoid hidden subtasks
- Avoid being caught out by transition times
- Trust the planner and not have to remember everything
- Set time aside for self care
- Schedule time with friends
What to look for in a planner for ADHD college students
To decide which is the best planner for a college student with ADHD, consider the features of each planner.
All planners have some basic features in common. But in each planner, sections will be arranged differently.
Every planner will have a calendar. Some planners will include dates. These will typically be 12- or 18-month calendars.
Other planners are undated. This means that you have to write in the dates yourself. You can start the planner whenever you like.
Some planners have space for a habit tracker or to-do lists. Others have space to write down any notes on the day, a daily goal, reminders, or random ideas.
Some planners are day planners, with day-by-day blocks. Often each day is broken down into hourly or even quarter-hour increments.
Often planners have a weekly view, so the user can see the upcoming week to know what’s ahead. The week-at-a-glance feature will help you remember you have something due on Friday, so you set aside time to prepare earlier in the week.
Similarly, planners usually also have a monthly view. Again, a monthly planner overview helps you see the big picture and allows you to plan your time to more easily complete tasks.
Consider what features would be the most useful to you. If you’re not sure, opt for a planner with all the features, so you can try them out and see what works best for you.
Choose a paper calendar
Many people with ADHD prefer paper planners to online calendars, like Google Calendar. For ADHD brains, paper planners are often better than online calendars. Here’s why:
Writing things down on paper helps you process the information
A study conducted by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology concluded that when of young adults and school-aged children write and draw, “brain areas in the parietal and central regions showed event-related synchronized activity in the theta range.”
This type of activity “in these particular regions of the brain is important for memory and for the encoding of new information.”
In short, by writing down your tasks and goals, you process the information better.
Seeing the hours of your day helps you visualize your time
Also, seeing a big graphic view of your schedule and to-do list is helpful. Paper planners allow students to see their time mapped out, which is incredibly helpful for students with ADHD.
Paper planners promote time-management skills
Seeing everything all in one place, with daily, weekly, and monthly views, will help you understand time. Seeing your immediate and future plans will help you prioritize, focus on tasks, and track your progress towards goals and due dates.
Electronic devices are distracting
When you enter tasks or calendar appointments on your phone or other device, you’re almost certain to be distracted by a social media app notification.
Then you’ll forget to make the calendar entry you started to make. Or you’ll lose two hours that you should have used for something else.
Fewer mistakes with paper
It’s very, very, very easy to enter something on an electronic calendar on the wrong day or at the wrong time… and not realize it until you’ve missed the event.
When you write something down in a paper planner, it’s much more obvious if you’re writing it down on the correct day and time.
My Top 3 Picks: Best planners for College Students with ADHD
15 Best Planners for College Students with ADHD
The Epic Self ADHD Planner is a game-changing companion for individuals managing ADHD. There are two versions: an Epic Self ADHD spiral-bound planner and an Epic Self book-bound planner.
This 90-day undated planner is thoughtfully crafted to provide a practical and effective solution for organizing your life. Designed with the unique needs of ADHD individuals in mind, the Epic Self ADHD Planner offers a user-friendly layout that helps you stay focused and on track.
With its intuitive system, you can effortlessly prioritize tasks, set goals, and break them down into manageable steps. The planner’s specialized features, such as habit trackers and dedicated sections for medication tracking, provide valuable support for managing ADHD symptoms.
This little book has high-quality construction ensures durability, making it a reliable tool to navigate the challenges of everyday life in college with ADHD.
The Epic Self ADHD Planner empowers you to take control, improve productivity, and achieve success with greater ease. Embrace a new level of organization and harness your full potential with this essential tool designed for individuals with ADHD.
“As someone with ADD, I often (always) struggle with keeping track of my daily tasks and managing my time effectively. This planner has helped me to create a structured routine that allows me to stay focused and on track throughout the day.” -Kevin H. (Read more reviews)
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The Planner Pad organizer is a reliable and efficient tool to help you stay organized and in control of your busy life. This planner is designed with simplicity and functionality in mind.
