Assistive Tech for Organisation and Planning
Stay Organised & On Top of Uni Life ️
Between classes, deadlines, part-time jobs, and a social life, it’s easy to feel like your brain has 47 tabs open. These tools help you keep everything in one place so you can focus on what matters.
Microsoft To Do
What it does: Simple but powerful task manager. Add assignments, reminders, or even your food shop — tick them off as you go.
Great for:
- Breaking big projects into smaller tasks
- Daily to-do lists across all devices
- Staying on top of deadlines
How to access: Free with your QUB Microsoft 365 account (web, desktop, and mobile apps).
👉 Learn more about Microsoft To Do
Outlook Calendar
What it does: Keeps all your lectures, workshops, and personal events in one synced calendar. Add reminders so nothing sneaks up on you.
Great for:
- Scheduling classes, work shifts, and social plans together
- Colour-coding events (study / social / work)
- Getting reminders before deadlines or appointments
How to access: Part of your QUB Microsoft 365 account — log in via Outlook on web or app.
👉 Learn more about Outlook Calendar
OneNote Tags
What it does: Helps you label and prioritise notes (e.g. “To-Do,” “Important,” “Question”) so you can find stuff fast.
Great for:
- Keeping track of action points in lecture notes
- Flagging key info for revision
- Organising group project tasks
How to access: Already built into OneNote with your QUB account.
👉 Learn more about OneNote for Organisation
MindView
What it does: Mind-mapping software that lets you visualise plans, essays, or projects. Great for when lists just don’t cut it.
Great for:
- Structuring essays and dissertations
- Mapping out revision timetables
- Group project planning
- How to access: A MindView licence can be requested through the Assistive Technology Coordinator following a short training session. Licences are allocated on a short-term basis and may be recalled if not in use.
Other Popular Options (Free/Low-Cost)
- Todoist → Smart task manager with colour-coded priorities.
- Trello → Kanban board style planning (great for group projects).
- Notion (free student plan) → All-in-one workspace for notes, tasks, and databases.
✨ Pro tip: Pick one main tool and stick with it. Switching between five planners is a recipe for chaos.
🧰 Getting Started with Assistive Tech
Not sure where to begin? Here’s how to choose the right tools:
- Know Your Needs – What’s most challenging for you?
- Pick Your Style – Visual learner? Prefer voice tools?
- Start Small – Try 1–2 tools before adding more
- Check Device Compatibility – Apple, Android, Windows, etc.
- Explore & Adapt – Try free versions and see what sticks
🎯 Try this: AHEAD’s “Discover your AT” tool helps match tools to your needs.
💬 Final Thoughts
AT isn’t just about accommodation — it’s about empowerment. The right tech can help you manage tasks, reduce stress, and unlock the way you learn best.
👋 Got a tool you love? Let us know! Sharing what works can help others find their perfect fit too.
Support and Training
👉IT Helpdesk: For licensing issues or technical support, reach out to the QUB IT Helpdesk.
👉 You can attend training to learn how to use any of these tools. Check here for upcoming workshops. Some licensed tools are available after training — we’ll help you get access if they would be useful for you.
👉 You can book a session with the Assistive Technology Coordinator if you need help
Support and Training
- QUB Accessible Learning Service: For personalised support and training, contact the Assistive Technology Coordinator.
- IT Helpdesk: For licensing issues or technical support, reach out to the QUB IT Helpdesk.