Unfortunately, there isn’t a single right answer. The truth is, the best planner is the one your student will actually use, and one that fits within the systems they already rely on. A beautifully designed planner doesn’t do much good if it sits unopened at the bottom of a backpack!

Start with the Ecosystem

Before buying anything new, look at what the college or school already has in place. Many universities now use online learning management systems (like Canvas or Blackboard) that include calendars, task lists, and notification features. Building out from those existing tools, rather than trying to create a completely separate system, helps reduce friction and increases the odds that your student will stick with it.

Structure Over Stationery

Even more important than the planner itself is the structure and routine around how it’s used. For example:

Set a weekly planning time: Every Sunday night, review upcoming assignments, exams, and commitments, and map out the week ahead.
Create a start-of-semester ritual: When new classes begin, add all major due dates and exam days into the planner or app.
Check in regularly: Early on, it can help to have frequent check-ins — either with a parent, coach, or counselor — to make sure systems are working. Over time, these can fade as the student gains independence and confidence.

Without these habits, even the most perfect planner won’t make much difference.

Don’t Forget Campus Resources

If your student doesn’t already have academic supports in place, reach out to the disability services office (sometimes called accessibility services or student support services). They can offer accommodations, coaching, and tools that make organization and time management more manageable.

Bottom Line

The best planner for an ADHD student isn’t a product; it’s a process. Find something that integrates with their existing tools, build consistent routines, and reinforce those habits until they stick. That’s where real progress happens.