If you’re not using Notion in 2023, what are you doing?
In 2021, I began using Notion after several failed attempts at finding websites that offered editorial calendars. Within two years, I expanded my use to meal prepping, journaling, note taking, goal tracking, and literally so much more.
I didn’t realize Notion’s full functions until I really delved into all of its benefits.
As I’ve posted more content centered on this app, I get a lot of questions about what templates I use and how I use the platform as a college student. Here, I want to share all my secrets, tips and tricks with you, so you can optimize your Notion experience.
P.S If you haven’t checked out my latest YouTube video, watch it! I also give a mini tour of my Notion (which is at 10:26).
What is Notion?
If you don’t know, Notion is a website/app that serves as a note-taking tool and database. What’s special about this app is that it has a variety of templates for you to use based on your personal, professional, and academic needs. Here are some of my favorite templates:
- Reading List
- Habit Tracker
- Cornell Notes
- Course Notes
- Social Media Calendar
- Campaign Brief
- Journal
- Moodboard
- Blog Posts
How to Use Notion
While Notion has a variety of templates to use, I love using the social media calendar, weekly to do list, and course notes function. While I don’t use many pre-made Notion templates, I love getting inspo from Pinterest and websites that offer free templates and created my own personalized templates.
If you’re just getting started, I suggest using a pre-made template and curating it to your aesthetic. This way is easier and more convenient for beginners. As you get used to Notion, you can create your own templates.
Here are some of my favorite websites for free templates. All you have to do is download/duplicate the template and add it to your own dashboard. I suggest using a few templates if you’re indecisive about what functions/design you want.
Note Taking Template
https://thomasjfrank.com/templates/notion-note-taking-template/
Spaced Repetition Template
https://www.notion.so/Spaced-Repetition-Template-abf9e1168045472cbd7c77087437651d
Aesthetic Semester Organizer
https://www.notion.so/janicern/your-dashboard-8c7059dc0aab443e98b5b226b5fb52cc
University Template
https://eloh.gumroad.com/l/universitytemplate?utm_source=notionzen.com&utm_medium=web
Light Academia Template
https://alaskanotion.gumroad.com/l/lightacademianotion
Aesthetic Template for 2023
https://mandykhui.gumroad.com/l/studentnotiontemplate22
How to Customize Your Notion
This is the fun part.
The best way to customize your dashboard is through widgets and aesthetic images. For example, on my school-designated template, I chose a neutral color palette (my favorite colors) and customized my template with widgets and images that reflected my neutral palette.
I suggest choosing a color palette first for your Notion. Coolors offers a variety of generated color palettes, so you can get inspiration. After you find your palette, using Pinterest, We Heart It, or Tumblr, find pictures that fit your aesthetic. You can add images by themselves (like how I did on the left), add images to your cover (on the top) or add them to databases (under courses).
I also used a variety of widgets to personalize my experience.
My favorite websites for widgets are Indify and WidgetBox. With these sites, you can add digital clocks, calendars, countdowns, analog clocks, timers, and much more. I’m also a huge fan of the Pomodoro timer for productivity, so I use a Pomodoro widget when I need to do deep work.
To add a personal touch, I also use Canva to create headers like the “Assignments” header.
Common Questions about Notion
It’s super easy to get started, but while you now have the foundation to create your dream database, you may still have some specific questions about performing certain functions. Here are some common questions I’m asked or have asked others before.
What templates do I use?
I use a variety of templates and combine them to make a personalized template, but most times, I find the base templates using a website called Notion Hub. This website has everything you need.
How do I use Notion as a college student?
In 2021, I only used Notion for my social media posts and as an editorial calendar. Today, I use Notion:
- To take course notes
- To record and take notes for interviews I do
- To plan content for my blog
- To meal prep
- To budget
- To brainstorm content ideas
- To track assignments and their due dates
- To keep track of my monthly goals
How do I add vertical columns?
This is super simple and can easily elevate your Notion. To add vertical columns, just hold the item you want to move and hover it the left of another item. Like so:
What elements can I add?
Anything. Literally anything. You can add Pomodoro timers, clocks, buttons, countdowns, headers, and so much more. Use Canva to add individualized headers (like the image headers in the picture above) and use different widget websites to add everything else. You also have the option of personalizing your Notion widgets. For Canva, all you need to do is add pictures to different frames; Canva has frames for every shape too.
The best way to learn is to experiment and have fun with it.
Hopefully, this blog post helps you get started on your journey creating the dashboard of your dreams. It may seem a little daunting with the endless possibilities Notion offers, but I assure you guys that it’s all worth it. Having a Notion that suits your life makes daily tasks so much easier.
Even though it’s only the second month, you can still get a head start on the new year and create a Notion that’s just right for you. Let me know if you plan on using or upgrading your Notion this year!
P.S: Don’t forget to subscribe to the blog and follow my Instagram (we’re close to 1,000 followers AH!)
