If you’re one of those people who is always forgetting when things are due, can’t remember the homework for the night or one who is simply looking to get more organized this year, a planner might be what you need. While the school does provide students with a planner, The day by day layout isn’t for everyone. The planner world has lots to offer, but don’t worry. We have a short guide to help you find which method of planning will work for you.

STEP ONE: Find a planner that fits your needs. Some people prefer a daily view in their planner, where each page is laid out by the hour. Others prefer a weekly view with large boxes so they can fill each date with what was done on the current day as well as what needs to be done later in the week. FInd one that fits you, and then stick to it. The key to a successful planner is maintaining it’s use.

STEP TWO: Develop a system. Use colored pens, symbols, washi tape, stickers, or anything else that you can associate with certain classes, assignments, or events. For example, each of your classes could be represented by a certain color, and any time you have homework or a test in that class, write the due date and what it is in that color. If colored pens and stickers aren’t your thing, the same idea can be used with a simple black pen and highlighters of your choice. Again, develop a system and then stick with it.

STEP THREE: Make it fun. Just because your planner is for school doesn’t mean it can’t be fun. Use stickers, scribble little doodles around your planner, jot down some funny joke you heard that day. School doesn’t have to suck, and neither does being organized. Your planner is your own space where you can keep track of what you need to do to stay on track, but it doesn’t have to be boring.

STEP FOUR: Go out and get a planner. Target carries a multitude of planners from several different brands. These planners come in a variety of sizes, layouts, and colors. Take some time to flip through the different planners and find one that you like and will fit your lifestyle.

If you’re interested in a fully personalized experience, a Moleskin journal and a bullet journal layout could be for you. A Bullet journal will allow you to create your own layout and system of how you will plan out your days or weeks. These heavy duty journals are sleek and fit in your backpack perfectly, and again can be totally personalized when used as a planner.

If you’re really serious about your planner and are looking to invest, try a Hobonichi planner. These planners, created entirely in Japan, can be intimidating, but the reviews don’t lie. Hobonichi planners are sturdy, have a practical layout which is different for each type of planner they carry, and are totally worth the money. Each “generation” of planner comes with a different layout: Day-to-day, monthly, and weekly.