The unique format of The Planner Pad allows you to prioritize tasks and appointments effectively. The two-page spread has room for all your big ideas and task lists.
With its spacious layout, you can easily view your weekly schedule at a glance, enabling you to manage your time efficiently. The planner’s innovative funnel system helps you categorize and prioritize tasks based on their importance and urgency.
By providing a clear visual representation of your commitments, The Planner Pad reduces overwhelm and boosts productivity.
The Planner Pad can bring order and structure to your daily life, help you stay on track, and assist you in accomplishing your goals. Embrace the power of organization and experience the peace of mind that comes with it with the Planner Pad.
“I have 100 things to do in a week and this helps me collect everything in one spot and then assign it to a day accordingly. I find myself using this consistently because I can fit everything on its designated page without writing in mouse font. I’m not losing track of to-do items anymore.” -Sarah (Read more reviews)
The BestSelf Planner will be your ultimate companion for effective time management and enhanced productivity.
This planner is thoughtfully designed to help you stay organized, focused, and in control of your busy life. With its user-friendly layout and comprehensive features, the BestSelf Planner is a game-changer in the realm of productivity tools.
Plan your days, set goals, and track your progress with ease using the goal-setting and habit-tracking sections. The planner’s unique daily, weekly, and monthly layouts offer ample space for scheduling appointments, jotting down important tasks, and reflecting on your achievements.
With its undated format, the BestSelf Planner provides the flexibility to start at any time and never waste a page.
Crafted from high-quality materials, this planner is built to withstand the demands of your daily routine. Additionally, the BestSelf Planner includes inspirational quotes and prompts to keep you motivated and inspired along your journey.
Experience a new level of productivity and efficiency with the BestSelf Planner, and unlock your true potential. This planner could be the key to maximizing your productivity and achieving your goals. Make each day count with the BestSelf Planner.
“This one has been the best I have ever used so far! It is customizable which is so important for different styles of planning. I can break off into different projects all within my one journal. Habit tracking quarterly, and monthly planning to help achieve my SMART goals! Awesome planner and definitely recommend.” -Hunter P. (Read more reviews)
The Clever Fox Planner Daily PRO is an excellent planner for college students. This undated three month planner offers a practical and efficient way to manage your academic journey by incorporating goal-setting and self-awareness.
The Clever Fox Planner Daily PRO provides ample space for organizing your classes, assignments, and extracurricular activities. It goes beyond just scheduling with goal-setting and habit-tracking sections, helping you overcome procrastination and achieve your aspirations.
Built to withstand the rigors of college life, this planner is crafted from durable, high-quality materials. It includes monthly, weekly, and daily overviews, empowering you to plan ahead effectively. Experience success and stay on top of your college life with the Clever Fox Planner Daily PRO.
“Everything I need for my ADHD and nothing that I don’t.” -Brandi Lee (Read more reviews)
The Erin Condren Academic Planner Collection features Spiral Academic Planners and Softbound Academic Planners to keep you on track throughout the academic year.
These planners are designed specifically for students, providing a clear and structured layout for effective planning and organization. With their academic focus, Erin Condren Academic Planners allow you to seamlessly manage your schedule from July to June.
The monthly layout offers ample writing space for each day, enabling you to note down important dates, assignments, and deadlines. The planners feature project and exam trackers, plus space for weekly assignments and semester planner.
Choose from a variety of covers to stylishly embrace the power of organization with this reliable and functional planner.
“I got this as a gift, and I am totally in love! The whole planner is perfect for college. The paper is amazing, nice and thick. There are tabs for each month. There is a separate page at the beginning for class schedules. Within each tab there is two pages for the whole month, a page for goals and notes, a page for projects and exams, then two pages for each week of the month starting with Monday, and ends with 5 pages lined for notes. There are also sticker included for exams, midterms, paper due, test, read, study guide, no class, vacation, study, and quiz. It’s wonderful and I cant wait for next semester to start using it!” -Briana N. (Read more reviews)
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The Legend Planner Pro is designed to help you unleash your full potential and bring clarity and organization to your life.
With its simple and modern layout, the Legend Planner allows you to effortlessly plan your days, weeks, and months, hour by hour.
