bullet journal thesis

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Bullet Journal: Methods and Inspiration

• Bullet Journal: About
• Bullet Journal: Method
• Bullet Journal: Materials
• Bullet Journal: Inspiration

The Bullet Journal

The "Bullet Journal" method of organization, designed by Ryder Carroll, is made to be simple and task-focused: all you need is a notebook and a pen . If you have found planners with prescribed sections and space to be too confining for your purposes, the Bullet Journal means of creating your own planner can be the solution. Design as you go: if the spread you use one week doesn’t work, fix it for next week. The key to the system is "rapid logging" - track your tasks as simply and as quickly as you can to make the achievement of those tasks the primary goal.

Bullet Journaling gives you the framework; you fill in the rest!

Learn the Basics

How to bullet journal video by ryder carroll (youtube).

• How to Start a Simple Bullet Journal (BulletJournal.com) A good intro to the system.
• Tiny Ray of Sunshine A "Thorough Guide to the Bullet Journal System" from one of the better-known BuJo blogs.
• The Lazy Genius Collective: How to Bullet Journal, the Absolute Ultimate Guide An irreverent yet thoughtful take on how to Bullet Journal. Her motto: "Slow. Simple. Soulful."

Bullet Journal Ideas for Students

• College Student Bullet Journal Ideas to Get You Organized for School! (BulletPlannerIdeas.com) Lists and layouts for the busy college student.

Key Components of the Bullet Journal System

• The Index : Save the first 4 (or 2! or 6!) pages of your journal for the Index, where you write the page numbers of your entries (lists, months; weeks and days if you want to) as you track them so you can find them again quickly.
• The Future Log : after the Index comes the list of upcoming events, appointments, tasks and whatever else you want to keep track of in the coming months. Your layout can be simple or elaborate, up to you.
• The Monthly Log : In whatever format works best for you, here you list the dates of the month and the tasks to be accomplished/events to be attended on each date. You can also include a box for monthly tasks and other things you'd like to track as the month progresses (assignments? semester-long projects? job searching goals?). This is a good time to review your online calendar, if you have one, to make sure you're caught up with what you have planned.
• The Weekly and/or Daily Log : Again, in whatever format works for you, list out the week or each day and track what you need to do. If you find the format you use for this week isn't what you need it to be, change it for the next!

The Bullets

Note: These are listed with Ryder Carroll's original designations, but redo the bullet or its meaning to suit your own needs if you work differently .

Add more as you need/think of them:

• Assignment bullet?
• Job-related bullet?

Put the key to your bullets somewhere near the front (after your name but before the Index, maybe).

• PAPER : There is no official journal/notebook that you must use in order to have a bullet journal. You can use whatever works for you. That said, there are benefits to using a graph-ruled or dot-grid-ruled notebook, given that you will be establishing your own layout and designing works easier when you have something to go by.
• SIZE : Again, up to you. A5-sized notebooks (approximately 8.3" x 5.8") are popular because they have enough space for a layout without taking up too much room in backpacks/purses/whatever. There are hardcover and softcover versions.
• BRAND : Popular brands are the Leuchtturm 1917 and Moleskines. Pay attention to paper density (usually some number marked in GSM, Grams per Square Meter, like 80 gsm), which indicates whether ink will bleed through. But if you don't intend on doing much that might bleed through, this is less of a concern.

Accessories

• PENS : Any decent fine-point pen will look lovely on your page. If you like color, Sharpie pens are always just right. Beware of ink bleeding through if you use felt-tip pens (such as Sharpies) on paper with a low density (see above).
• OTHER : Washi tape, stickers, stamps... whatever you like to look at.

Get Inspired or Just Admire: Bullet Journals on Social Media

• #BulletJournal on Instagram Millions of posts! See what others are doing with their journals and take away ideas for your own. Also look for #bujo.
• Bullet Journal on Pinterest Bullet journals are all over Pinterest. Got a specific idea or question about a layout? You'll find something here.
• Bullet Journal on Reddit The R/Bulletjournal community.
• Bullet Journal on YouTube Hours and hours of videos!
• Last Updated: Feb 22, 2024 12:48 PM
• URL: https://library.stevens.edu/bulletjournal

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How to Use a Bullet Journal

By Laura Harrison |

If you have been anywhere near Pinterest, Buzzfeed, or had lunch with me in the past few months, you have probably seen/heard something about bullet journaling. It is a combination diary/to do list/journal, and it has become an essential part of my organisation. The following is an introduction to bullet journaling, for those of you whose #academicnewyear resolution is to be more organized.

*Disclaimer: I was already pretty reliant on a diary and to do lists, so this just brought them together in a useful and efficient way. If you don’t currently rely on either of these this may not work for you, but by all means try it!*

Bullet journaling was developed by Ryder Carroll, and his website  has lots of information and examples. It was originally planned as an analog system to combine the various organizational methods he used into one place. This is still the basic premise, but the lovely Pinteresty humans of the world have popularized it by turning their journals into works of art. I fall somewhere in the middle in terms of creativity, which highlights what is by far the best bit about a bullet journal – it is completely customizable, since you are creating it from scratch. There is a fair amount of upfront setup, but then it is pretty minimal to maintain. Also, it is the sort of setup you can do while watching tv and still call it work, which is obviously the best kind.

Getting started…

Find a notebook: You can use any blank notebook you have lying around, though most people recommend a dotted or graph notebook so you have more freedom in terms of design. I had a handy giftcard lying around so I purchased this dotted Moleskine notebook for my purposes.

So plain on the outside, so much goodness inside

Decide on a vague system: This is by far the most difficult part. There are so many examples out there that it can be overwhelming. For this post I’m going to stick to just showing what I do, but I cut a lot of the additional pages people put in, like habit trackers and lists of books to read and movies to watch (reading outside the PhD? Ain’t nobody got time for that). To see a full spectrum of the options, try  this buzzfeed post  or just google ‘bullet journal’. One important thing to keep in mind is that your system can and will change. When I first started I just did one week at a time until I found a structure that suited me. My system is as follows…

Yearly pages: I put things like birthdays, events, and conferences for months that I haven’t done the monthly/weekly pages for yet so I don’t miss the dates. I actually don’t update these pages as much as I should (hence why it is so sparse), but I’m trying to be better.

This makes my summer look disturbingly slow…

Monthly pages: A look at the key events and deadlines, also my overall PhD and life goals for the month. This is also my attempt at using this as a journal as well. I am not good at keeping track of fun things that happen, but I try to put in some memories for each month.

Parks and Rec quotes make everything better

Weekly page: This is the crucial bit of the journal, where your daily to do list and diary are located. The bullet journal rests on the idea of categorizing tasks. I keep my symbols relatively simple (see below), but you could categorize thesis tasks from teaching ones, or PhD-related from life-related. The weekly page is also where you can really customize the journal. I have sections to keep track of a to do list, exercise, my spending, and emails that need sending. You could have absolutely any option here, or not have anything beyond the days of the week if you aren’t into tracking anything else.

First week back from holidays…*sigh*

Since you are starting with a blank slate you can really go wherever your heart desires with the bullet journal, which is what makes it a great tool. If you’re looking for more organization, I strongly recommend giving it a shot.

When Laura isn’t extolling the virtues of procrastination techniques, she is the Editor-in-Chief of Pubs and Publications and a third year PhD students in Scottish History at the University of Edinburgh. You can find her on Twitter @laurasharrison .

Image 1: pixabay.com; All other images: Laura Harrison

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A Beginner's Guide to Bullet Journaling

Last Updated: August 6, 2024 Fact Checked

Core Journal Setup

Journal customizations, using and updating your journal, bullet journal help, expert q&a.

This article was co-authored by Claire Donovan-Blackwood and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman . Claire Donovan-Blackwood is an Arts & Crafts Specialist and CEO of Heart Handmade UK, a site dedicated to helping people live a happy, creative life. With over 13 years of experience, Claire uses art as a form of therapy and focuses on mindfulness in the making of art. She makes crafting easy and accessible for those she works with. Claire received her B.A. in Photography & Visual Imagery from The University of Huddersfield. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 585,826 times.

These days, it seems like bullet journaling is all the rage… but what exactly is it? At its core, a personal bullet journal is a quick and flexible system that offers tons of organizational benefits to your everyday life. With daily-, monthly-, and future-focused logs, you can use your journal to concentrate on what’s most important in both the present and future. Your bujo doesn’t have to stop there, though—with just a little prep work, your bullet journal can be anything and everything you want it to be. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know, so you can embark on your very own bujo journey.

Things You Should Know

• Choose any kind of notebook to serve as your bullet journal. It doesn’t need to be fancy or divided into sections, since you’ll be organizing the journal on your own.
• Start off your journal with an index section, followed by a future log, monthly log, and daily log.
• Keep your journal organized with signifiers—these are specialized bullet points that help you keep your thoughts categorized.
• Customize your journal with collections, like a list of books you want to read or recipes that you want to try out.

• You can personalize the notebook a bit if you’d like, though! If you love the color blue, for instance, you could invest in a blue notebook.
• You don't have to stick to lined notebooks, either. You could work with dotted notebooks, grid notebooks, and blank notebooks. It's all up to you!
• The official Bullet Journal brand sells a great bullet journal made with the LEUCHTTURM1917 notebook .
• You can write in pen or pencil using whatever color you’d like. A pen may show up better, however, and darker colors are typically easier to read.
• For example, if each page has 24 lines make three sections on each page of 8 lines each.

• Be sure to write page numbers on the corners of each page. As your future log in your first section, the page numbers should be one and two. Flip back to your index and write something like, "Future Log . . . 1-2."
• For example, on the left page you would write "January 1st, Sun."
• On the right page, you would write things like "Pay the cable bill," and "Complete draft of term paper."
• A bullet journal is meant to be brief, so try to use short, simple sentences. For example, something simple like do not say, "Called vet to ask about cat's vaccinations. Rabies due." would be better than "Today, I called the vet to discuss the cat's vaccinations, including the rabies vaccines that is due."

• For example, creative goals could be signified with a star, work could be signified by a simple bullet point, hobbies could be signified by an arrow, bills could be signified by a small dollar sign, and personal topics could be signified by a heart.
• As you track your goals on your daily calendar, use your signifiers to keep things organized! For example, an entry may look something like, "$ Paid Cable Bill today."
• For example, you could write headings like "Weight and Fitness Goals," "Deadlines and Due Dates," "Work Goals," and "Creative Goals."
• From there, write down tasks under their corresponding categories. Under "Weight and Fitness Goals," for example, you could write something like, "Visit the gym 12 times this month."

• Books to read
• Habit tracker
• Places you want to visit
• Meal prep log
• Inspiring quotes
• Daily affirmations

• Remember to make use of your signifiers as you fill out your journal.

• Write out your spreads using cool fonts
• Apply fun patterns to your journal with rubber stamps
• Adorn your journal pages with doodles
• Add a touch of watercolor paint to your pages

• Keep in mind that you do not need to transfer all your tasks to the next month. If you see a task that's no longer worth your time or that is too late to complete, cross it out. This will help you stay organized by trimming down unnecessary information.

• For example, break down your thesis into small goals and jot them down in your future log. In February, you would write "Complete draft" and in March write "Revise draft."

• For example, if a long-term goal is to be able to run 30 minutes without stopping for one month, you could write, "Increase running time to 15 minutes."

