Let’s talk student planners. I’ve been using planners since high school, though I admit it was for the wrong reasons (i.e. I reached that school supply shopping high and cute planners combined with my love for pretty stationery made it impossible to resist each year). However, since transitioning into my college years planners have been incorporated into my school routine and without them, I would not have been able to juggle my academics, nursing school applications, or study abroad applications. I owe my sanity to planners and believe that they are one of the best investments you can make to sharpen your organizational and time management skills.
As cute as some planner are, they are not just for display! Toss them into your backpack or purse instead of leaving them on your desk to insure that you do not miss the opportunity to jot down important dates. Having your planner with you for the first week of school, also known as syllabus week, is vital in managing your time! Professors often give you a timetable of how they’ve scheduled their courses. Here you can usually find quiz/essay/test dates. Write them ALL down in one sitting. This way you can manage your time around these important dates. Also, don’t sweat it if you don’t write in your planner every day. I usually do it once a week, if not every two! And yes, it is because I live a rather uneventful life thus far.
If you’re like me and adorable stationary motivates you to use them, then behold – the ultimate list of cute 2015-2016 student planners to get you all revved up for this year of school!
- Senn and Sons Casebound “Triangles” Planner (ON SALE! $12)
This planner is the cheapest on the list at $12 on sale from it’s original $16. I love it for it’s leather-like covering which makes it more durable. I did find this same exact planner on Amazon for $25 which is crazy since I thought Amazon was usually pretty price competitive. I would snatch this planner up fast because it’s cute AND fits the college budget.
2. Ampersand Kraft “&” Planner ($13)
Another affordable planner option at just $13! Ampersands always make a state but it is especially so in this case with the blue against the cork colored brown.
3. Lattice Stamp Planner + Passion/Goal Organizer ($14)
This planner is unique in that it also acts as a passion/goal organizer. Set goals for yourself at the beginning of the year and reflect on them as it comes to an end (Yes, it will eventually come. Even at a snail’s pace). It’ll also serve as a nice momento for the school year that could easily be torn out of the planner and incorporated into a scrapbook or any other kind of craft project.
4. Navy and Light Brown Textured Weave Planner (FREE SHIPPING! $15.60)
Free shipping often makes or breaks my decision to purchase an item. With this planner, you’ve hit a double jackpot because it’s beautiful and has free shipping! taking shipping costs into consideration, this is the most affordable planner on the list. I’m not sure how long the promotion will last so I would snatch this up ASAP!
5. Five Star Purple and Orange Dot Design Planner ($18)
Five Star products are known for their durability so this planner will not break down on you! It’s a big planner at 8.5″ x 11″ or in plain terms, regular paper sized unlike the previous mentions which are smaller. This planner is great for student who have a lot to juggle and need plenty of room to write down their plans.
6. “I Am Very Busy” Classic Agenda by Ban.do (PROMO CODE SALE! $16)
To say that this one of the most popular planner designs of the year is not far fetched. It is so popular that it has sold out on Ban.do’s official website! Luckily this planner is sold elsewhere like on Paper Source who are is having a promotional code sale of 20% off sitewide (SLTSAVE20) making the original $20 price drop to $16! This offer expires 8/31/15 hurry and get it while it’s still available. If you happen to miss the 20% sale, you can always save 10% off by signing up for their email list if you are a new subscriber.
7. Herringbone Patterned Customizable Planner ($16)
$16 is the base price of this planner but if you want to customize it a little further, there is an option to customize your subjects for an additional $4. Since it is an Etsy made item, estimated shipping to the US costs an arm and a leg at $8.75 (according to the zip code I put in) so if you’re a student on a budget, think wisely if you want to spend that extra $4.
8. Navy Pink Gold Floral Pattern Custom Weekly Planner ($20)
This floral print comes in three other beautiful color combinations: Pink and Grey, Yellow, Grey, and Navy, and Sage, Pink, and Gold (pictured). No pressure right? Luckily, you can’t go wrong with any of the choices because they’re all so beautiful! Estimated shipping to the US is $9 (according to the zip code I put in). But if you’re in Canada, it might be cheaper because the Etsy maker is based in Canada.
9. Birch Floral Planner by Rifle Paper Co. ($34)
We’ve officially reached the “splurge” section of this list but this beautiful Birch Floral Planner makes it worth every penny! Not to mention you are a proud owner of a ~hipster~ Rifle Paper Co. product. Use the 10% off Paper Source email subscription sign-up for new customers to ease the pain of the purchase of your already dwindling funds.
10. Brushstroke Gold Foil Hidden Spiral Planner ($37)
I present to you the ultimate splurge! And at $37, it definitely is a “treat yo self” purchase. However, the gold foil accents and the gorgeous color combination of the paint brush strokes may be enough to justify it. And do I even have to mention the applying the 10% off Paper Source email subscription promotion again? Oh wait, I just did.
- How do you rate my choices in planners? Which one did you like best and which did you like least?
- Are planners essential to your academic career or life?
- Do you plan on using planners more often?
- Not into paying for shipping or ordering online in general? Stop by your local Target or Barnes & Nobles for a great collection of planners to buy in-store.
- Let me know what you think in the comments below!
I also encourage everyone on a budget to explore other ways to save money on these purchases! Look for promotional codes I may have missed, free shipping offers, etc. And look for other retailers that may sell the same planner for cheaper. You wouldn’t want to miss out on saving a few bucks, or in Planner #1’s case – $13! Feel free to share the deals you find with me so I can update this list. Till next time!
Casual Detour 