Its goal-oriented approach empowers you to set clear objectives and break them down into actionable steps, ensuring you stay on track towards your dreams. The planner’s unique features, such as the vision board and habit tracker, provide invaluable tools for personal growth and development.
The high-quality materials and durable construction of the Legend Planner make it reliable as well as functional. Choose from covers in several bright colors.
Elevate your productivity, achieve your goals, and live your best life with this exceptional planner by your side.
” For ALL things work, business, personal life, fitness. Spiritual, literally all the things, it’s my ALL IN ONE LIFE PLANNER and I can’t stop raving about it- how have I not had this all my life?? This was the key all along! I can already feel how this is going to change my life dramatically holding me accountable for my goals I write down and the regular reviewing it prompts you to do- just genius! And the peace in mind to dump the mental list out of your mind and into this perfectly planned out journal is so freeing! ” -Daisy (Read more reviews)
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The Simple Elephant Planner by Papercode is an elegantly designed planner that combines style and functionality to elevate your planning experience.
With undated monthly and weekly spreads, goal-setting pages, and ample note-taking space, these planners provide a comprehensive system to manage your tasks, projects, and appointments.
The durable construction and high-quality materials ensure that your planner withstands daily wear and tear, making it a reliable companion throughout the year.
The Simple Elephant planner makes planning a delightful experience so you can take control of your days with elegance and efficiency.
“This planner has monthly and weekly planning sections, along with tons of lined paper to take notes on. The hardcover exterior feels very durable while remaining slim. The pages are thick, easy to turn, and there is plenty of room for writing within the spaces of the various layouts. I love the ribbons that keep your place within the sections. ” -Shay (Read more reviews)
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The Happy Planner 18-month planner offers an extended period of planning possibilities. Choose from a variety of beautiful covers and enjoy motivational quotes that inspire and uplift you as you plan your days.
As a comprehensive planner organizer, the Happy Planner weekly layout features dividers and sticker sheets that allow you to effortlessly categorize and identify your notes. Create sections for various aspects of your life, such as homework, bills, recipes, and more.
The Happy Planner is compact enough to fit into most bags, ensuring that you can carry it with you wherever you go.
Unleash your creativity and make this planner uniquely yours from the inside out. The signature disc-bound spine enables easy customization, allowing you to add, remove, and rearrange pages as needed.
You can even change out the discs to match your style–and there are so many styles to choose from! Enhance your planning experience with stickers, pockets, and page markers, transforming your agenda into a true reflection of your personality.
“One of the best planners out there!!!” -Paola R. (Read more reviews)
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⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ✅ Buy It!
The Law of Attraction Academic Planner by Freedom Mastery is a powerful tool to manifest your dreams and unlock your true potential.
This planner is specifically designed to harness the principles of the Law of Attraction and guide you towards a life of abundance and fulfillment. The Law of Attraction Life Planner empowers you to align your thoughts, intentions, and actions with your desired outcomes. Visualize your goals, set clear intentions, and track your progress with precision.
The planner’s dedicated sections for gratitude practice and affirmations cultivate a positive mindset, attracting more positivity into your life.
Its practical features, such as monthly and weekly planning pages, habit trackers, and vision boards, provide a comprehensive system to keep you focused and motivated.
Crafted with the highest quality materials, the Law of Attraction Academic Planner exudes elegance and durability. Choose from a plain black cover or several more creative designs.
Embrace the power of manifestation and organize your life with the Law of Attraction Planner by Freedom Mastery.
“I absolutely LOVE this planner. It hits every aspect of my thinking with regards to goal setting. The monthly reflection is perfect to keep yourself on track for long term goals. The hourly time track is a plus! ” -Briana (Read more reviews)
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The Rocketbook Academic Planner is an innovative and eco-friendly solution for students. This cutting-edge planner combines the convenience of traditional pen and paper with the power of digital technology. Say goodbye to wasteful paper planners and hello to a sustainable planning experience.
The Rocketbook Academic Planner features a unique design that allows you to write, erase, and reuse the pages using any pen from the Pilot Frixion line.