• Writing should ideally be short and to the point. Otherwise, it defeats the purpose of being quick and easy. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 5

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://artincontext.org/how-to-bullet-journal/
• ↑ https://www.cnet.com/health/how-to-start-bullet-journaling-for-an-organized-2021/
• ↑ https://www.aarp.org/home-family/your-home/info-2019/bullet-journal.html
• ↑ https://london.sunderland.ac.uk/about/news-home/growth-mindset/bullet-journaling/
• ↑ https://bujobabe.com/ways-to-decorate-a-bullet-journal/
• ↑ https://wellella.com/bullet-journal-future-log/

About This Article

To bullet journal, first choose an empty journal to write in. Open to the first spread and write “Index” at the top of each page. This will be the index of your journal. Open to the next spread and count the number of lines on one of the pages. Divide that by 3, then draw 3 horizontal lines across the spread to divide it into 6 equal sections, 3 on each page. Write the name of the next 6 months so there’s one month at the top of each section. Then write “Future Log” at the top of each page. This will be the future log of your journal where you keep track of tasks you need to complete within the next 6 months. Open to the next spread and write the current month at the top of each page. Write each day of the month on the left side of the left page from top to bottom. Add the abbreviation for the day of the week to the right of each date. This will be the monthly log where you write down upcoming tasks for the month. The tasks go on the right page of the log. Open to the next spread and write today’s day at the top of the page and a bullet point list of things you need to do today underneath it. When the day ends, make a new entry for the next day below it. Once you’ve added an entry for each day of the week, flip to a new spread and add entries for the following week as it progresses. Add page numbers to the bottom left corner of every page in your bullet journal, and add each number and the name of the corresponding log to the index. When you’re adding items to your daily log, put a bullet point next to tasks, a circle next to events, and a line next to notes. If a task is really important, put a star next to it. At the end of each month, add a new monthly log to the next open spread. Then, cross out all the tasks in your daily logs that you completed. If there are any uncompleted tasks that are still worth doing, draw a right arrow next to them and add the tasks to your new monthly log. If a task is due in months, draw a left arrow next to it and add that task to the corresponding month in the future log. If you have multiple related tasks, add a collection to your journal to keep them organized. Open to a new spread and write the name of a topic at the top of the page. List all of the related tasks underneath. Then add the new collection to your index. As you continue to bullet journal, you can create custom logs, collections, and signifiers that work best for you. For details about how to organize your notebook, keep reading. Did this summary help you? Yes No

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NotebookTherapy Blog

The ultimate guide to bullet journaling.

Have you ever wanted to start bullet journaling but you just don’t know where to begin? Or maybe it’s the first time you’re hearing about a bullet journal and you just want to see if it’s for you! With all the information everywhere, I know it can be quite overwhelming so I’ve created this ultimate guide so you can read about everything you need to know about bullet journaling in one place!

⇅ Table of contents: 

1. What is Bullet Journaling?

2. What is a Bullet Journal?

3. Why Should I Bullet Journal?

4. Benefits of Bullet Journaling?

5. Learn to Bullet Journal?

6. How to Bullet Journal: Bullet Journal for Beginners

a. How to Make a Key Page

b. How to Make an Index Page

c. How to Make a Yearly Page

d. Setting Up Monthly Spread

e. Weekly Pages

7. Bullet Journal Layout Ideas

8. Bullet Journal Supplies

9. Best Bullet Journals

a. Dot-Grid Journals

b. Soft Cover Bullet Journals

c. Leather Cover Bullet Journals

d. Cute Bullet Journals

What is Bullet Journaling?

The first question you might be asking is ‘what is bullet journaling?’ Bullet journaling is a methodology created by Ryder Carroll. It’s meant to help you organise your tasks and stay productive but it’s also great for maintaining mindfulness.

As bullet journaling became more and more popular, it started to evolve more into a platform for many to express their thoughts and creativity. You might have seen some creative influencers sharing their mildliner-embellished cover pages, habit trackers , mood trackers, doodle pages, etc. on social media.

Credit: @amandarachlee

Some bullet journalers like to add extra pages for fun like this playlist page. It’s obviously not necessary but I personally think adding pages like this makes your bullet journal a lot more interesting to look back on. I don’t know if it’s just me but I always find it fun to see what music I used to love listening to and how my taste evolved over time! You can also do this with books, films, pens, skincare products, food - the possibilities are endless!

What is a Bullet Journal?

Bullet journal is a system that’s meant to help you get organised. Bullet journaling can organise your daily, weekly, monthly (and even yearly) schedule, important reminders, tasks, and your general thoughts all in one notebook. A lot of people like to use dot grid notebooks because it’s not as distracting as having lines on your pages but the dots are good enough to guide you with keeping your lines and tables straight. It also looks a lot better on pictures so if you’re hoping to start a bullet journal Instagram page, I would definitely recommend a dotted bullet journal but the type of pages really doesn’t matter, the choice is yours because bullet journaling is personal and you can do whatever you want!

Why Should I Bullet Journal?

So why should you keep a bullet journal?

• To stay organised
• To improve productivity
• To keep on top of your mental health

Keeping a bullet journal definitely helps me break down my tasks during the day. I don’t know if it’s just me but I remember things better when I write them down on paper so I still prefer to write everything on paper instead of my notes in my phone. I also tend to look at a computer screen aaall day so I try not to rely on my computer or my phone too much for things like planning my days and personal goals.

You can also keep useful pages like habit trackers . Habit trackers are great for keeping track of your habits (obviously) and pushing yourself to stick to these habits daily. Personally, if I want to make a habit stick I keep track of it in my bullet journal and make sure I’m doing it daily. It’s a good way to almost guilt-trip yourself if you don’t end up filling it in your habit tracker. Obviously you are allowed rest days and you don’t have to do everything perfectly but guilt-tripping myself always works for me! 😅

I really like this bullet journal habit tracker by @amizaomar ! It’s such a clever way to use a calendar stamp as well.

Bullet journaling is also really relaxing so even if you’re not a very busy person and you just want to be creative, you might still want to keep one! Before I started bullet journaling I didn’t really do a lot of doodling for fun. I find that having a monthly theme for my bujo spreads and keeping to them helps me practice my doodling skills . But you really don’t have to be an artist to enjoy doodling in your bullet journal, there’s just something fun about using cute pens on your spreads.

Here’s my September cover page. It helped me practice my calligraphy and drawing skills. I personally like to keep a minimalist aesthetic but you can definitely use more colours and add more doodles!

Benefits of Bullet Journaling

I’ve been bullet journaling for just over 2 years now and I can honestly tell you that it really has amazing benefits for your productivity, mental health, goals, creativity, and so many other things!

Productivity and Organisation

Bullet journaling can help you be more organised. If you keep weekly spreads, it’s such an easy way to keep track of things that you’ve done and things that you still need to get done. Eventually, this will help you become more productive as well. I don’t know about you but I have an obsession with lists! I love writing lists of what I need to do because it helps me break everything down into small tasks and I find it soooo satisfying every time I cross something off so it motivates me to keep working.

I love this weekly spread by @byclairee I also like how they’ve added the hours on the side of each day so they’ve got their days planned by hour! I personally don’t do this because I never know how much time I need to get something done but it’s a really good idea if you have more routines throughout the day!

Mental Health

As I mentioned earlier, bullet journaling helped me improve my mental health. It’s not just because it gives me some downtime every day to reflect and get creative although that is one of the main reasons why I love bullet journaling! Keeping mood trackers helps me keep track of my mood and I usually like to pair it with a sleep tracker or a habit tracker to see if there’s a correlation between those 3. This might sound obvious but normally I find that when I don’t get enough sleep, I always seem to be in a lower mood, so it can be super useful to keep on top and allow you to really start to see clear links between behaviours and causes.

I absolutely love this clever mood tracker theme by @marthasjournal . If you’re new to bullet journaling, you might wonder how you use this tracker. If you look at the top part of the page you can see the colours assigned to each mood (smiley faces). The labels on the cassette tapes are also separated in 30 sections - 1 for each day of the month, so you just colour that day in with the colour that symbolises your mood!

Another thing that I like to keep in my bullet journal is a quotes page for each month. It sounds very simple but it really helps me set the tone for each month.

This quote page by @somekindwords_ is a good example of how a simple quote page can help you get more motivated. I wasn’t really much of a quotes girl until I started bullet journaling and started looking for motivational quotes and honestly, some of the ones I’ve come across with are so inspiring and have helped me start my months with more intention. It’s also just really nice to sit down and decorate this page because you get a lot of space to draw and I don’t know about you but to me, that’s some form of self-care. 💅

Keeping a gratitude log in my bullet journal also helped me change my mindset and it allowed me to highlight the things that I have and what I’m grateful for. At first, I really wasn’t sure if it wasn’t going to change anything because you can just write a bunch of words down and forget about them the next day but practising gratitude daily allowed me to focus on the positives.

This gratitude log by @magicalbujo is so simple yet sooo cute! 💕

Another benefit of bullet journaling is that it helps you become more goal-oriented. You can keep a goals page in your bullet journal and even write down the steps you need to take to reach those goals. When you have your goals written down and fully visualised, it’s easier to take action.

This goals page by @bujo.by.filo shows you how they’ve broken down their goals into different sections. And the good thing about this is that it’s yours and you can write whatever goal you want. It doesn’t matter how big or how small they are as long as you’re doing what you can to reach them!

Using my bullet journal every single day allows me to get creative regularly. I like to spend time thinking of themes to assign to each month and it’s such a great way for me to try new things each month.

I absolutely love this magical theme by @lolascraftjournal ! I love the colour palette she used and the mushroom on clouds. Bullet journaling definitely encourages you to come up with unique themes like this.

Another cover page that I’m currently loving is this Mid-Autumn festival inspired cover page @kotose.journal . I’m also doing a Mid-Autumn festival inspired theme this month so it’s always fun to see other people with the same theme. It’s also great to see how people create similar themes in different styles because it always inspires me to try new techniques in the future!

You’re also definitely not limited to just brush pens to create your monthly spreads. I love how @cynthiabujo used parcel paper to decorate her cover page to achieve a rustic look!

If you don’t consider yourself an artist but you want to improve your drawing skills, bullet journaling can definitely help you with that! If your first few spreads don’t turn out like the examples I’ve shown you here, don’t be discouraged. Just keep trying different techniques and different themes - you’ll soon find your style and you’ll keep improving!

Learn to Bullet Journal

If you’re looking into learning how to bullet journal , there are a few things you should expect. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you’re not going to be an expert right from the start so it’s better to start simple. If you want to get into bullet journaling to help increase your productivity, then you can worry about calligraphy and doodling later and focus on the setups and pages that you can use to be more productive.

It also took me a whole year to fully realise my bullet journaling style and what pages worked for me so keep experimenting with different spreads. I found that my monthly essential spreads are a quote page, a cover page, a mood tracker, a habit tracker, a doodle/brain dump page, and my weekly spreads! Yours might look different. So keep trying other things until you find the pages that you can’t live without!

In order to make bullet journaling a habit, you also need to make sure you’re committed to it. When I first started and didn’t really know what to use my bullet journal for, I only really just used my bullet journal monthly to make calendars and write down special events. Now that I know my needs and why I bullet journal, I use my bullet journal every day. If you want to start using your bullet journal every day, you can start off by allocating 5-10 minutes in the morning just to jot down what you need to do. I also really like giving myself a few minutes at night to fill in my trackers!

How to Bullet Journal: Bullet Journal Ideas for Beginners

In Ryder Carrol’s (the creator of the bullet journal method) words, a bullet journal is meant “to help you track the past, organize the present, and plan for the future.” This system is really great for helping you keep track of everything you need. You can keep to-do lists, trackers, gratitude logs, etc.

With all the options, it can get a bit overwhelming and you might be wondering where to start! Start with the very first page and what you should put on it. I like to start with a key page!

How to Make a Key Page

I usually like to write my key page on the very first page of my bullet journal. Sometimes even at the back of the actual cover. All you need to do is assign a ‘signifier’ for each entry. I like to break mine down into: tasks, events, notes, important reminders, and birthdays but you can create your own categories!

You will then use these signifiers on your weekly/daily spreads where you usually write your to-do lists so you can add your tasks and if there are any events going on that day, any important notes and reminders (e.g. birthdays).

This key page by @bujo.with.sunny perfectly demonstrates how to make a key page. I like how they’ve also assigned a signifier for ‘inspiration’!

How to Make an Index Page

After my key page, I would recommend an index page for beginners. This is a great way for you to get used to your bullet journal and keep track of your pages. I kept an index page for my first 2 bujos and found it really useful to have especially when I needed to look back on important pages.

