As a student myself, I am always looking for new tools to maximise my productivity, to work more smartly and efficiently, so that I can be my best self and excel in the things that I am passionate about. Across this arduous journey which has extended over many years, I have uncovered a jewel, which has completely reimagined how I maintain my productivity. And that exceptional tool is Notion, a note taking software bundled with a slew of extraordinary features. Now, let me bring you though some of these unique and excellent features that notion has to offer!
1. Basic Blocks
Notion incorporates many of its basic blocks which include different headings, checkboxes, bulleted lists, subpages etc. These basic blocks lay the foundation of what notion is, essentially a note-taking application. Despite all of these blocks seemingly ‘basic’, what you might not be familiar with is that most of the note-taking applications and services currently on the market, even the most expensive ones, might not have all of these features. Granted, Notion may not be able to compete with other services like Roam Research, Evernote, Bear aesthetically, but functionally, it is definitely the undisputed champion. And that is what a student needs!
2. Databases
For Notion’s more advanced users, there is much more functionality for them to exploit, and this lies within the databases that Notion provides! These databases range from tables, Kanban boards, lists, calendars etc., and allow users to store their information in the way they want them to be presented. These databases provide and expansive list of features, such as date and tag grouping, formulas, relations etc., and can be utilised in an infinite amount of ways, only limited by the user’s proficiency level.
3. Templates
Due to the complex nature of Notion’s functions, their team has created various templates for different use cases. Even better, many third parties have also created templates, with some even free for all to use! This definitely makes the onboarding process to Notion much easier and convenient, as having an aesthetically pleasing page is much easier nowadays!
4. Integrations
Notion also offers countless integrations with various other services, as described by the list below. This integrations enable users to be able to use Notion as a sort of all-in-one service, which reduces the inconvenience of having to switch windows, apps all the time! Moreover, the release of Notion’s API made more even possible, as countless other services are finally able to integrate to Notion. This is achieved through the use of services such as Zapier, be it whether you want to create your own integration or want to use what other developers have created. One example where this has been useful for me is a Strava integration I created where I am able to track my workouts using a Notion Page and cross compare my workouts to discover areas for improvement. The introduction of the API means endless possibilities for the future of the Notion, so power users better take note!
5. Collaboration
Notion doesn’t skimp on anything, that’s why it also incorporates collaboration too in its service! Nothing too impressive here, but its existence indeed makes it much more attractive as a note-taking service, as collaboration is basically vital in this day and age! Moreover, Notion also has a native integration with Slack, which is increasingly being picked up as a communication platform by many schools and businesses!
In conclusion, the only thing left to do is to subscribe to Notion! Personally, I feel that the Personal Pro Plan is the best for most users, and for $5 a month, it is a great deal! However, Notion’s Personal Plan which is completely free is also very attractive, with the only major difference being the 5 mb upload limit and possibly a 1000 block limit(it is currently unlimited blocks but used to be 1000). Moreover, if you are student, you get free Personal Pro Plan for the length of your education as long as you sing up with your school email, so there’s nothing stopping you from immediately using Notion!
Do take note, I am by no means an expert in this field, but I believe strongly that it is not fair that I should not let my opinions on this matter be known, since it may be helpful to some individuals out there. Do follow me for more articles just like this as I project my thoughts and opinions out to the world!!