With the Rocketbook app, you can easily scan and save your handwritten notes and plans to popular cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Evernote. Never worry about losing your important notes again – they’ll be securely stored and easily accessible from any device.
This academic planner includes monthly and weekly layouts, as well as dedicated sections for goal setting, to-do lists, and class schedules. The planner’s pages are designed with a dot grid pattern, providing the flexibility to customize your layouts and unleash your creativity.
The Rocketbook Reusable Academic Planner offers ample writing space to keep track of assignments, projects, and important dates. Its durable construction ensures long-lasting use, and the lay-flat design makes it easy to write on any surface.
This planner is perfect for college students who prefer technology are are hesitant to try a traditional paper planner.
Embrace the convenience of digital note-taking while enjoying the freedom and creativity of writing on paper. Simplify your academic life, stay organized, and make a sustainable choice with the Rocketbook Reusable Academic Planner.
“This planner was life changing for me! Sounds dramatic, I know, but the ability to have information I need for my day, week and month in one place that can easily be changed and updated with a damp cloth makes coordinating my workday so much easier.” -Reader Reader (Read more reviews)
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The Out of Chaos Academic Planner is the ultimate tool to help students with ADHD take control of their academic journey and stay on top of their assignments. Say goodbye to missed homework and poor planning with this meticulously designed planner that puts the student in charge.
The Out of Chaos Academic Planner helps students seamlessly integrate their assignments with their school and extracurricular activities. By having a clear overview of their schedule, they can effectively plan their time and ensure they have dedicated slots to complete their work. No more falling behind or feeling overwhelmed!
Designed by a leading time management expert, the Academic Planner features a unique subject tab at the front, where students can conveniently record their school subjects just once. The planner has 6 subject boxes and all-day planning, so students have dedicated spaces to write assignments and activities.
The Out of Chaos Academic Planner provides daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly page views, along with note pages before each month. It also includes study and project planning guides to enhance productivity and organization.
The planner’s vinyl covers offer durability, and the handy built-in back storage pocket provides a convenient place to keep loose papers and notes. Plus, there’s a second subject tab in the back for added flexibility and organization.
“I’m a graduate student with ADHD and it can be really hard to find planners that are helpful for me but this one has been great for me this year. I like the way it’s laid out and I also like how the paper is not flimsy like other planners I’ve had in the past. It’s a little more expensive than I usually pay for planners but it was worth purchasing one that was sturdy and laid out well” -Barrett W. (Read more reviews)
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The Panda Planner Pro is designed to help you take control of your life and achieve your goals with confidence. This planner is more than just a scheduling tool – it’s a comprehensive system that promotes positivity, focus, and balance.
With its scientifically designed layout, the Panda Planner Pro incorporates proven techniques to boost motivation and enhance productivity. It combines monthly, weekly, and daily planning sections, providing a holistic view of your schedule while allowing you to break down tasks into manageable steps.
This planner is thoughtfully crafted to help you prioritize your goals and stay on track. It includes dedicated sections for setting and reviewing your goals, reflecting on your wins and improvements, and practicing gratitude. By integrating these elements into your daily routine, you can cultivate a positive mindset and maintain focus on what truly matters.
The Panda Planner Pro is built to support your busy lifestyle. With its compact size and durable construction, it’s perfect for on-the-go use. The high-quality paper ensures a smooth writing experience, while the sturdy binding keeps your planner intact throughout the year.
One of the standout features of the Panda Planner Pro is its guarantee of improved productivity and happiness. If you don’t see results within 6 months, the company offers a full refund, showing their confidence in the effectiveness of this planner.
“This is the first planner I’ve used where I 1) actually remember to look at it each morning and 2) honestly look forward to using it. Getting started on each day feels more like a morning mindfulness practice than starting work, and by the time I’m done filling out the ‘Daily’ Page I feel excited to get started. ” -ESP_312 (Read more reviews)
The Bloom Daily Planner Academic Year Planner is a beautiful tool to help you stay organized, inspired, and on top of your schedule. This planner is designed to make your academic journey a breeze with its functional layout and stylish details.