Credit: @mary_journal

Index pages are pretty straight forward. You just create a table with two columns. The first column is for the title of the page and the second column is for the page numbers. I don’t tend to go for bullet journals with page numbers just because I sometimes rip pages in the middle and you can always just add page numbers at the bottom!

How to Make a Yearly Page

A yearly page is good especially if you’re starting your bullet journal at the beginning of the year. I like to keep mine simple by just having a future log. A future log is just a calendar where you can add all the important dates you want to remember throughout the year. Because it’s at the very beginning of your page, you can access it easily.

You can also keep other yearly pages such as books to read, films to watch, year in pixels, etc. but I’d say that a future log is the most important yearly page you can have!

Credit: @leelajournals

Setting Up Your Monthly Spreads

For bullet journalers, the end of the month is really exciting because it’s the time where you can really plan out your spreads for the next month. A lot of the bullet journal users I know like to stick to a theme every month but if you’re just starting out, you definitely don’t have to have one. I highly recommend it though because it’s so fun and keeps your bullet journal more interesting!

I absolutely love this pastel themed bullet journal setup by @catsplanner ! I love how they used calendar stamps to decorate their September cover as well.

Before you set up for the month, it would be useful to think about the pages you want to include. I like to include my monthly trackers but you might also want to include wishlists, goals pages, budget spreads, etc.

Weekly Pages

Weekly pages are very important because this is where you will write your to-do lists for each day of the week. You will mainly be using your signifiers here!

I like to take a double-page spread for each week and divide that into 7 sections. If you want it to look more even, you can divide your spread into 8 sections and have the last section for notes or quotes or doodles!

I like how creative @wintersaints ’s weekly layout is. You can see they’ve also used their signifiers but also included long chunks of texts for reflection. If you like to keep a record of your days, you can also do this or you can even create a separate page for your daily reflection!

Bullet Journal Layout Ideas

Once you are more comfortable with bullet journaling and your own system, you can go ahead and try different bullet journal layouts!

Use your imagination and get creative with your existing spreads like your mood trackers! You definitely don’t have to use a table or a graph all the time. It can be really fun to get creative with your monthly themes as well!

I love this mood tracker by @dulcetjournals ! I love the detailed design she achieved with just black fineliners. I like how she got creative by each day adding up to form a crescent moon with the days of the month!

If you want extra pages other than your trackers to add to your bullet journal, another great idea is adding a page for something you really care about or a habit that you want to have a proper look at and not just track. It can be a skincare page, exercise page, a study page, etc.

I like this skincare page by @ashtyn_plans because there’s plenty of space for important notes and I like how detailed you can get with your daytime and nighttime routines. I also like the minimalist look using fineliners, some letter stamps and grey mildliners!

Another fun layout you can do is a spread for all your monthly themes. It’s a fun way to put them all together in one page and to keep track of what theme you’ve already done!

This theme collection spread by @marthasjournal is so fun and colourful and I love how they’ve drawn them so they look like little pictures clipped to a string. It’s nice to see all the different themes they’ve done throughout the year as well. My favourite one is her February theme!

Bullet Journal Supplies

So now you’ve got your layouts covered all you need is your bullet journal supplies! If you want a comprehensive list of the best bujo supplies out there, you can read our blog post on The Ultimate Guide to Bullet Journal Supplies.

But if you want to focus on the basics for now, here are my top 5 essential bullet journal supplies:

1. Bullet Journal Notebook

To bullet journal, you’re obviously going to need a notebook! My personal preference is a dot grid notebook but as I’ve mentioned before, you can have plain, lined, grid or any other type of notebook you want.

If you are planning to use different types of pens like mildliners, fountain pens, brush pens, and maybe even watercolours on your bullet journal I would recommend a bullet journal with thick 160gsm high-quality paper.

You definitely don’t need anything fancy to get started, it can be something as simple as a lined notebook but it helps if you have a bullet journal that you really like. I’m really drawn to this Tsuki ‘Moonflower’ Bullet Journal because the cover matches my personal aesthetic and I really like the gold floral page edges. Having a beautiful journal just motivates me to pick it up and get productive and it also helps me be more mindful with what I include in my journal.

2. Micron Pens

My next essential tool is a micron pen ! Any fineliner will do but I love micron pens because they’re fade-proof and water-proof and the ink quality is just amazing!👌

I like that you can get different nib sizes as well. I normally use the Pigma Micron 03 pen for general writing and doodling on my bullet journal but I also like the thinner nibs for more detailed drawings and thicker nibs for bolder texts!

This one’s pretty self-explanatory. Rulers are essential for drawing straight lines, graphs, and tables!

If you can get your hands on stencils with simple icons for bullet journaling, even better but any ruler will do!

4. Brush Pens

Brush pens are great for colouring on your bullet journal. If you get water-based brush pens, they can also be used as watercolours! Brush pens are also very easy to use and are great for bullet journal beginners looking to add more colour to their spreads.

@satohom.bujo uses brush pens in this beautiful bullet journal spread! I love how the colours really elevate their mood tracker.

5. Mildliners / Highlighters

Highlighters are great for making any of your important notes stand out to make sure you don’t miss them. I like using mildliners because they come in really nice colours which are great if you’re not the biggest fan of fluorescent, neon highlighters. But if that’s your aesthetic then you do you!

Mildliners are also great for colouring in your doodles and for adding a bit more ✨pizzazz✨ to your bujo spreads.

Best Bullet Journals

There are different types of bullet journal notebooks that you can get and it can take some time to decide on the perfect bullet journal to use for the year! I get it, it’s something that you’re going to use everyday for a long time so it has to be perfect. Here’s a list of some of the best bullet journals available to you!

Dot-Grid Journals

A Dot Grid journal is my first choice just because it’s what I’ve always used and I really like the look of it in pictures. This is perfect for anyone who’s thinking of joining the bujo community on Instagram - the dots aren’t as disturbing as other paper types so you can put more emphasis on your masterpiece in your bujo photography.

Notebook Therapy offers a wide range of dot grid journals to choose from! What I love most about these Tsuki bujos is the cute designs on the cover.

Soft Cover Bullet Journals

Soft cover bullet journals are great for on-the-go journaling because these are flexible so you can squeeze them in smaller bags. The Tsuki ‘Pastel Edition’ bullet journal also comes in a smaller size compared to your regular A5 bullet journaling notebooks!

I love the look of these journals because they come in cute pastel colours and I love the minimalist moon design on the cover.

Leather Bullet Journals

Leather bullet journals are popular because they’re very smooth and sleek. It’s also easier to clean because it’s waterproof so if you spill paint or anything on it, you can easily wipe it.

I like to go for vegan leather and this Tsuki ‘Moonflower Edition’ bullet journal is perfect because of the vegan leather cover and the extra gold details.

Cute Bullet Journal

Another super cute option is this Tsuki ‘Dreamy Nights’ Edition Bullet Journal! I absolutely love the cute baby rabbit napping on the crescent moon. This design is just soooo cute it makes me so happy 💕

Now that you know everything you need to know about bullet journaling, you can go out there and get creative! I definitely recommend joining the big and wonderful bullet journal community on Instagram, you can really learn a lot from them.

And of course, a budding bullet journaler needs somewhere cute and safe to keep all of their supplies! You can find all of the most adorable pencil cases in our pencil case essentials guide!

Other useful links:

Memo Sheet Printable

Lettering for Beginners

Monthly Printable Calendar

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How to Use a Bullet Journal as a Student: 6 Steps to Plan Your Semester

Should you use a planner or a bullet journal.

I wish I could go back to when I was a student and use the Bullet Journal method instead!

What you need to plan is when you’re going to work on that assignment! With a Bullet Journal, as soon as you get an assignment, you can make a plan for completing it.

Let’s jump in to the 6 easy steps to set up your Bullet Journal as a student:

1. Lay out your course schedule

On the first page, show what your weekly course schedule looks like. Make a table showing Monday through Friday (or even Saturday… ouch, sorry!) and draw in the chunks of time when your classes are. Here are some nice examples:

Use a different color for each course to make it super easy to color-code your tasks and due dates in the rest of your BuJo!

2. Create a bird’s-eye view calendar for the semester

Now that you have your weekly schedule, the semester calendar is the next essential page. You could make one page for each month, or put all 4 months on one spread like in this example:

3. Create a page for each course

On the next few pages, create one page for each course you are enrolled in. For example, a page for Intro to Psychology, a page for Spanish 1, etc. It’s up to you to either decorate the pages or leave them minimal, but it’s a good idea to stick to your color code .

So make sure you leave plenty of room on the page to write in your tasks. Each page will look something like this— however, I would recommend making a separate page for each course, so that you don’t mix different assignments from different courses :

4. Continue with your regular weekly spreads

If you’ve finished the first 3 steps, you’re ready to start your classes! Continue your Bullet Journal as usual. Jump right in to your next Weekly Spread . Maybe your weekly spreads could look something like these:

No matter how minimal or decorative your design is, you can use your Weekly Spread to schedule when you’ll work on your assignments. Hopefully it’s the first week of classes, and you’re finally ready to write in your first assignments!

5. Write in, plan, and schedule your assignments

Second, for key projects, papers, and exams, write the due date on your semester calendar (from step 2). You can decide how big a task needs to be for you to write it on the calendar. For example, I probably wouldn’t write an assignment of 15 pages of reading on the calendar; I would just write it on the day I’m going to do it, which is the next step…

Hint: This is where you would use the regular “Task” bullet. Read more about the different bullet points and task status indicators in this article: What are the “bullets” in a Bullet Journal?

6. Check off your tasks as you complete them

Read More: 10 Signs You Should Use a Bullet Journal for Mental Clarity

I hope these 6 steps have given you some new inspiration for using a Bullet Journal as a student! If you want a step-by-step guide to starting a new Bullet Journal and using it to calm your mind, check out my free 5-day email course:

Bullet Journal for a Calm Mind: 5-Day Email Course

If you’d like more ideas for how to use your Bullet Journal as a student, I’ve collected some great ones in this Pinterest board. Don’t forget to follow Calming Grace on Pinterest for more BuJo inspiration:

This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy something using the links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Read the full affiliate disclosure.

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New year, new Bullet Journal!

Happy new year friends!

They say how you spend NYE night sets the tone for the year. If that’s the case, I’ll be eating Indian takeaway with my girlfriends and going to bed at 9:30pm. I’m VERY ok with this plan after the eventful couple of years we’ve had .

I followed up the quiet start with a quiet ‘going back to school’ activity: prepping my Bullet Journal for the new year.

While I love my digital task manager Omnifocus , for the last couple of years I’ve been supplementing it with the Bullet Journal method (#BuJo) designed by Ryder Carroll . Doing part of my organising and planning work by hand, in an actual notebook, slows me down and helps me think through problems and roadblocks in my work.

Below I have put together a step by step explainer of how I set up and use my Bullet Journal for academic work (including teaching), with a focus on prepping for the coming year.

If you’re not already bullet journalling, I hope this helps you get started. If you’re already a fan of #BuJo, or you’re a supervisor, maybe send this post to the PhD student in your life who will benefit from juicing up their organisational strategies 🙂

Getting started:

Really, you just need a notebook and a pen to get started and old notebook will do. But I can never resist an Excuse To Shop (ETS), so I use a fit for purpose Leuchtthurm pre-formatted bullet journal .

I prefer to work in pencil rather than pen: it feels more ‘low stakes’ and creative, and it’s easier to clean up mistakes. I use Blackwing 602 pencils, which are nice and soft without being too smudgy, and have the added advantage of a built in eraser that is designed specifically for that pencil (I used to be an architect – clean pages are important to me!)

The most genius part of the Bullet Journal is the way you create an index of your note book as you build it. This means you can always find your notes again. Leave a couple of pages blank at the start of the notebook, then number the rest of the pages. Go back and write ‘Index’ at the top of the first couple of pages and you are ready to start.

If you buy the ‘how to’ Bullet Journal book by Ryder Carroll (which I recommend if you want to really get into it), the whole process of setting up a bullet journal can seem a little complicated. Heed the sage advice of my podcast Co-host Dr Jason Downs: keep it simple at the start by just doing daily logs.

