Best Time Management Apps for Students

Juggling revision, hobbies, and maybe even a part-time job? It’s natural for it to feel like too much. Managing these various commitments is hard work, but having the right tools can make all the difference.

Whether you're preparing for GCSEs, A Levels, or just trying to stay on top of your daily workload, we have selected what we think are the best time management apps for students, designed to help you get organised. 

Key Takeaways

• Time management is essential: the right apps help reduce stress, avoid procrastination, and break big tasks into manageable steps.

• Choosing the right app depends on individual needs, like forgetting deadlines, struggling with focus, or needing structure. 

• Effective use matters more than the number of apps: combine tools strategically, 0000000000000

This is where digital tools come in handy. The right time management app won’t remove exam nerves completely, but they’ll take off some of the pressure by breaking down big tasks into manageable chunks. 

You can also:

• Set realistic deadlines and stick to them

• Reduce procrastination with helpful reminders

• Create effective revision timetables

• Track your progress and celebrate wins

Instead of feeling overwhelmed, you'll have a clear plan. And when you can see everything laid out, it's much easier to stay calm and focused. 

Best Time Management Apps for Students

Todoist

Useful for organising homework and assignments, Todoist (opens in a new tab) lets you create projects for each subject. You can set due dates, add subtasks, and even work with classmates on group projects.

The app's natural language feature means you can type "Maths homework due tomorrow at 3pm" and it automatically sets the deadline. Plus, the free version includes everything most students need. 

Best for: Students who love making lists and need help organising multiple subjects.

Forest

Struggling with phone distractions during study sessions? It’s a common worry for many young people. In fact, research has found (opens in a new tab) that the number of 12- to 15-year-olds who take breaks from smartphones, computers and iPads rose by 18% to 40% since 2022. 

Forest gamifies focus time by letting you plant virtual trees whilst you work. If you leave the app to check social media, your tree dies.

Over time, you build up your own digital forest, and the app even partners with real tree-planting organisations. It's a fun way to stay motivated whilst doing something positive for the environment.

Best for: Students who get easily distracted by their phones during revision.

Google Calendar

Simple but effective, Google Calendar (opens in a new tab) is brilliant for creating revision timetables and tracking assignment deadlines. You can colour-code different subjects, set reminders, and share calendars with family or study groups.

The best part? It syncs across all your devices, so you'll never miss an important deadline again.

Best for: Students who need a clear visual overview of their week ahead.

Notion

Think of Notion (opens in a new tab) as your digital study headquarters. You can create pages for each subject, track homework, plan revision schedules, and even keep notes all in one place.

Whilst it has a bit of a learning curve, once you get the hang of it, Notion becomes incredibly powerful for staying organised. Notion is typically thought of as a workplace app, but its free version is ideal for students who won’t require any of its team features.

Best for: Students who want an all-in-one workspace for studying and planning.

Pomodoro Timer Apps (Focus Keeper, Be Focused)

Academic burnout is a huge issue, with 44% of students experiencing this according to a global student survey (opens in a new tab). 

Long study sessions can be particularly taxing. Based on the famous Pomodoro Technique, these apps break your study time into 25-minute focused sessions followed by short breaks. This method is particularly effective for revision and tackling difficult subjects.

Many students find this approach less overwhelming than trying to study for hours at a stretch.

Best for: Students who struggle with the burnout revision sessions or find it hard to get started.

Trello

Trello (opens in a new tab) works like a digital board where you can create cards for different tasks and move them through columns like "To Do," "In Progress," and "Done." It's particularly useful for tracking coursework and group projects.

You can add deadlines, attach files, and even collaborate with classmates on shared boards.

Best for: Visual learners who like seeing their progress clearly laid out.

Any.do

Clean, simple, and effective, Any.do (opens in a new tab) focuses on the essentials without overwhelming you with features. You can quickly add tasks, set reminders, and organise everything by subject or priority.

The app also includes a handy calendar view and can sync with other apps you're already using.

Best for: Students who want something straightforward and easy to use.

How To Choose the Right App for You

Before downloading every app on this list, take a moment to think about your specific challenges. Are you:

• Constantly forgetting assignment deadlines?

• Getting distracted during study sessions?

• Struggling to break down big projects into smaller tasks?

• Finding it hard to balance multiple subjects?

Once you know what you need help with most, you can choose apps that target those specific issues. Remember, the best app is the one you'll actually use consistently.

Start with just one or two apps. It's better to master a couple of tools than to juggle loads of different systems that confuse rather than help you.

Save My Exams has a range of revision tools that can be integrated into your plan, from Flashcards to Mock Exams, all tailored to your specific courses. 

Using Time Management Apps Effectively

The key to success isn't just downloading apps – it's using them properly. Here are some top tips:

Combine apps strategically. For example, you might use Todoist to track assignments and Forest to stay focused whilst working on them. Or pair Trello with Google Calendar to see both your project progress and upcoming deadlines.

Create a weekly planning routine. Spend 10–15 minutes each Sunday planning your week. Check your deadlines, and set priorities for the coming days.

Don't over-plan everything. Yes, planning is important, but you also need flexibility. Leave some buffer time for unexpected tasks and, crucially, for rest and social activities.

Start small and build habits. Don't try to organise your entire academic life overnight. Begin with one subject or one type of task, get comfortable with your chosen app, then gradually expand. The best way to see what works for you is to try out how it works in practice.

Review and adjust regularly. What works during regular term time might need tweaking during exam periods. Be prepared to adjust your system as your needs change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best free time management apps for students?

Most of the apps mentioned above offer excellent free versions. Todoist, Google Calendar, Any.do (opens in a new tab), and Forest all provide robust free options that cover everything most students need.

Notion is completely free for students, whilst Trello's free version includes enough features for personal use. Even basic Pomodoro timer apps are typically free.

The key is starting with free versions and only upgrading to paid plans if you find yourself needing advanced features.

Which time management app is best for GCSE or A Level revision?

For exam revision specifically, a combination works best. Use Google Calendar or Notion to create your revision timetable, then use Forest or a Pomodoro app to maintain focus during study sessions.

Todoist is excellent for breaking down revision topics into manageable daily tasks, especially for subjects with lots of content to cover.

Consistency is important, and following your own preferences will help with this. Choose apps that feel natural to use and that you'll stick with throughout your revision period.

Final Thoughts

These apps are tools to support you, not add more stress to your life. If an app feels too complicated or overwhelming, try something simpler. The goal is to make your student life easier, not harder. For some, the humble notebook works well, but these apps might take the thinking out of planning, so you have more brain-space to focus on the content. 

Most importantly, be patient with yourself. Good time management habits take time to develop. Start small, be consistent, and don't be afraid to experiment with different approaches until you find your perfect system.