This planner offers ample space to plan your days, weeks, and months ahead. The monthly and weekly planner spreads provide a clear and structured view of your schedule, allowing you to easily manage your assignments, appointments, and extracurricular activities.
Featuring beautiful floral prints and inspirational quotes throughout, the Bloom Daily Academic Planner adds a touch of joy and positivity to your planning routine. Each month brings a fresh burst of color and motivation, making it a delight to open and use every day.
The Bloom Daily Academic Planner includes a variety of useful features such as a monthly goals section, weekly to-do lists, notes pages, and even space for meal planning and habit tracking. Keep track of your assignments, deadlines, and important events in one convenient place, ensuring you never miss a beat.
The durable spiral binding ensures that your planner stays intact throughout the academic year, while the protective vinyl cover (more than 20 cover styles!) keeps it safe from wear and tear. The thick, premium paper resists ink bleed-through, allowing you to use your favorite pens without worrying about smudging or ghosting.
“Love this planner and this is the second year I have purchased it. Plenty of room to track all the key details of my life.” -Sarah S. (Read more reviews)
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The Simplified Planner is your perfect companion for staying organized and on top of your schedule. Designed by Emily Ley for AT-A-GLANCE with simplicity and functionality in mind, this planner will help you navigate the academic year with ease.
This planner provides all the space you need to jot down important dates, assignments, and events. The monthly and weekly spreads offer a clear and straightforward layout, allowing you to see your schedule at a glance and effectively manage your time.
The uncluttered design promotes focus and productivity, helping you stay organized without distractions.
Crafted with high-quality materials, this planner is built to withstand the demands of your busy academic life. The durable spiral binding ensures that your planner stays intact throughout the year, while the sturdy cover protects your pages from wear and tear.
The AT-A-GLANCE Simplified Academic Planner is more than just a scheduling tool. It includes additional features to enhance your planning experience, such as a future planning section, reference calendars, and space for notes. Stay organized and keep all your important information in one place for quick and easy reference.
“This is the third year I have bought this planner–love it! I use the “To do” section each day to map out homeschool assignments and still have the other daily section for events and appointments. The pages hold up well for the year, too. ” -Amazon Customer (Read more reviews)
A bullet journal offers ultimate flexibility in how you design your schedule, because you create the format yourself. You can design your bullet journal however you like and express yourself creatively.
The Paperage Dotted Notebook Bullet Journal is a popular notebook for unleashing your creativity and organizing your life. This versatile journal offers endless possibilities, whether you’re a seasoned bullet journal user or new to the world of creative planning.
The dotted grid pages provide the perfect foundation for bullet journaling, whether you’re tracking habits, setting goals, or creating weekly and monthly calendars. The blank index and numbered pages make it easy to navigate and find important information quickly.
Whether you’re jotting down to-do lists, sketching, or brainstorming, the dotted grid provides guidance without being intrusive, giving you the freedom to express your ideas and thoughts.
The lay-flat design ensures a seamless writing experience, allowing you to easily access any page and write comfortably from beginning to end. The sturdy binding keeps the pages securely in place, ensuring that your journal stays intact even with frequent use.
Beyond its functionality, the Paperage Dotted Notebook offers a sleek and minimalist design that complements your personal style. Whether you prefer a minimalist approach or love adding decorative elements, this journal provides a versatile canvas for your creativity.
The potential downside to bullet journals is that you have to set up each new day, week, or month by yourself, and that takes a lot of time.
If you can find an easy-to-create format that works for you, then bullet journals are a fun, customizable way to plan your schedule. (You can find loads of bullet journal example designs online, like these at WonderfulDIY.)
But if you are a perfectionist or find that you are putting too much time into designing your days, it’s probably not the best choice. You can spend too much time thinking about the design and layout, rather than on your tasks.
For some users, bullet journals are so flexible that it’s hard to decide how to get started. And bullet journals can get really messy, which can make them less appealing to keep using.
However, bullet journals are great for anyone who wants total control of the design of their planner and enjoys the creative process.