Annotations and daily logging

Every day I start a new page with the date at the top and start writing down stuff, in any order it comes. Tasks and notes are gaily jumbled up, but the annotations mean the page is legible at a glance. Here’s what a typical day ends up looking like:

I ignored the annotation system Ryder Carroll developed when I first started, which was a mistake. The annotation system makes order from chaos and helps you quickly find your outstanding ‘to dos’ as you scan the pages.

There are lots of possible annotations, I only really use two, which you can see on the page above:

• A simple bullet point dot (.) for a task. I put a X through the dot when I am done or add a greater than sign (>) if I have moved the task to the next day. If I abandon the task, I put a line through the whole thing.
• A hypen (-) for a note: notes are just memory aides I jot down as I read or listen to someone talk in a meeting.

Now look at the page again – see what I mean about order from chaos? Those naked bullet points are the outstanding tasks that need to be dealt with. The rest are either completed or moved, so my eye can skip over them. I don’t bother noting the page numbers of individual daily logs in the index; it’s better to use the index to keep track of your collections – let’s look at these briefly.

Collections

Every now and then, you’ll want to make a special page or two dedicated to a specific topic, task, project or set of notes: what Carroll calls a ‘collection’.

Starting a collection is simple – just go to the next clear page and write the name of the collection at the top. I put a box around the name so I can pick out my collections when I am flicking from page to page. Here’s a collection page in my latest #BuJo for the On The Reg podcast:

I keep this page open while we are recording and just jot things on it – sometimes I put notes here during the month as I think of things to talk about. This is a good example of a collection for an ongoing project. You can see there is more than one entry for On The Reg in the index:

You can create continuity between collections by ‘threading’ the page numbers. Look at the collection page image a little more closely, see how I’ve noted the other page number there too?

Threading helps me flick backwards and forwards in my bullet journal and see disconnected collections as a whole. A simply genius idea from Ryder Carroll!

Collections are a good way to store information you reference a lot – sort of personal FAQs. For instance, the most common question I am asked by my team or students in email is ‘when is the next Bootcamp?’. Here’s a collection I’ve started to compile with all my teaching engagements; it’a a lot quicker than scrolling through my calendar to give people the answer:

Collections are my favourite part of bullet journals, here’s some more collection types I’ve found handy in academic life:

• Notes from a specific paper or book – doing a literature review is much easier when you can reliably find your notes again using an index.
• Thoughts or ideas about specific problems and topics
• Meeting notes and agendas for collaborative projects
• A ‘maybe later’ list of writing ideas
• Notes for teaching – handy to have in front of you, especially if the presentation machine in the room is borked or you can’t plug your laptop in.
• A list of online subscriptions and their renewal dates.
• Books you’ve lent out to people (with their phone number so I can reliably get them back)…

… Really the limit is your imagination when it comes to collections.

That’s all the information you need to get a really useful bullet journal going, but I did promise some new year planning ideas, so let’s look at a few.

Monthly Logs and spreads to help you organise yourself

Just like the daily log, the monthly log helps you keep track of what’s happening in your life, but from a more ‘zoomed out’ perspective.

There’s lots of ways to set out a monthly log. If you google it, you’ll see heaps of beautiful looking monthly logs with decorative flourishes. You’ll need stencils for these (yes, I have them) but your basic and perhaps most useful monthly log format is simply a list of dates down one side of the page. Here’s my January 2023 log, the lines break the months into weeks:

This isn’t enough to organise my life – I am a heavy user of electronic diaries and have many shared calendars. You may wonder why you’d do a monthly log rather than just put stuff in your dairy, but let me tell you, the simple act of making a monthly log has saved me from double booking myself an embarrassing number of times. I think this is because Time is an abstract concept that is much easier to deal with when you make it visual and concrete in a #BuJo.

This year I’m supplementing my monthly log with a Collection of monthly tasks. These are all ‘to-dos’ without strict deadlines, but with some level of urgency:

It’s good to have a list of moderately urgent tasks that can be done at any time – they are good starting fodder for your daily log if you are not sure what to do today. There’s a mix of professional and personal on my list – the beauty of the Bullet Journal is that it’s a way to keep both sides of your life in hand. Often tasks without deadlines support other, longer term goals like fixing health issues or developing ideas, but they are the kind of tasks that easily slip out of sight and out of mind. Tracking them like this keeps your eye on the ball so to speak.

You can, if you like, make a yearly log too. I do these, but to be honest, I don’t get much value out of them. The only time I want to zoom out to a year is planning teaching and I usually do this with my whole team, on a whiteboard. For writing projects, I need to work in smaller chunks, so I’ve started making ‘spreads’ of four months at a time:

Yes, this spread was made with the aid of stencils 🙂 I cross each day off so I have a visual reminder of how much time I have left to key deadlines, which I usually mark with a coloured highlighter (I haven’t got that far in my planning yet).

This is a new spread for me. The boxes to the side of my calendar will be used to record monthly ‘wins’, handy for my performance review at the end of the year. The box at the bottom of the left hand page will be used to put in key deadlines when I have them. The flags on the right are just … because.

There is a fine line between #Bujo and scrapbooking and I am not afraid to cross it.

Data is life

A lot of people have used the Bullet Journal collections to achieve goals like giving up booze or losing weight. I’ve started many a health based collection, only to abandon it, but I was recently inspired by the ‘peak hipster’ bullet journalling in this video.

The pandemic has not been kind to my body and I am trying to get back into shape this year. As a start, I used the inspiration from the video to start tracking sleep against a couple of other health goals:

On the top graph I am tracking amount and quality of sleep. I’m (un)lucky enough to have sleep apnoea and use a machine to help me breathe at night, which means I have accurate data on length of time I slept and the AHI reading (how many apnoea events).

Below the sleep tracker I am simply noting whether I did the activities I’ve decided I need to do more often: go to the gym, stop to eat a proper lunch, and my own writing. I also put a dot on this graph when I encounter a stressful incident or problem.

The placement of the two graphs makes it easier to see the health data more holistically. It’s four days in, let’s see if I can keep it up, but I’m already seeing a strong connection between exercise, stress and sleep!

My On The Reg pod cohost Dr Jason Downs is going real fancy with his health tracker this year. Below is the elaborate spread he made to track his gym training and progress towards the next Brazillian JuJitsu belt:

I find Jason’s spread confusing, but that’s irrelevant. Each #Bujo is unique: made by a person for that person.

I find other people’s #BuJos fascinating. Ann H from Mastodon shared with me the spread she uses to track her small online business, which I imagine could be adapted to all kinds of financial tracking purposes:

I hope you enjoyed this little tour through some basic #BuJo practises: I hope you are inspired. Doing this simple ‘back to school’ activity has already improved my attitude towards the coming year – I hope it’s a good one for us all.

I’d love to hear about your own Bullet Journaling ideas – you can chat with me on Linkedin or via Mastodon – links are below. Although I am still a presence on Twitter, I am not responding there as I want to deny a certain billionaire my intellectual and creative energy this year!

In solidarity,

Thursday 4th of January, Canberra.

Now that Twitter has been ‘Elonified’, the best way to follow Thesiswhisperer on the socials is via my new Thesiswhisperer LinkedIn page. I drop all new posts and pods there first and it’s a good place to talk to me and ask questions.

Related posts:

You have to believe what you do matters .

PhD busy work is like vegan junk food

Books and materials (Excuses to Shop):

The classic ‘how to’ Bullet Journal book by Ryder Carroll  – definitely worth a read.

The 365 Bullet guide (thanks to Dr Bron Eager for reminding me I had this book! Good inspro for different spreads and decorative elements)

The stencil pack I use most – there is no shame in stencils, only joy.

Save time with a preformatted LEUCHTTURM1917 – Official Bullet Journal

The blackwing pencil range (treat yourself – these are nice. I use 602’s and also have the special sharpener)

There’s so much scrapbook cross over tat to buy….I have angry uterus stickers for ‘that time of the month’… Browse the very fun selection of angry uterus merch on Etsy .

Contact me:

I’m on Twitter and Facebook, but don’t spend time there anymore. You can follow and talk to me on Mastodon @[email protected] or on my Linkedin Thesiswhisperer page

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Alternatively, consider buying a copy of one of my ebooks directly from this site:

Tame your PhD The Year of Living Covidly TextExpander for Academics

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The Thesis Whisperer is written by Professor Inger Mewburn, director of researcher development at The Australian National University . New posts on the first Wednesday of the month. Subscribe by email below. Visit the About page to find out more about me, my podcasts and books. I'm on most social media platforms as @thesiswhisperer. The best places to talk to me are LinkedIn , Mastodon and Threads.

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Bullet Journal for Students: Guide, Tips & Ideas

Is your life hectic?

Do you occasionally miss school deadlines?

Feel lost when it comes to organizing your studies and scheduling your time?

Can’t seem to find the perfect balance between academic demands and your personal life?

What if we tell you that we have the solution to all of these problems?

Allow us to present a brilliant planning system for students – the Bullet Journal.

P.S. The journal creator, Ryder Carroll, came up with this idea while he was in college. So, he definitely knows how to manage an academic workload.

• 🔦 BuJo Introduction
• 🧘 BuJo Ideas for Students
• 🎨 Customizing BuJo Pages
• 🏆 BuJo VS Planner App

🔦 School Bullet Journal • Introduction

Before we reveal all the secrets of bullet journaling, let’s pay tribute to its creator – Ryder Carroll 👏👏.

Although young and talented, Carroll experienced learning issues, which prevented him from living his life to the fullest. Diagnosed with learning disabilities, he faced obstacles to his productivity and the successful completion of tasks.

However, that didn’t stop Ryder but instead pushed him to develop an effective solution. After investing extensive time and energy into his project , he d e v elop ed the B ullet Journa l Meth od . BuJo was first released in 2014 and steadily rose in popularity to become a bestseller by 2016.

Everyone wanted to create their own BuJo and customize it to their needs and tasks. Sales grew and solidified the method’s success.

Follow us to learn the whole story, find out all the top tips, and learn plenty of hacks for your planning.

Why Are Bullet Journals so Good for Students?

A Bullet Journal is not just a regular time planner. It is an expert system that you can adjust perfectly to your life. Its author presents this method as “the art of intentional living.”

Now, let’s see how we can apply this method to the study process:

Bullet Journaling 101: Vocabulary

Ryder Carroll created a very sophisticated system of taking notes.

When looking at all the BuJo titles, sections, and item names, you can start to feel a bit overwhelmed. However, it’s nothing compared to the periodic system!

A short, introductory vocabulary list for you:

📌 A Bullet Journal (BuJo) is an effective system of personal productivity and efficiency. It is a mindfulness practice that boosts your level of awareness and reflects your identity.

📌 An Index is a title page where you put all the necessary information concerning your BuJo content. It includes a list of page numbers with the corresponding content.

📌 A Log is a record of something. In this case, it’s a page or spread where you set your goals for a specific period.

📌 Rapid Logging is an efficient and time-saving way of organizing information, like bulleted lists. When there’s no time to make a long synopsis, open your BuJo and create a bulleted list of key points.

📌 Migration is the option to shift goals and tasks to the following period. You don’t have to be perfect. Everyone needs to reschedule at some point.

Bullet Journaling 101: Bullets & Design

Are you a person who reads the rules before breaking them?

Then here are some of BuJo’s rules.

Have a look at them and make your own.

The creators offer a system of bullet journaling with authentic items and algorithms. To comprehend this system, you need to understand some basics.

Let’s go!

There are various bullet types for different needs. Bullet Journal authors suggest 3 of them:

• Tasks comprise your to-do list. They are something you should do within a particular time frame.
• Events for bullets speak for themselves. You can write down any important event in the future or something from the past.
• Notes include any information you want to keep in mind – for example, an exciting story or a random thought.

The original idea for bullets was to use a different marker for each type of bullet point.

For example, use dots for marking tasks . You can easily modify the dot when the task is completed.

You can recognize events by an O-sign bullet, which is an open circle.

A dash can mark any note you need to write down.

Of course, you can develop your own system of signs.

