Planning deadlines, work and ideas

Most of us can only hold so much in mind at once. The value of a planning tool is getting deadlines, tasks and half-formed ideas out of your head and somewhere like a piece of paper or an app, so you are not relying on memory alone. Keeping organised was the most common reason students gave for usefulness of technology. Mind-mapping tools do the same for organising an essay, allowing you to see how ideas connect before you write. Top tip: a planning system that takes more time to maintain than time it saves is not helpful, so keep it simple. A tool you will easily keep using is better than a powerful one that you might abandon after a week.

Planning software

  • Microsoft To Do and Outlook calendar: already on your account, a syncing to-do list and a calendar with reminders. This covers much of what someone might pay other apps to do.
  • Notion: a flexible, free space for notes, lists and assignment dates in one place. It can do a lot, so start with one simple page rather than building everything at once.
  • Goblin.tools: a free set of small tools. The "Magic ToDo" feature breaks a large task into smaller steps. Students find it useful for getting started when a task feels overwhelming.
  • MindGenius: map out ideas and essay plans visually, then turn the map into a Word document or PowerPoint. LJMU has an institution-wide licence, so it is free for all students, available on campus PCs and to install at home through the LJMU software portal. The desktop app is Windows; a web version is also available.
    MindGenius how-to guides.
  • Inspiration: another visual mapping tool, also free to LJMU students through our licensing (install via the software portal). The best way to learn is to open a template and start mapping a topic you are studying, switching between Diagram and Outline views to see how they connect.
    If you prefer instructions, there is a: 
  • Google Calendar: free, and useful if you would rather not use Outlook.
  • MyStudyLife: a free planner built around timetables and study.
  • TimeTree and Howbout: shared calendars, useful for a group of friends, family or your study group.