“I have problems following planners that are pre-made since they end up being such a hassle so I wanted to make one of my own. I normally exclusively use grid paper for any note taking and regular ruled paper never works for me so I was reluctant about the dotted paper as I’ve never used it before. I am pleased to say that it really is a nice setup. ” -kepXcat (Read more reviews)
Bonus Planning tools for College Students with ADHD
1. KANBAN board
⭐️ RATING: 4.7/5 Stars | ✅ Buy it!
A Kanban board isn’t a traditional planner, but many people with ADHD use Kanban boards to track projects and stay on task.
A Kanban board provides a clear visual representation of tasks, priorities, and progress to help individuals with ADHD stay focused on one task at a time.
By limiting the number of tasks in progress and using color-coded cards and customizable columns, a Kanban board breaks down complex tasks into manageable steps.
The board allows for clear prioritization, helping students determine which tasks need to be addressed first and reducing decision-making overload. It offers flexibility and adaptability, allowing tasks and columns to be easily added, rearranged, or removed based on changing priorities.
The visual progress tracking on the board provides a sense of accomplishment and helps individuals with ADHD stay motivated and engaged. Ultimately, the Kanban board serves as an external memory aid, relieving cognitive load and ensuring that important tasks are not forgotten or overlooked.
This magnetic Kanban Board could revolutionize the way you manage tasks, projects, and goals, because its visual and interactive system will keep you on track.
“This product was suggested to me for planning project through completion. This set gives all the tools to get it done. One only has to follow through to success” -C. Tate (Read more reviews)
The Seeing My Time workbook and Seeing My Time instructor’s manual are valuable resources designed to support individuals with executive functioning challenges. They are meant to be bought and used together.
This books, authored by Marydee Sklar, provides a comprehensive approach to managing time and improving executive skills. With a focus on visual learning, the book offers practical strategies and tools to help individuals with ADHD, autism, and other executive function difficulties.
The books address facilitate time management, organization, and planning, as well as topics like memory, attention, goal setting, and self-regulation. These resources provide practical techniques for overcoming challenges in these areas.
With its user-friendly format and insightful content, the Seeing My Time system empowers individuals to better understand and navigate their own executive functioning, leading to increased productivity and improved daily functioning.
“This instructor’s manual from MaryDee Sklar provides an incredibly clear and effective way to coach executive function skills. Using the book feels as though you have a highly effective, brilliant, and very kind professor at your shoulder, giving you the benefit of her many years of wisdom about how to develop executive functioning skills.” -Anne (Read more reviews)
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Essential Accessories for College Students with ADHD
There are a lot of things you might forget to pack for college. If you have ADHD, consider these products to help you get organized and focus on your studies.
1. White noise machine
If you are sensitive to sounds, a white noise machine can be a lifesaver in a dorm room. If you like to study in a quiet space, a white noise machine will help you concentrate on your homework, even if you live in a noisy dorm.
If, like many kids with ADHD, you have trouble sleeping, a white noise machine will help to dull the sounds of your roommate coming in late or people talking in the hallways.
2. Noise Canceling Headphones
Whether you like to read and study in silence or with background noise, these noise-cancelling headphones are amazing. They will help you focus on your work without being distracted by conversations around you.
3. PaperMate Flair Felt tip pens
These are the best felt tip pens. The many bright colors will let you create notes and sketches that are engaging and easy to read and remember. They make studying more fun!
4. Sharpie Highlighters
These highlighters include a variety of colors so you can color code your highlights. There’s a clear window so you can see what you’re marking as you highlight.
5. Post-It Sticky notes
These sticky notes come in three different sizes. Post-it brand is “Super Sticky” so these notes will stick on walls, windows and doors. The bright colors will stand out and get your attention.
6. Post-It Flags
These Post-It flags or sticky tabs are perfect to mark places in a book or research paper that you want to come back you You can also use hte flags in your planner, to remind you of certain tasks or events.
7. Sticker sheets
These cute, fun stickers will help keep you organized and motivated. Avoid writing repetitive tasks buy using a sticker instead. Also get excited for holidays or special events.
8. Apple AirTag or Tile Tracker
If you think it’s at all possible that you will lose your planner (and trust me, it’s possible), attach an Apple AirTag or a Tile tracker to your planner.
