Best Note-Taking and Writing Apps for University Students

Stay organised with these note-taking and writing apps

Balancing lectures, assignments, and deadlines can feel like juggling fire. Luckily, some brilliant apps can make your uni life smoother — whether you’re organising your notes, writing essays, or managing research.

Each of these apps shines in its own way, and together they cover everything you’ll need to stay on top of your studies.

Apple Notes — quick notes and easy sharing

If you’re part of the Apple ecosystem, this one’s a no-brainer. Apple Notes is perfect for jotting down class reminders, sharing project updates with your group, or keeping track of deadlines.

The best part? You can share notes with classmates in real time — ideal for group assignments or revision plans.

Best for: Students using iPhones, iPads, or Macs who love simplicity and collaboration.

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Simplenote — for lightweight idea dumps

Simplenote does exactly what its name says — it keeps note-taking simple. It’s perfect for quick ideas, brainstorming essay topics, or writing rough outlines before you polish them later.

It syncs across devices, so you can jot down ideas during lectures on your phone and expand them later on your laptop.

Best for: Students who want minimal distractions and clean, focused writing.

Notion — the all-in-one student hub

If you want to organise your entire student life in one place, Notion is your best friend. You can build pages for your classes, reading lists, assignments, and even personal goals.

Think of it as your digital planner, to-do list, and notebook combined — with unlimited customisation.

Best for: Students who love structure and enjoy personalising their workspace.

Obsidian — deep research and smart linking

When it comes to complex topics or essay research, Obsidian is a powerhouse. It helps you connect ideas across different notes through backlinks — meaning your thoughts and research can grow organically.

Perfect for literature reviews, dissertations, or any subject where connections matter.

Best for: Research-heavy courses like history, philosophy, or social sciences.

Google Keep — fast, visual note-taking

Google Keep is perfect for quick, visual notes. You can colour-code notes, add photos, create checklists, and even record voice reminders between lectures.

Everything syncs automatically to your Google account, so your notes are safe and accessible anywhere.

Best for: Students who prefer visual organisation and quick reminders.

UpNote — beautiful, distraction-free writing

If you’re writing essays, reflections, or creative projects, UpNote makes writing a joy. Its clean interface and formatting tools let you focus on your words — no ads, no clutter.

It’s also great for keeping personal journals, reading notes, or internship reflections.

Best for: Students who want a visually pleasing, calm writing experience.

Scrivener — for long-term writing projects

Got a dissertation, research paper, or creative writing project coming up? Scrivener is designed for big writing goals. You can organise your work by chapters or sections, store research notes, and rearrange content easily.

It’s not free, but many students find it worth it for large projects.

Best for: Final-year students, postgrads, or anyone working on big writing projects.

Final tips

Every student works differently — that’s why no single app fits all. Some days you’ll just need something quick like Google Keep, while other times you’ll need the power of Notion or Scrivener to stay organised.

Find your mix, experiment a little, and you’ll quickly discover your perfect setup for taking notes, writing essays, and keeping your uni life under control.

At Hallbookers, we love sharing smart advice to help students make the most of university life — from choosing the best accommodation to finding tools that make studying easier.