Signifiers – additional symbols for extra information. Add them to the left side of a bullet and record each sign in the table of contents.

The key takeaway here is to distinguish signs from each other .

Bullet Journaling 101: Collections

The key features of the BuJo method are organization, tracking, and reflection.

A bullet journal not only organizes your plans but also helps you reflect on your past.

When information is gathered into a particular module, it is called a ‘ Collection.’

Below, we’ll tell you about organizational methods and review some good bullet journal spreads for students.

The Index is located on the front page of your journal. It’s your navigation system – where you put all the sections, titles, and page numbers. The index allows you to pinpoint the location of any piece of information you’ve recorded.

# The Future Log

This is the most extensive spread in your BuJo. Students can use it as a place to record goals for an academic year. It comprises all your tasks and events for the next six months or year.

#Monthly Log

Big goals are accomplished by taking small steps! In a Monthly Log, you add details to your plans. Embed a calendar in this section and specify the bulleted lists for the next 30 days.

The daily plan is the most specific page.

Don’t feel uptight! Make your bullets as detailed as you want them to be. You can even add timing details and your thoughts concerning each task.

#Custom Log

This item is an incredibly valuable part of the BuJo method. You are free to create your own customized collections.

Let’s say you often have to write an analysis of poems. Make a “Poem Analysis Log” in the bullet journal to regulate the process and track your progress.

Migration is when you reevaluate the urgency of a task and relocate it to the following period.

You’ve completed all your monthly tasks? Great!

You haven’t?

Don’t worry. It just means you shifted your focus to other important things.

🧘 Bullet Journal Ideas for Students • Track Your Activities.

Now, since we’ve built a foundation, it’s time to construct the pillars. Here you’ll find the bullet journal page ideas for college & high school students.

You’ll see how convenient and helpful this system of organization can be to your educational process!

BuJo Weekly Spread

A Weekly Spread is a page spread with weekdays on it. Record your everyday tasks there.

BuJo Study Plan

This section will allow you to split any of your study goals into smaller parts. Take an upcoming exam and schedule the whole preparation process!

BuJo Classes Schedule

Record your timetable in the bullet journal, and never forget it again! Did you know that writing things out makes you memorize them much better?

BuJo Study Tracker

With the help of this log, you can track and develop your studies. Make it a regular habit and you’ll see how your performance has improved.

BuJo Mood Tracker

Regular studying is critically important, of course… but does that make sense when you are entirely out of spirits? To avoid burnout and depression, start recording your mood changes in your bullet journal.

BuJo Sleep Tracker

What’s more important for a hard-working student than good sleep? Your study productivity is directly related to your sleeping pattern. Trace your sleeping habits with the help of a bullet journal!

🎨 Bullet Journal Page Ideas for College Students • Customize

Do you get frustrated with the colorful bullet journals for students you see on social media?

Are you upset because you think you’ll never have a journal like that?

We’ll prove that it’s easy to run your journal playfully without a Master’s Degree in Design.

All you need is a couple of tricks and doodles.

How to Make Doodles for Your Bullet Journal

We’ve prepared a set of great doodle ideas for your bullet journal; use them as a starting point and a source of inspiration.

Remember: there are no limits!

Where to Get Inspiration?

Explore the sources we selected to fill yourself with inspiration and motivation:

✨ Bullet Journal – official website.

💫 19 Creative Bullet Journal Ideas – BuJo Ideas for Everyone

✨ 317 Bullet Journal Ideas For Literally Every Occasion

💫 Bullet Journal Ideas for Students! BACK TO SCHOOL Planning!

✨ Bullet Journal Ideas for Self-care | BU Today | Boston University

💫 The One and Only – Pinterest

✨ Last but Never Least – Instagram

🏆 Why Is a Bullet Journal Better than Any Planner App? • Let’s Compare

And the last thing we want to discuss with you – alternatives!

It’s 2024, isn’t it?

Some would say, “Why would I carry some extra weight in my bag and spend time decorating my planner when there are various planning apps that require just a couple of clicks to download?”

But no app will give you as much freedom and creativity as a simple journal will.

Check this out:

Already on your way to getting a new, crisp journal?

Congratulations! You made the right choice!

Are you still hesitating to take the plunge?

No problem, take your time.

We’re just happy to share information and ideas with you.

Share your experience below in the comments section 👇

Have fun with bullet journaling 🎊

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13 Inventive Bullet Journal Ideas

Layout Ideas for Newbies and Experts

Estée Janssens / Unsplash

A bullet journal is a productive tool that is the gathering spot for your schedule, thoughts, ideas, and goals, but it can work as a de-stressor, as well.

What Is a Bullet Journal?

A bullet journal is mainly a planner that you can tailor to your specific needs with creative page layouts and colors.

The key is in the bullet journal layout you choose to use. The sky is the limit for bullet journal layout ideas and what to put in them. But to get you started, we've gathered 13 inspiring ways you can begin to design your personalized book or online bullet journal.

Maximize the Impact of a Bullet Journal

If you're a non-artist and not very creative, don't let these bullet journal ideas discourage you. Instead, let these layouts inspire you to work on your penmanship and your planning. All you need is a little practice and patience to master this craft.

Simple Weekly Layout Template from Kate Louise

Get Started With a Simple Monthly Layout

Bullet journals don't have to be complicated. When you're just getting started , experiment with different monthly layouts until you find one that works best for your lifestyle. Keep it really simple. Use a small ruler or a straight edge and a quality pen to tackle this monthly setup. 

Monthly Bullet Journal Layouts from Page Flutter

Log Monthly Utility Bills

Keeping track of your utility bills is a helpful way to monitor spending. By keeping a page in your journal, it's easier to look back and make estimates for how much you'll have to spend in the future since these bills tend to fluctuate with the seasons.

You'll also be able to spot trends much more readily this way. For example, if you see a significant and unexplained spike in your water bill one month, check to see if you have any water leaks. 

Make Sure You're Eating Right

@grey.and.copper / Instagram

Anyone trying to lose weight or maintain a healthier lifestyle usually has some poor eating habits they need to break. For most people, breaking a habit isn't as simple as making a mental commitment and sticking to it. Having some form of accountability as well as a visual reminder is a really helpful way to stay on task.

This layout is straightforward with minimal bells and whistles—perfect for journalers of all skill levels.  

Figure Out Which Habits Have Become Obsessive

@archerandolive / Instagram

Habit trackers have become really popular primarily because of how helpful visuals are when breaking or creating new habits. There are plenty of smartphone apps that will remind you of things like to drink more water, but some might argue that the act of taking pen to paper is a more effective method. 

Keep Your Savings Goals in Check

When you're working out of one or two bank accounts, it's easy to spend money that is actually designated for something else. This bullet journal layout creates different buckets for your money based on bigger ticket items. When you're working hard to take that trip abroad (and you're reminded of the trip in your journal), you might be less likely to buy that expensive shirt you don't need. 

Bullet Journal Update from Boho.Berry

Practice Your Doodling Skills

@nicoles.journal / Instagram

Once you get your basic layouts perfected, step out of your comfort zone and work on some more advanced doodles and lettering. There are tons of inspiration pages and tutorials out there that will show you exactly how to form certain shapes and symbols. Most of them are much easier to create than they look, once you know how to do it. 

Write Down Your Top Goals

@journalrella / Instagram

Goal layouts are a great way to practice some more refined lettering and doodling. Start your page with three semi-circles using a compass. Next, pick one of your favorite inspirational quotes to go in the center. Lastly, pick some simple floral or geometric doodles to accent your circles.

Your goals don't have to be based on a month. Yearly and even lifetime goal pages are a great way to keep track of how your ambitions evolve. 

Never Forget Your Parent's Anniversary Again

@bujo.snowberry / Instagram

This date layout doesn't take much time to complete, but it is one that can be looked back at many times throughout the year. One might argue that a phone or Facebook app can remind you of birthdays and holidays, but the act of writing out the dates could help you remember them. Also, who doesn't need a phone or social media detox every now and then? 

Track Your Moods With Color

@narcoticfairy / Instagram

Moods come and go, and it's important to acknowledge and embrace them without being too hard on yourself. Tracking moods throughout the month, especially for a woman, is a great way to see if there are patterns. Perhaps you notice a certain color (i.e. anxiousness) showing up at the same time each month. Maybe it's cyclical. Keeping this chart can help you and your doctor get to the bottom of negative emotions as well as help you honor the positive ones. 

Plan Your Next Adventure

@faith_blossomedbujo / Instagram

Travelling can be a spontaneous experience, but most of the time, a little bit of planning goes a long way. Create a layout of all the places you would love to see, things you'd like to do and people you'd like to visit along the way. 

Express Your Gratitude Often

Showing gratitude is a recommended way to keep our mental health in check because it brings our awareness to details of our life that promote a positive mood. It might seem easy to rattle off a list of things we are grateful for when we are happy, but the challenge is to create layouts like this when we are stressed out and not the best version of ourselves. Honing in on this exercise in these moments will have the most impact, but truthfully, anytime is a good time to practice being thankful. 

Make a Cleaning Routine and Stick to It

@my_blue_sky_design / Instagram

Who doesn't love a clean house? Although, some of us are better at keeping a tidy home than others. Breaking down your household cleaning routine into stages will make household chores seem more manageable. First, get out of the habit of trying to clean your entire house in a day. Then, figure out which tasks should be done when and chart them out. Keep your plan realistic in order to make the most of this layout. 

More from The Spruce

The Ultimate List of A-Z Bullet Journal Theme Ideas and Inspiration

Finding the correct bullet journal theme ideas and inspiration can be challenging. Lists, Collections, Weekly spreads and much much more. There is so much out there! That’s why we have made it as simple as possible to find the themes you are after.

Looking for a specific Theme….

Annual Themes

The Ultimate “How to” Bullet journal

Struggles with Perfectionism

Butterflies

Dinosaurs Flamingo Spreads and Layouts

Honey and Bees

Ocean and Ocean Animals

Dream Catchers

Alice in Wonderland

Winnie the Pooh

Comic Books

Finance Trackers

Budget Planning

Lighthouses

City Landscapes

Christmas Themes

Making an Advent Calendar

Rainbow Spreads

Rainbow Theme

How to Flower Press

Memory Planning

How to Doodle

Floral Doodle

Mandala Pages

How to Make a Dutch Door + Examples

Lemons and Oranges

Meal Planning

Floral Spreads

Advent calendar

Valentines Day

Summer and Tropical

Cleaning Layouts

Organising mom schedules

Using Tombows

Calligraphy

4x Lettering Styles

4x Creative lettering Styles

Getting Started With Hobonichi

Big Life Journal for kids

Ultimate notebook review

Moon Phases

Harry Potter Part 1

Harry Potter Part 2

Minimal Spreads Part 1

Minimal Part 2

Uncluttered Spreads

Harry Potter

Alice in Wonder Land

Lord of the Rings

Studio Ghibli

Avengers and Justice League

Game of Thrones

Music Themed

Brain Dump for bullet journal

Pregnancy Tracker

Period Trackers

Make your BuJo more productive

Bullet Journal for Business


Stay on top of your goals in 15 mins or less

Perfect level 10 Life

Time Management

Working Mom organising

1-3-5 Method

Productivity Excuses

Project Management

KANBAN Board

Bible Journaling

Quran Journaling

Mid year planning slump

Gratitude Journal

One Line a Day Journal Pages

Wellness Tracker

Routine Planning

Mood Trackers

Galaxy Spreads

Galaxy Hand Lettering

Pen Swatches

Washi Swatches

Why Trackers DONT work

Budget and Finance Trackers

Time Tracking

Book Tracker

Reading tracker

Mood Tracker

Sleep Tracker

Guide to sleep trackers

Dream Tracker

Habit Trackers

Circle Trackers

Covid Tracker

One line a day Tracker

Weightloss Tracker

Basic Time Management

Chronodex and Spirodex

Travel Journal

Wedding Planning

Wedding Memories

We absolutely understand how important it is to have amazing bullet journal themes available to you to try, and get inspiration from!