You are going to have your whole day-to-day life written down in that planner, so you will want to be able to find it!
Attach the tracker as soon as it arrives, before you’ve lost the planner!
9. Fidget Cube
You’ll have endless choices when it comes to fidget toys for people with ADHD. I recommend this fidget cube. You can transform it into more than 70 shapes while focusing on other things.
10. Timer
To keep track of time, it helps to use a timer, like this one, with preset countdown or count-up times
You can use the timer on your phone, of course. But if using your phone distracts your ADHD brain from the task at hand, this timer will keep you on task.
11. Wall Calendar/Dry Erase Board
Use a big wall calendar or dry erase board for writing messages to yourself about the most important tasks each day, not for tracking all your to-dos.
A big wall calendar, memo board, or dry erase board is a way to help you keep up with the biggest tasks. It’s not a replacement or a good detailed planner.
Save big with these Amazon Prime Day deals on things you need for your dorm room!
Tips for using a planner in college if you have ADHD
1. Choose the right planner
Find the format that works best for you. Be sure the planner has enough space to write down all your tasks and deadlines.
Choose from the list above to find that planner that is the right one for you.
2. Write down everything
⭐️ Academic assignments
Be sure to write down all the important things: tasks, assignments, due dates, deadlines, and more!
For each class you are taking, write down the due dates for each assignment and the dates of each exam. Go through each syllabus and carefully check that you haven’t missed any dates.
This will help you create a study plan for the semester.
⭐️ Support options
Next, write down each professor’s office hours. You might also want to write down the hours of the tutoring center.
⭐️ Personal activities
Use your day planner for things outside of college classes. Write down any club meetings, exercise classes, or medical appointments.
Note when you need to pay bills (and if you pay them before the deadline, just mark out the reminder!) Include all your extracurricular activities.
Writing down everything in your busy schedule will help you prioritize tasks and avoid forgetting anything important.
3. Break tasks down
Breaking larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps can make them less overwhelming. Write down these smaller steps in your planner, along with the deadlines for each step.
4. Take your planner with you
Consider your planner to be just another notebook in your backpack. It should go everywhere with you.
Before you commit to any plans, check your planner to make sure you are free. Write down all appointments, meetings, and new assignments.
5. Check your planner regularly
Look at your planner at least three times a day. Make it a habit to use your habit on a daily basis.
⭐️ First thing in the morning
Check your planner to see what you have to do and where you have to be that day.
⭐️ Mid-day
Make sure you are on track for the day. See what you should be doing in the afternoon and evening (you might want to check again after dinner).
⭐️ At night before bed
Take a few minutes before going to bed to plan the next day. Think about all the things you need to accomplish.
Look at your class schedule and any other appointments and activities. Schedule out the next day.
If you need to take anything special with you tomorrow, prep for that at night. For example, if it’s going to rain, find your umbrella. If you are going to be on the other side of campus, pack an extra snack.
Taking time every night to reflect on the day and plan for the next day is probably the most important thing you can do with your planner.
6. Set reminders
Set reminders for important deadlines and tasks. This can be done on your phone or computer, or in your planner itself. Make sure to set reminders well in advance to allow time to complete the task.
7. Use your day planner like a journal
Most planners have blank pages throughout the planner or at the back. Write down any ideas or important thoughts you have throughout the day. Writing down things that are bothering you can help you manage stress.
Write them down in your planner rather than relying on your memory to retain them. Every night, check these pages and review your “brain dump.”
Decide if there’s anything in your notes that you need to act on or write down as a to-do activity. You can always refer back to these notes, but you don’t have to try to remember all the thoughts.
8. Be flexible
If using a planner is a new habit for you, be kind to yourself as you get used to the process.
Using a planner doesn’t have to be an exercise in perfection. The pages don’t need to look perfect. And you don’t need to use it perfectly.
Figure out what it is that is most difficult with you to stay organized with. Focus on using to solve that problem with your planner before tackling other challenges.
For example, if you have problems getting through all the things you have to do in a day, your approach will be different than if you have trouble remembering future plans.
