In today’s digital world, students are more connected to the internet than ever. With so much information and so many tasks to manage, having the right tools can make studying easier, faster, and more fun. As a student, I’ve tried countless apps and tools, and these five have become my go-to resources. They help me stay organized, learn better, and save time. Let’s dive into the best tools for students in 2024.
1. NotebookLM
NotebookLM is a revolutionary tool for students who deal with a lot of information. It’s like having a personal research assistant. You can upload up to 50 sources—PDFs, Word documents, YouTube videos, or even text files—and ask questions about them.
For example, if you’re studying web development and upload 10 sources, you can ask, “Who said SaaS is dead?” NotebookLM will scan your sources and give you the answer, even pointing to the exact timestamp in a video if that’s where the information came from.
One of its best features is the ability to summarize all your data in one click. You can also generate a podcast from your sources. Just set the length and depth, and NotebookLM creates a realistic, easy-to-listen podcast. I use this feature to get quick overviews of books or complex topics.
Another cool feature is live interaction with the podcast. You can ask questions or share your thoughts, and the podcast will respond. It’s like having a conversation with your notes.
You can access it here: NotebookLM
You can also read Google’s Blog to stay update here: Google’s AI Blog
2. ChatGPT
ChatGPT is a must-have tool for students. It’s like having a tutor, editor, and research assistant all in one. The voice mode is especially helpful. You can ask it to explain concepts in a fun way, like “Speak like my programming teacher,” and it delivers engaging, easy-to-understand lessons.
With its new internet access feature, ChatGPT can now pull real-time information. Instead of reading 10 articles, just ask ChatGPT to summarize the latest news or research for you. It saves hours of work.
The latest update introduces AI Agents. These are mini versions of ChatGPT designed for specific tasks. For example, you can have an AI Agent to solve math problems, another to proofread essays, and even one to create study schedules. These agents automate repetitive tasks, giving you more time to focus on learning. You can further read about them here: AI Agents
3. Notion
Notion is the ultimate productivity tool for students. It’s a workspace where you can take notes, manage tasks, create databases, and collaborate with others. Its flexibility is what makes it stand out.
You can create custom templates for anything—class schedules, reading lists, or project trackers. The ability to link pages, embed files, and use databases makes it perfect for organizing complex information.
As a student, you can get Notion Premium for free through the GitHub Student Pack.
You can also read my guide about how to get Github Student Pack for free.
4. tldraw
tldraw is a simple, free tool for visual thinkers. It’s an online whiteboard where you can draw, write, and organize ideas. You don’t even need to sign up—just visit the site and start creating.
I use tldraw for brainstorming, designing basic UIs, or even making to-do lists. You can zoom in and out, change colors, and add textures to your shapes. When you’re done, you can share your work via a link or download it as an image or SVG file.
The best part? It’s completely free and unlimited. There are no restrictions, so you can let your creativity flow without worrying about costs.
You can access tldraw here: tldraw
5. Milanote
Milanote is a visual note-taking app that combines the best of tldraw and Miro. It’s perfect for students who think visually. You can arrange notes, images, links, and tasks on a flexible canvas.
It’s great for brainstorming, planning projects, or organizing study materials. You can drag and drop elements, create nested boards, and collaborate with others in real-time.
Milanote is especially useful for planning blog content, creating mood boards, or mapping out complex ideas. It’s a great way to keep everything in one place and see the big picture.
Why These Tools Are Essential for Students
These five tools—NotebookLM, ChatGPT, Notion, tldraw, and Milanote—are game-changers for students. They help you:
- Stay organized with Notion and Milanote.
- Learn faster with NotebookLM and ChatGPT.
- Think visually with tldraw and Milanote.
- Save time by automating tasks with AI Agents.
Whether you’re a visual learner, a data-driven researcher, or just someone looking for better ways to manage your workload, these tools can make a huge difference.
Final Thoughts
The right tools can transform how you study and learn. NotebookLM helps you make sense of complex information. ChatGPT acts as your personal tutor. Notion keeps you organized. tldraw lets you visualize your ideas. Milanote brings everything together in one place.
Try these tools and see how they can help you become a more efficient and effective student. In today’s fast-paced world, having the right tools can be the difference between feeling overwhelmed and staying on top of your game.
Best Tools for Students in 2025: NotebookLM, ChatGPT, Notion, tldraw, and Milanote. Start using them today and take your learning to the next level!