3 Bullet Journal Ideas for College Students

It can become increasingly tough at this point in the semester to stay focused and motivated. You may also find yourself searching for ways to manage your mounting stress levels. Journaling has often been seen as an avenue to express your feelings and organize your thoughts, and bullet journaling is a creative style of writing that allows you a nearly blank canvas to arrange your thoughts in an often therapeutic way. Bullet journal pages have dots in place of lines, so you have a more flexible space to express yourself. As a college student, you can use your bullet journal to organize goals you have set, write down to-do lists, and compile a study schedule.  

Are you looking for a creative outlet to focus your energy and organize your tasks? Here are three bullet journal ideas for college students: 

Bullet journal idea #1 for college students: Record your goals 

As a college student, goal-setting is likely a large part of your life. Whether you’re setting short-term goals, such as what steps you’ll take to earn an A on a paper, or long-term goals, such as how you plan to secure a job after graduation, you probably have a list of the many things you’d like to achieve. The areas of your college life where you may find yourself setting goals in a bullet journal can include:

  • Your classes, including exam grades and homework and project completion

  • Your health and fitness

  • Your career goals

Since this list can become overwhelming at times, it can be beneficial to break it down in your bullet journal. You can create color-coded sections for each area of your life where you’ve set goals, and outline the timeframe you would like to achieve each goal within. Structure it how you see fit, such as weekly, monthly, or yearly, and organize your actionable goals within each category accordingly. 

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Bullet journal idea #2 for college students: Organize your to-do list and weekly schedule 

You can also use your bullet journal to give clarity to everything expected of you during the upcoming week. Section off the page to include space for each day of the week, and outline what you have to do that day. You may have specific classes, certain hours to work at your job, and dedicated time for both school work and social activities. Laying out all of your must-dos for the week ahead can allow you a clearer picture of how you’re spending your time. If you feel you need to spend more time focused on an upcoming exam or project, look to see where you may be able to fit that in, or what might need to be cut out to do so. 

When creating your weekly schedule in your bullet journal, make sure to set aside time for yourself—doing whatever helps you destress, whether that’s reading a book, exercising, or catching up on your favorite TV show. It’s essential to incorporate this time into your weekly schedule to avoid burnout and alleviate college-related stress. 

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Bullet journal idea #3 for college students: Outline your study and exam schedule

You’re likely taking anywhere from three to six college courses at a time, all with varying levels of difficulty. With each class having its own schedule of exams and projects, it can sometimes feel as though you’re constantly studying for tests. Use your bullet journal to visually outline your upcoming exams and to set aside time to prepare for each. This way, you can more easily see how your responsibilities in various classes overlap, and prioritize study time accordingly. 

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 Visually seeing your goals, weekly to-dos, and study routine written out can often help you feel more organized and on top of your college requirements. In addition to helping you remain focused in both your academic and personal life, bullet journaling can provide you with a creative outlet to destress and express your thoughts. 

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