Life can be unpredictable, and plans can change. It is important to be flexible and adjust your planner accordingly. Don’t be afraid to make changes if needed.
What are the symptoms of ADHD in college students?
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the ability to focus, organize, and control impulses. College students with ADHD may struggle with academic performance, social interactions, and daily life activities.
Many students are diagnosed with ADHD in elementary or middle school, but large numbers of college students are diagnosed with ADHD.
The symptoms of ADHD in college students may vary, but they generally fall into two categories: inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity.
Inattentive ADHD
Inattention symptoms of ADHD in college students may include difficulty concentrating on lectures or reading assignments, forgetfulness, and being easily distracted. College students with ADHD might also struggle with procrastination and trouble completing tasks on time.
These students may also have a hard time following through with instructions, lose things frequently, and struggle to stay organized.
They may also have trouble prioritizing assignments and may have a tendency to jump from one task to another, which can lead to incomplete work.
Hyperactive or Impulsive ADHD
Hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms of ADHD in college students may include fidgeting, restlessness, and the inability to sit still.
College students with ADHD might also struggle with excessive talking, interrupting others, and engaging in risky behaviors.
These students may also have trouble waiting their turn and may be seen as interruptive or disruptive in the classroom.
They could have difficulty controlling their emotions and may react impulsively in social situations, which can lead to interpersonal problems.
Overall, college students with ADHD may experience a range of symptoms that can impact their academic and social life.
It is important to seek professional help and consider ADHD medications if ADHD symptoms are interfering with daily functioning. A therapist or doctor can help you develop coping strategies and treatments to manage ADHD symptoms effectively.
FAQs About College Students With ADHD
Why is using a planner important for college students with ADHD?
Using a planner can help college students with ADHD stay organized, manage their time more effectively, and reduce the likelihood of forgetfulness or missed deadlines.
What are some features to look for in a planner for college students with ADHD?
Planners with clear, easy-to-read layouts, ample space for notes and reminders, and customizable features such as color coding or stickers can be particularly helpful for college students with ADHD.
How can college students with ADHD remember to use their planners regularly?
Creating a routine around planner use, such as scheduling time each day to review and update the planner, can help ADHD college students establish a habit of using it consistently.
Are there any other strategies that can be helpful for college students with ADHD in addition to using a planner?
It may be helpful for college students with ADHD to break tasks down into smaller, more manageable steps, minimize distractions, and seek support from a therapist or coach who specializes in working with individuals with ADHD.
Can using a planner help with motivation for college students with ADHD?
While using a planner alone may not necessarily increase motivation, it can help college students with ADHD stay on track with their goals and commitments. This can, in turn, help ADHD students build momentum and feel more motivated as they see progress over time.
🤩 Buy my #1 Pick: the Epic Self ADHD Planner!
Final thoughts on Planners for ADHD College Students
For college students with ADHD, the right planner is essential to making it through a semester. Planners are an important tool to help students stay on top of class assignments, manage daily tasks, and remember when they’re meeting study groups.
The most common reason planners don’t work for some university students with ADHD is that students don’t use them. Often, people with ADHD find it overwhelming and time-consuming to fill out their planner.
Remember that all new habits get easier with time. Using a paper planner is one of those things that seems easier the more often you do it.
As you realize the benefits of having everything scheduled in your planner, you’ll want to keep using it.
College life can be really hard.
If you have ADHD and you are feeling overwhelmed in college, ask for help from the Office of Student Disability Services or the college counseling office.
If you’re worried about passing your final exams or your overall semester grade, seek out help from the tutoring office.
You might need to schedule some sessions with an ADHD coach or a behavioral therapist. The sooner you ask for help, the better!
No planner will do all your school work for you or get you someplace on time, but the best college student planner will help you remember what exactly you should be doing right now!
Buying a new planner is a rite of passage at the start of the school year, so buy a college planner that will work best with your mind.
Choose a great ADHD student planner to help you manage your academic calendar, your social life with new friends, and all the many other exciting aspects of college life!
All these planners are great for ADHD college students! I hope one of them will be the best academic planner for you!
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