Coming up with new bujo theme ideas can be challenging and time-consuming! Below we have created a list of over 200 themes, with thousands of examples! If there is a bullet journal theme you would love to see, pop me an email Happy bujo creating!

Handwriting Harmony: Aesthetic Practice Sheets & Bullet Journal Templates

Unleash your creative potential with our comprehensive 8-page printable bundle. elevate your handwriting and bullet journaling journey today.

Looking for ideas for bullet journaling?

Embarking on the journey of bullet journaling opens up a realm of creative possibilities, providing a canvas to capture your thoughts, plans, and aspirations in an organized yet artistic manner. As you delve into the world of bullet journaling, you’ll find an abundance of ideas to infuse your journal with personality and purpose. Whether you’re a seasoned journaling enthusiast or a newcomer eager to explore, here’s a curated collection of ideas for bullet journaling that will keep your pages alive with inspiration.

1. Habit Tracker Heaven: Create a habit tracker spread to monitor your daily routines and goals. From fitness and water intake to reading or mindfulness, this visual representation motivates you to stay consistent and embrace positive habits.

2. Monthly Themes: Infuse your bullet journal with monthly themes that resonate with you. Whether it’s embracing a color scheme, exploring a specific topic, or celebrating a holiday, themed pages add cohesiveness and spark to your journaling journey.

3. Goal Setting Galore: Dedicate a section to jotting down your short-term and long-term goals. Break them down into actionable steps, and use your journal to track your progress and celebrate your achievements.

4. Mindful Mood Tracking: Create a mood tracker to record your emotions throughout the month. Colour-coded or illustrated, this spread allows you to reflect on patterns, triggers, and moments of joy.

5. Gratitude Garden: Cultivate gratitude by maintaining a gratitude log. List things you’re thankful for daily or weekly, cultivating a positive outlook and focusing on the silver linings.

6. Creative Collections: Curate collections of your favorite quotes, books, movies, or recipes. These personalized lists add a touch of your personality to your journal and make for easy reference.

7. Travel Treasures: Document your travels with travel logs, maps, and itineraries. Chronicle your adventures, from local explorations to globetrotting escapades, and preserve memories on paper.

8. Bookish Bliss: If you’re a bookworm, design book trackers to log your reading progress, jot down reviews, and maintain a wishlist of must-reads.

9. Budgeting Breakdown: Turn your bullet journal into a financial hub by tracking expenses, setting budgets, and visualizing savings goals. Use charts and graphs to analyze your spending patterns.

10. Daily Reflections: Dedicate a few moments each day to reflect on your experiences, lessons learned, and moments of inspiration. This practice encourages self-awareness and growth.

11. Doodle Delight: Unleash your artistic side by incorporating doodles, illustrations, or even intricate mandalas throughout your journal. These visual elements add charm and capture your creativity.

12. Wellness Wheel: Design a wellness wheel encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Monitor your self-care routines and make adjustments to maintain a balanced lifestyle.

13. Brain Dump Sanctuary: Create a designated space for brain dumps, where you can offload your thoughts, ideas, and concerns. This clutter-clearing exercise frees your mind and promotes mental clarity.

14. Recipe Repository: If you’re a food enthusiast, compile a collection of recipes, meal plans, and culinary experiments. Incorporate food sketches or stickers to make it even more visually appealing.

15. Vision Board Vibes: Craft a vision board spread where you paste images, quotes, and aspirations that represent your dreams and goals. This visual reminder keeps your ambitions at the forefront.

As you delve into these ideas for bullet journaling, remember that your journal is a reflection of you. Feel free to mix and match, adapt, and personalize these concepts to align with your interests and preferences. Whether you’re seeking organization, self-expression, or a creative outlet, your bullet journal is a versatile tool that evolves with you on your unique journaling journey. So, pick up your pen and let your creativity flow onto the pages of your bullet journal, where ideas come to life in a tapestry of inspiration and innovation.

Where can I find the best bullet journal ideas?

You can literally find these anywhere – and realistically, Pinterest will be an amazing starting point to start thinking about your next theme. BUT We have also taken the guesswork out of theme finding for you, by summarizing some of the most amazing bullet journal themes from all over the world! If you are looking for weekly or monthly spreads, we also have that covered!

All of the best bujo themes you can think of in one place! It is important to remember that BuJo themes are not just for looks, but for functionality and if there is something that is not specifically working for you, change it! Thanks the brilliance and dynamics of the bullet journal method!

Best bullet journal ideas and themes:

With this list of themes you will find over 200 blog posts that are curated for you and how you want to design your bullet journal. We have put the List into 4 areas – Alphabetically and then into additional layouts and themes that have their own specific topic. If you would like to see colors specifically here hear for a visual color idea list

Looking for the key topics to get you started? Other bullet journalists to follow? Or want to know how to take a good instagram photo? Check out these awesome topics!

If you are starting at the very very beginning I suggest taking our super quick masterclass! It’s free and easy to follow and you even get a cute little work book to help you!

Some truths about bullet journal theme inspiration and ideas

Ideas for your bullet journal will start coming from everywhere around you, your home, your work, your environment, and this will blend seamlessly into your plans.

Having being a journal addict for many years, it was no surprise that I started collecting and collating all my favorite bullet journal designs. But one of the key lessons I learnt about bullet journal inspiration is it is just that, inspiration. Your bullet journal is your own, and finding that journal peace and harmony is critical to creating a journal that works for you.

Once you have found your own niche and something you enjoy doing, bullet journal ideas will come easily to you. You wont need as many suggestions on page ideas, or collection ideas, you will find something that works for you BuJo style and stick with it.

Where can I find a suggested list of Bullet Journal Collections?

If you understand the simplicity of what a bullet journal collection is, it is merely a collection of thoughts or topics. Usually they have similar themes, like for example: Movies you want to watch, Meals you love to eat, things you want to try, books you have read. These collections can lead to many many many bullet journal spread ideas.

There are hundreds of suggestions all over the internet about what collections you can use or suggestions for journal collections, here we focus on grouping things by themes, and sometimes that covers collections too.

For example, you might want a movie collection, check out our movie theme, and more than likely you will find a layout or spread that supports the collection you are looking for.

Why is Bullet Journaling referred to as so many things?

If you are looking for the original, and very simple Bullet Journal Method, you may way to head to the source of all knowledge, Ryder Carrolls Bullet Journal page, where they go through the basics of the methodology.

Once you have the foundations and the basics sorted you will want to come back here, because bullet journaling, also known as dot journaling, dot grid note taking, has taken on a life of its own.

Creativity and minimalist alike, have got their own spin on the original method, which now spans cultures and countries and really showcases the unique view of every person looking for dot journaling ideas.

Remember for more Bullet journal page ideas and inspiration you can email us at [email protected]

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55 Inspiring Bullet Journal Ideas To Try Right Now

This is such a versatile system.

Journaling has a lot of benefits, like reducing stress and keeping you organized. There are all sorts of ways to journal, including a calendar diary, a blank book, or daily writing prompts. One method that’s become incredibly popular in recent years is bullet journaling. Learn more about this system, and get lots of creative bullet journal ideas to try.

What is a bullet journal?

A bullet journal is a book with pages full of faint dots in a grid pattern. It’s similar to a blank book in that you can turn any page into anything you like. But the grid of dots helps many people feel a little more organized and inspired. You can connect the dots to make calendars, tracking grids, and much more. Or you can ignore them and just doodle or create a work of art on each page.

Most people who use bullet journals enjoy the creativity involved. Many of them use stickers, templates, markers, and other stationery supplies to make their journals colorful works of art. But you don’t necessarily need to use a bullet journal that way. This system is so versatile that it can really work for anyone.

You can find lots of bullet journal inspiration by searching sites like Instagram. Tip: Try using the hashtag #bujo in addition to #bulletjournal when you search. This nickname is very common in the bullet-journaling community.

Learn much more about bullet journaling here.

How To Choose a Bullet Journal

There are lots of bullet journals to choose from out there. (You might also see them called dotted grid notebooks, dotted journals, or something similar.) Make sure you choose one that lies flat when it’s open so you can easily write on the entire page. Also look for heavy-duty paper, since a lot of the fun of bullet journaling involves markers and colored pens that can bleed through thinner pages. Pick a size that makes sense for you: Do you want large pages with tons of room or something smaller that you can tuck into your handbag or pocket?

These well-reviewed notebooks are perfect for those who are ready to give bullet journaling a try:

Artfan Bullet Dotted Journal

If you’re not sure if bullet journaling is for you, try an inexpensive notebook like this. It’s small, at 5 x 8 inches, but the thick pages and lie-flat binding have led to more than 6,000 5-star reviews.

Buy it: Artfan Bullet Dotted Journal on Amazon

Flying Eagle Dot Grid Notebook

This full-size journal has a spiral binding and more than 200 pages, so it has plenty of room for any bullet journal ideas you want to try out.

Buy it: Flying Eagle Dot Grid Notebook on Amazon ADVERTISEMENT

Bullet Journal Ideas for Beginners

Ready to try it out? Here are some easy, basic bullet journal ideas for beginners.

Calendar pages are one of the most basic and common bullet journal pages. Use a ruler or straight-edge to connect the dots into a grid, making the blocks any size you like. Then you can decorate the calendar pages with drawings, stickers, and more.

There are lots of creative ways to set up a task list. Some people connect the dots to make tiny checkboxes. You can also make a single slash mark for each item, then add a second to create an X when you’ve finished the task.

Exercise Tracker

Keep track of your daily exercise with a simple tracker page. If you like to mix up your routines, use different colors to indicate the various types of exercise you complete.

A budget layout is a very personal thing, so choose the style that works best for you. All that matters is that you stick to that budget!

Schedule pages can be very simple, or they can be more artsy and colorful. Experiment with both styles, and see which you prefer.

Study Tracker

Tracker pages can be simple grids or something a little more creative. We love the sweet design of this red panda page!

Mood Tracker

Here’s another creative type of tracking page, this one for moods. Note that each flower petal gets its own color, depending on your overall mood that day.

Goal Setting

Goal pages are another very common bullet journal feature. Some people prefer to keep them simple so they’re not overwhelming. Others use their goal page for inspiration, making them creative and full of color and life.

Goal Tracker

Once you’ve set your goals, don’t forget to track them! You might set up your tracker by day, week, or month, or simply track the progress you’ve made toward achieving each goal.

Habit Tracker

Combine all your habit trackers into one simple page, where you can simply mark whether you met your goals for each day.

Daily Gratitude

Bullet journaling is meant to be a mindfulness activity, so be sure to include a page each month for documenting all the things you’re currently thankful for.

More Creative Bullet Journal Ideas

Once you start bullet journaling, you’ll be amazed at all the possibilities! Take a look at these imaginative ideas for inspiration.

Daily Overview

Many people like to create a separate page in their journal each day to document what they need to do and what they actually accomplish. Spending a few minutes on this exercise each day is a form of mindful meditation and can be very soothing.

Year-at-a-Glance

Get a look at the big picture with a year-at-a-glance layout. That color-coding is gorgeous and practical.

Lesson Planner

Teachers, have you tried using a bullet journal as a lesson planner? You might be surprised at how well the flexibility works for you!

Meal Planner

Create a list of your family’s favorite standard meals. Then, draw from those ideas and set up a meal plan for the week or month.

Sleep Tracker

Tracking the amount, timing, and quality of your sleep can help you see how it connects to your overall health. This simple sleep tracker is easy to create and provides useful info at a glance.

Reading Tracker

If you’re trying to read a little more, create a tracking page in your journal. It’s also a good place to record books you’re planning to read in the future.

Yearly Bookshelf

How cool is this idea for tracking the books you read each year? And it’s really not that hard to draw if you use the dots and a straight-edge as a guide.

Self-Care Tracker

Be sure you’re meeting your self-care goals with a clever page design like this one that uses everyone’s favorite ’80s video game character!

Mind mapping lets you get ideas out of your head and down onto paper, in a somewhat organized fashion. You can refer back to these pages as you set goals and create task lists.

