Language 
No results found
Time management apps for international students: free & paid options
The best time management apps for students to stay productive and organized abroad.
Managing time as a student is tough — and when you’re studying abroad, it can feel even more overwhelming. Who is kidding who? Between classes, assignments, new friendships, digital distractions, and adapting to a different culture, it’s easy to lose track of your schedule. That’s where time management apps come in handy.
These tools help you organize your studies, set reminders for exams, plan your daily routines, and even make time for relaxation. Whether you prefer a simple to-do list or a full-featured productivity dashboard, there’s an app that fits your lifestyle.
And in this post, we’ll explore five of the best time management apps for students and international learners, both free and paid. From intuitive planners like Todoist to academic-focused tools like MyStudyLife, you’ll find practical options to stay on top of your tasks without feeling overwhelmed. These are excellent apps for students who want to stay productive while managing coursework and personal life.
Let’s get started.
1. Todoist
Todoist is that campus celebrity and influencer, all rolled in one. This app is one the most popular time management apps for students worldwide, and for good reason. Its clean interface and smart features make it a great digital companion for organizing academic life. Many consider it one of the best time management apps for college students who want to keep track of everything in one place.
Why it’s useful:
Todoist helps you list assignments, break them into subtasks, and prioritize what matters most. You can categorize tasks by subject, project, or deadline and even assign color labels for quick visual tracking. For anyone searching for free time management apps, Todoist’s free plan is a great place to start.
Key Features:
- Integrates with Gmail, Outlook, and Google Calendar
- Supports recurring tasks and reminders
- Syncs across devices (mobile, web, desktop).
- Offers collaborative projects lists for group work
Cost: Free plan available, premium from $4/month.
Display: List and board views, clean, minimalist layout.
Best for: Students who want a simple yet powerful all-in-one planner.
Weakness: The free version limits advanced features like reminders.
2. Google Calendar
Google Calendar is a classic time management app, and a must-have for any student using Gmail or Android devices. It’s perfect for managing classes, deadlines, and social events in one place, and ranks high among the best time management apps of all time.
Why it’s useful:
You can create multiple calendars (for classes, personal events, and assignments) and view them all together. It also sends automatic reminders for upcoming deadlines, which makes it one of the most reliable free time management apps available.
Key Features:
- Fully integrates with Gmail and Google Tasks
- Syncs across devices
- Supports shared calendars for group projects or roommates
- Can display events in daily, weekly, or monthly views
Cost: Free
Display: Calendar and schedule views
Best for: Students already using Google’s ecosystem who want a reliable, easy-to-use planner.
Weakness: Lacks advanced task-tracking features compared to dedicated productivity apps.
3. Notion
Notion is more than just a note-taking app. It’s a customizable workspace where you can combine planning, tracking, and documenting your entire student life. Notion stands out for its flexibility and creativity.
Why it’s useful:
You can build your own dashboard with class notes, to-do lists, reading logs, and even study timetables. Notion’s templates make it easy to get started, and everything syncs in real time across devices. Many college students use it to manage coursework, research, and personal goals all in one digital hub.
Key Features:
- Integrates with Google drive, Slack, and Trello
- Collaborative editing for group projects
- Works offline and online
- Highly flexible page and database system
Cost: Free for students, paid plans start at $8/month
Display: Block-based layout (list, table, board, or timeline views)
Best for: Students who like customizing and having everything in one place
Weakness: Steeper learning curve for new users
4. MyStudyLife
MyStudyLife is that app for smashing your student goals. It is designed for academic success — scheduling, task tracking, and reminders in one app built around students’ calendars. It’s often listed among the best time management apps for college students because of how tailored it is to educational needs.
Why it’s useful:
You can manage your timetable, set reminders for exams and assignments, and track homework progress. It’s ideal for students who prefer a planner that feels made for school life rather than business projects. As one of the most effective free apps, it provides everything you need to stay organized.
Key Features:
- Integrates with cloud sync for access across devices
- Supports rotating schedules and custom timetables
- Works both online and offline
- Color-coded subjects and task organization
Cost: Free
Display: Calendar and list view
Best for: Students who want a dedicated study planner with built-in reminders
Weakness: Fewer integrations compared to apps like Todoist or Notion
5. Trello
Trello is versatile and visually appealing to those who love to plan with boards, cards and checklists. It’s a favorite among project-driven learners and one of the apps for working on group assignments.
Why it’s useful:
Trello lets you organize your coursework, group projects, and personal goals through an intuitive board system. You can assign deadlines, attach files, add checklists, and even color-code tasks by priority or subject. It’s especially great for collaborative work or visual learners.
Key Features:
- Integrates with Google Drive, and Slack
- Customizable boards and task cards
- Supports team collaboration and progress tracking
- Available on web and mobile devices
Cost: Free plan available, paid options from $5/month
Display: Board, calendar, and timeline views
Best for: Students who prefer a visual approach to organization and teamwork
Weakness: Can feel overwhelming for users who prefer simpler layouts
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Why time management apps for are a game-changer for you
Balancing academic responsibilities with personal growth abroad can be challenging — but the right tools make all the difference. Time management apps like Todoist and Google Calendar help organize your tasks, while tools like Trello keep you motivated and focused.
Whether you need a flexible planner like Notion or a study-specific tracker like MyStudyLife, a management app empowers you to make the most of your time, so you can study smarter, enjoy your student life abroad, and never miss a deadline again.
If you are a university or exchange student, exploring different time management apps will help you find one that matches your style and schedule. Many of these are also free, making them accessible no matter your budget. If you are looking for more tools to make your academic life easier (take notes, record lectures, set reminders), check out our guide to the best apps for international students.
Plans that may interest you
English Copywriter at Holafly, I'm committed to sharing tips that will make your travel experiences memorable. Over the years as a writer and strategist, I've managed teams across multiple industries - SaaS, tech, real estate, and personal brands. I wrote my first book as a child and have been writing ever since, cooking and reading are a few ways I explore my world.