Project Planner

Planning a project in advance is good, and keeping your plan in your bullet journal means you’re less likely to lose it before you implement it!

Personal Reflection

Take a few minutes to think about your recent life activities and events, and to consider your current state of mind. This kind of mindfulness is very helpful at reducing stress.

Daily Journal

If you like to keep track of what you’ve been up to on a daily basis, a bullet journal is a terrific option for that. Many people like to add drawings, stickers, and other creative elements to these pages too.

Capture the music of the moment with a playlist page! These are fun to look back on when the year draws to a close, helping you see the soundtrack that’s been scoring your life.

Sideways Spread

Embrace the flexibility of your bullet journal with a sideways spread! This can be useful for all sorts of bullet journal ideas.

Monthly Theme

Lots of bullet journalers like to create a title page for each new month, often with a theme they’ll use all month long. These colorful pages can help set the mood for the weeks to come.

One Line a Day

If a full journal entry seems like too much, try this easy page. All you need to do is write one sentence each day, capturing the mood and most important moments of the day.

Anxiety Tracker

Need to tame the anxiety monster? Try tracking your anxiety level each day so you can identify patterns and make connections.

Month in Review

When the month draws to a close, create a spread where you reflect on the highlights and accomplishments before you move on to the next one.

Expense Tracker

Trying to get a better handle on your finances? Use an expense tracker so you’ll have a clearer picture of where all that cash is really going each month.

Book Review

Whether you belong to a book club and want to organize your thoughts, or simply love to write reviews for your own enjoyment, these bullet journal pages are always fun and relaxing.

You can use this page to document and illustrate one favorite quote, or create a whole collection you can reflect back on as needed.

Every blank page is just waiting for you in a bullet journal, so if you feel like doodling, then doodle away!

Daily Delights

Each day has a highlight, so take a moment to jot it down before you go to sleep.

Distance Tracker

Prepping for a 10K or a marathon, or just want to encourage yourself to run or walk more? A distance tracker is a fun way to keep yourself on the right path.

Fitness Tracker

Lay out your favorite exercise routines, then track how often you complete them. This is a good way to see if you need to balance out certain fitness routines, like cardio and strength training.

Recipe Page

Turn a bullet journal into a cookbook, or just capture a favorite recipe every so often. Be sure to include your own notes on making the recipe a success.

Recipe Collection

We love this quick collection of favorite family meals! Printing them on separate paper and pasting them in is a brilliant touch.

Hydration Tracker

Most of us never seem to drink enough water, no matter how hard we try. A hydration tracker might give you the nudge you need to meet hydration goals.

Travel Wish List

Use your journal pages to document all your travel dreams! You’ll appreciate having these pages when it’s time to plan your next vacation.

Packing List

Speaking of travel, a packing list page is another bullet journal winner. Keep a standard packing list you can alter as needed for each trip—it’s a real time-saver.

Trip Planner

As you prepare to travel, create lists of places to go, things to do, and other details that will help make your trip a success.

Travel Diary

When the trip finally comes, don’t forget to take time each day to document the fun you have along the way!

Sometimes it’s nice to just have a place to jot down notes, worries, and anything else that’s taking up space in your brain. Later on, you can look back over this “dump” and use it to make more organized lists or charts.

Unorganized Thoughts

If you don’t like the term “brain dump,” try an Unorganized Thoughts page instead.

Here’s another take on a “no-rule” bullet journal page. Keep it clean and simple so you can jot down whatever you need to.

It can be really fun to create an About Me page every so often (maybe once a year or so), so you can track your own personal growth and achievements.

Class Notes

Bullet journals can be a terrific place to take class notes to help you study later on. ( Check out 7 Helpful Note-Taking Strategies here. )

Bucket List

Dream big on your bucket list! Some people like to make them for a season, a year, or even a month. Or create an ongoing bucket list with goals for your entire life.

Affirmations

When you need daily inspiration, turn to your affirmation page and remind yourself just how great you really are.

Chore Chart

These aren’t just for kids! Create a detailed cleaning schedule to help yourself remember all those pesky household chores.

Gift Planner

Get ready for the holidays or plan out your gift-giving needs for the year ahead with this bullet journal idea.

Birthday List

Remember all those VIBs (Very Important Birthdays) with a bullet journal page. We love the cupcake theme on this one!

To-do lists are great, but an Undo List can help you break bad habits. So clever!

Best Moments and Dreams

Capture the highlights and goals from a vacation, a season, or an entire year with this spread.

Love to draw, sketch, or paint? Fill your journal with your own beautiful works of art!

Do you use bullet journals with your students or for yourself? Come share your bullet journal ideas in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, 38 simple ways to incorporate social-emotional learning throughout the day ..

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A Student's BuJo Story

• September 12, 2019

I was curious how I would perform in different surroundings so I applied for a semester abroad. One thing led to another and a few months later I became an official exchange student at Stockholm University. Looking at my schedule I anticipated that studies would be a breeze, but oh boy I was wrong. 

The study system in Sweden is completely different than in Lithuania so I had to find new ways of conquering these undiscovered waters. Even my usual Bullet Journal spreads didn't work! The amount of homework I had was overwhelming, so the only way to make sense of it all was to write it down. Soon enough, my Bullet Journal became my best friend because it was the map of a disaster I had to get out of.

My favorite method was my essay word tracker. Every time I was done writing for the day, I would write down how many words I wrote that day. I noticed that almost every day that number went up and I was writing more and more with ease. I was trying to reach my personal best result every day, and it worked like magic. I never could have done it without tracking those numbers in my Bullet Journal.

Systems I had created were super useful and frankly life-saving on my bachelor thesis and on my semester abroad. These were the hardest parts of my studies - filled with an overwhelming amount of work and information, covered in anxiety and helplessness.   I used my Bullet Journal to write down my thoughts, create study schedules and different strategies on how to conquer challenges that seemed too big.

Bullet journaling gives me a place for everything that's in my mind. I feel way calmer and more relaxed ever since I started using it.  Putting in the effort allowed me to clearly see that it really works - just by writing down everything I have to do, I believe that it can be done. B y organizing my mind in my Bullet Journal, my life also gets more organized.

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Whether you’re a bullet journaling newbie or a seasoned pro, there’s a journal here for you.

Bullet journals made a big internet splash in 2013 , and the trend hasn’t slowed down much since. Any dotted grid notebook can indeed work for bullet journaling. However, there are a few key things to consider when shopping for the best bullet journals including the thickness of its paper, how many pages it has, and any additional organizational features you might want.

What Is The Best GSM For Bullet Journaling?

It's important to consider the paper’s weight, which is often measured in grams per square meter (or GSM) . “GSM is important because poor-quality paper, or paper that's too thin, can lead to feathering, ghosting, and bleeding,” says Kate Tunstall, founder of the journaling blog Refined Prose . And because bullet journals typically involve double-sided work, Tunstall recommends purchasing a bullet journal with around 160 GSM paper or higher.

However, many popular journals for bullet journaling aren’t quite that heavyweight. You can find some great ones that start at around 80 GSM. Just keep in mind that thin pages likely will not be the best option if you write with a heavy hand or prefer inkier pens.

What Else To Consider When Shopping For The Best Bullet Journals

You’ll also want to estimate how many pages you’ll need. Fortunately, there's an assortment of highly rated notebooks for different skill and commitment levels. Beyond dotted pages, Tunstall also suggests considering extra features such as a dedicated index to help you stay organized and on track . Built-in bookmarks numbered pages, or additional stickers can also help you keep your place.

“The best thing about bullet journaling is that it can be completely customized to your lifestyle, becoming whatever you need or want it to be,” says Tunstall. Whether you’re a beginner who needs a little guidance or a pro seeking to splurge on a high-end notebook, here’s a list of some of the best notebooks on Amazon for bullet journaling.

Kate Tunstall is the founder of RefinedPurpose.com , a blog dedicated to journaling and positivity.

1 The Overall Best Bullet Journal With Thick Pages

Pages: 155 | Softcover | GSM: 160 | Available colors: 11 | Available styles: dotted

If you’re looking for a bullet journal you can use with a range of pens without any bleeding or ghosting, this one should fit the bill. The 155 dotted, acid-free pages have a weight of 160 GSM — one reviewer described, “I really love the paper quality,” adding that it’s “super thick and I tried my sharpie and it didn’t even bleed or ghost!” But if you have any reservations about how free-flowing a pen’s ink might be, you can use the journal’s Pen Test page before you start writing.

The journal also features index pages, numbering, a key page, and a pocket inside the back cover. Two ribbon bookmarks help you keep your place, a pen loop helps you keep track of your go-to writing utensil, and an elastic band keeps the notebook closed. Boasting a faux leather cover, the journal can be purchased in two sizes.

One reviewer wrote: “This notebook has all of my favorite features: thick, luxurious dot-grid paper; a built-in pen loop and pen; a file pocket inside the back cover; and numbered pages. I’ve tried several notebooks for bullet journaling and this one has replaced the Leuchtturm 1917 as my favorite. I’ve purchased three, and plan to buy more.”

2 A Cult-Favorite Hardcover Journal In 24 Vibrant Colors

Pages: 251 | Hardcover | GSM: 80 | Colors available: 22 | Available styles: dotted, plain, squared, ruled

The Leuchtturm 1917 hardcover notebook has your bullet journaling needs covered with 251 acid-free, ink-proof pages that weigh 80 GSM and are available in dotted, ruled, blank, or gridded styles. The journal features a table of contents, numbered pages, and has a thread-bound binding so that it lays flat. Built with an expandable pocket, an elastic closure, two sewn-in bookmarks, and available in 24 different colors, it's no wonder that more than 5,000 Amazon users have given it glowing reviews.

One reviewer wrote: “I recently started a bullet journal and I can’t express how happy I am with the dot grid in this book. It allows for customization that goes beyond anything I thought a planner could be.”

3 Or A Softcover Version With Fewer Pages

Pages: 123 | Softcover | GSM: 80 | Available colors: 13 | Available styles: dotted, plain, ruled, squared

If you’re curious about bullet journaling but are unsure if it’ll stick, this softcover journal — which offers your choice of 123 dotted, ruled, blank, or gridded 80-GSM pages — could be a great one to start with. With this journal, a lot of the initial work for bullet journaling will be done for you, as its pages are pre-numbered, it has a blank table of contents, and includes stickers for easy organization. It also has two sewn-in ribbon bookmarks, an elastic closure band, a gusseted back pocket, and eight perforated sheets you can easily tear out, making it the souped-up journal of your dreams.

One reviewer wrote: “This is perhaps the best notebook I have ever used. I use this both for journaling and bullet lists and it handles both tasks with ease. The size is just right, it lays flat as advertised, it is extremely durable (I take it everywhere), the paper is perfect, the grid darkness is ideal and it includes numbered pages, date lines and an index. I really cannot say enough good things about it.”

4 A Bullet Journal That’s Great For Beginners

Pages: 160 | Hardcover | GSM: 100 | Available colors: 17 | Available styles: dotted

If you’re new to bullet journaling, the Paperage dotted notebook is everything you need at an affordable price. This journal includes 160 dotted pages with a nice, heavy weight of 100 GSM. Its threaded binding allows the journal to lay flat, which makes writing easy even for lefties. Additionally, this journal features an inner expandable pocket, a ribbon bookmark, and an elastic closure band. The vegan leather cover is even customizable. Decorate it with the included sticker labels or your own penmanship. This journal is available in a selection of 17 vivid colors.

One reviewer wrote: “ I recently got back into bullet journaling from a few years ago and this is a great beginner journal. It is sturdy, even being thrown into a bag on the daily when on the go. Also very affordable compared to other similar journals of it's kind. I would recommend!”

5 A Budget-Friendly Bullet Journal

Pages: 128 | Hardcover | GSM: 100 | Available colors: 1 | Available styles: dotted

This 100-GSM journal comes at a bargain. With 128 dotted pages, two sewn-in ribbon bookmarks in different colors, and cream-colored acid-free paper, it’s ready to be customized with your bullet journal lists, memories, and schedules. It also has an elastic pen loop on the spine so you never misplace your favorite writing utensil.

One reviewer wrote: “This is a high-quality executive-style notebook. It's a good size for carrying around between meetings. its high-quality materials and cover make it a professional extension of the office. The paper is high quality and the price cannot be beaten. If you are used to using moleskin or other brands, you should consider this option as a high quality and low price alternative.”

6 An Editor-Recommended Classic Notebook

Pages: 240 | Hardcover | GSM: 70 | Available colors: 20 | Available styles: ruled, dotted, double, plain, squared

Moleskine is a beloved journal brand, and this Moleskine hardcover notebook has over 2,900 five-star Amazon reviews and is the preferred notebook of one of Bustle’s editors as well. The 240-page notebook has 70-GSM ivory pages and is available in dotted, squared, ruled, plain, or even a mix of ruled and plain options. Simplistic in design, it features an elastic closure, one sewn-in ribbon bookmark, and a small back pocket. The rest of the interior’s design is up to you and your imagination.

Editor praise: “I’ve used this dotted Moleskine notebook for years for my bullet journals. The dotted design makes it easy to make really simple charts, graphs, and visuals, but doesn’t get in the way of any writing you want to do, as well. It has 240 pages, which is plenty of space for me to make calendars, track things, and also have monthly spreads. I’ve also found the paper isn’t so thin that markers bleed through it. I’d highly recommend.” — Amy Biggart , Bustle Senior Editor

7 A Bullet Journal Kit With Tons Of Extras

Pages: 224 | Hardcover | GSM: ~100 | Available colors: 12 | Available styles: dotted

Keeping organized is a priority with this bullet journal kit . In addition to 224 dotted pages, the A5 hardcover journal features an index, pre-numbered pages, two sewn-in ribbon bookmarks, and a back pocket. The notebook also comes with a bunch of bullet journaling accessories, including a black pen, 15 colorful fine-tip pens, five journaling stencil sheets, six sticker sheets, and six patterned rolls of washi tape. The manufacturer doesn’t specify the weight of the paper, but one reviewer estimated it to be 100 GSM , and another wrote that it’s “heavy enough for a lesser bleed through depending on ink choice.” The journal is available in six colors, each ready to put the included kit to great use.

One reviewer wrote: “This bullet journal is the holy grail of bullet journals. It comes with many different stencils, pens, washi tape, and stickers. The main area where this bullet journal stands out is the number of pages it has and the thickness of the paper. I love it.”

8 A Pair Of Large Bullet Journals

Pages: 190 | Softcover | GSM: 100 | Available colors: 10 | Available styles: dotted

These large notebooks come in at almost 10 by 8 inches, making them a spacious pick for note-taking, idea jotting, and planning. Crafted with 190 pages per notebook, the 100-GSM paper keeps bleeding to a minimum and makes writing a dream. The dotted pages are pre-numbered, and the notebooks also feature two sewn-in ribbon bookmarks, elastic closures, a back pocket, and even a journaling stencil that’ll help you design the bullet journal layout that’s best for you. They come in 10 color combinations, with some packs including two journals in the same color and some mix-and-match options.

One reviewer wrote: “Wanted a larger notebook for next year’s bullet journal that would hold the full year and this one is perfect. I was able to lay out each month with room for weekly spreads and an extra page at the end of each week for trackers, notes, etc. Good price. Good quality. About the same amount of ghosting or bleeding — depending on the pen — as my Rhodia Goal Book.”

9 A 3-Pack Of Spiral-Bound Journals

Pages: 80 | Hardcover | GSM: 120 | Available colors: 1 | Available styles: dotted

If you have an affinity for spiral-bound notebooks , these are great bullet journal options with a sturdy wire binding that allows the pages to lay totally flat when you’re writing. They’re also perfect if you’re wanting to use a journal for different subjects or areas of your life. Each journal has an elastic closure and 80 dotted pages with a weight of 120 GSM. Select this three-pack from three different sizes: A4, A5, or B5.

One reviewer wrote: “These notebooks have made studying and note-taking more enjoyable for me! In the past, I would get so annoyed by my highlighters and pens bleeding through onto the other side which would make it harder for me to focus. The pages are sturdy enough that even my heavy highlighters don’t bleed through onto the next pages.”

10 A Bullet Journal With Thick Pages & A Charming Cover

Pages: 160 | Hardcover | GSM: 160 | Available colors: 5 | Available styles: dotted

This dotted journal with a gold moon pattern hardcover has 160 pages of 160-GSM paper, meaning it’s extra thick and ready to prevent bleeding. As for the interior, it features pre-numbered pages, an index page, key page, and even a “pen test” page. It also has an elastic closure, back envelope pocket, and a sewn-in ribbon bookmark, and is available in two colors, each with a vegan leather cover.

One reviewer wrote: “This bullet journal is so beautiful! The cover looks and feels amazing! The pages are super durable and thick so I get very little if any bleeding through the pages. I love the grid that is included inside. Usually I would struggle or have to make my own but this one fits right into the book and I can remove it and line it up on any page. The storage compartment in the back is super durable too! Would recommend!”

11 A 3-Pack Of Oversize Journals With 96 Pages

Pages: 96 | Softcover | GSM: 90 | Available colors: 1 | Available styles: dotted

Committing to just one journal can be hard, but luckily this multipack of notebooks gives you the flexibility to move between them as needed. Each journal contains 96 pages of 90-GSM paper that can easily handle fountain and brush pens. The lay-flat sewn binding allows for smoother writing while the 7-by-10-inch sizing gives you lots of room to roam. They have informal paper covers you can customize and doodle on, and you can choose from dotted, squared, lined, or plain paper — whatever best suits your bullet-journaling needs.

One reviewer wrote: “I bought these for work and they are perfect. I do a lot of detailed sketches in them and the dots are perfect. The notebook is a nice material and has quality pages and I would recommend these to anyone.”

12 A 360-Page Notebook For Long-Term Bullet Journalers

Pages: 360 | Softcover | GSM: 100 | Available colors : 1 | Available styles : dotted, lined, blank

If you’re fully committed to bullet journaling, consider this thick softcover journal with 360 pages that will allow you to use an entire page every day for nearly a full year. It’s available with dotted, lined, or blank 100-GSM pages, with a red or black cover featuring an inscription, and even with gold-edge paper or plain. It also has two sewn-in ribbon bookmarks to keep track of where you are in its vast number of pages.

One reviewer wrote: “I love the volume of this notebook and the dot grid. I use this notebook as a bullet journal, which solves the problem of needing a separate notebook and planner. I often lose track of the meeting, purpose, and or date/time of my notes in my notebooks, so I'm always cross-referencing my notebook pages against my planner. With this big journal, that is one less problem I have in my life.”

13 A Set Of Tiny Journals For On-The-Go Bullet Journaling

Pages: 64 | Softcover | GSM : 70 | Available colors: 8 | Available styles: dotted, plain, ruled, squared

For easily bringing your bullet journal with you wherever you may roam, consider this set of three 3.5-by-5.5-inch Moleskine pocket journals . Each paper-cover journal has 64 dotted pages (or squared, ruled, or plain pages) and has 16 perforated pages in the back for easily tearing out notes as needed. At 70 GSM , the paper in these is on the thin side — so you might want to stick to ballpoint pens to prevent bleeding or ghosting. But these little notebooks are perfect for tucking into any bag for easily having on-hand at a moment’s notice, and they’re available in 10 colors.

One reviewer wrote: “These notebooks are fantastic! I’ve been using one as a pocket bullet journal, and it’s held up very well. The stitched spines aren’t just more durable than the stapled ones in e.g. Field Notes, they’re more comfortable to use, too. It also has significantly more pages than Field Notes - 64 to FN’s 48 - at about the same width. I’ll definitely be buying again.”

14 A Highly-Rated Bullet Journal That’s Eco-Friendly

Pages: 192 | Hardcover | GSM: 100 | Available colors: 14 | Available styles: dotted, plain, lined, squared

For the environmentally conscious, the Dingbats Wildlife A5 dotted notebook is a 100% vegan-certified option. It’s made only from recyclable materials and contains nearly 200 pages constructed from FSC-certified paper. The micro-perforated cream 100-GSM pages are a highlight for fans who especially love writing with fountain pens and markers, and the animal footprint end sheets are a nice aesthetic touch. With nearly 12,000 reviewers, this journal earns an outstanding 4.8-star rating.

One reviewer wrote: “ This is a notebook for you if you want blank pages. Nice, thick paper, cream color, a bookmark, etc. The animal print on the front cover makes me smile when I look at it.”

15 A Bullet Journal With Extra-Smooth Clairefontaine Paper

Pages: 120 | Hardcover | GSM: 90 | Available colors: 20 | Available styles:

Built for durability, this Rhodia journal utilizes French Clairefontaine paper , known for its exceptional color and ultra-smooth acid-free sheets. The hard-bound notebook has an embossed faux-leatherette cover, an inner expandable pocket and a ribbon marker. With 96 sheets of 90-GSM paper, this notebook is marked as fountain pen-friendly. One reviewer wrote, “I would consider this paper to have a very premium feel to it; it is thick and smooth.”

One reviewer wrote: “I’ve been looking for the perfect daily notebook and for me this is it. It’s a real joy to use with my fountain pens (broad and italic nibs with Waterman black ink m). It’s sooo smooth, there’s no bite and the ink absorbs well. They’re very little show through, so I can write on both sides of the page.”

This article was originally published on Oct. 12, 2017

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by Rena Hoberman | August 28, 2024 | 1 comment(s)

The Easy Way to Manage a Busy Schedule in a Bullet Journal

This diy planner concept is super functional and all you need is a basic notebook. start the year off organized.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Here on BCP, we’ve designed a couple different DIY planners that you could download and print. We called them “Life Pages” and they work when standard planners just don’t. Does your life have lots of different components? The original Life Pages might work for you. The Life Pages 2.0 version is another layout that might work for you. Rena Hoberman of Rena’s Nook has more really helpful productivity and organizing tips here on BCP (if you’re overwhelmed, maybe you want to start with a mind dump? ). Below is another idea from Rena we loved! That paper flap in the middle of this DIY planner concept is brilliant.

There are certain times of the year and certain stages of life where there seem to be a million pieces that are constantly shifting and changing times. 

Here is a layout for a weekly log that is straightforward and easy to set up.

The supplies you will need:

• A notebook. A classic bullet journal will have a faint dotted grid in the background, but any notebook will do.
• Sticky tabs in a few colors. I found mine on Amazon. They come in different sizes and colors.

We’ll start with a fresh blank page. The first thing you’re going to do is take the right hand page and fold it in half. Now you have a full spread and a folded flap in the middle for extra notes.

We’ll come back to the folded flap soon. For now, we’ll just make six columns and put down the days of the week at the top of each. The last column can be split into two sections to include Shabbos and Sunday. Since I’m using a notebook that has a dot grid, I counted out 8 boxes across for each column.

On the middle flap, choose what you want to include. I included space for a meal plan,

a shopping list,

and a to-do list. You can come with your own ideas to suit your needs.

On the main schedule, use sticky tabs to put down all of the things you need to get done. The best part about using colorful sticky tabs is that you can color code the tabs according to the child or category. Put down the things that need to get done in the morning at the top, and the things that are for later in the day towards the bottom. This schedule is super flexible, because if any appointments or events move around, all you have to do is move the sticky tab to its new location. If your tabs are transparent (mine are), you can layer them on top of each other when you have several things happening at the same time of day.

(Some pens will smudge on the sticky tabs, so try a sharpie or a pencil instead.)

Happy planning!

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A classic bullet journal

Sticky tabs

Rena Hoberman

Rena Hoberman lives with her family in Jackson, New Jersey and works as a surface pattern designer, creating designs that are sold on stationery, fabric and home decor. She’s a collector of creative hobbies and an avid list-maker. She’s on a mission to share her passion for bullet journaling with other women and is the creator of the Design Your Life: Bullet Journal Basics course. Find out more at renasnook.com

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August 28, 2024 at 11:35 am

Love this!!! Thank you for such awesome content!

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