Packing for college is a burdensome, but exciting task. There are many lists to consult when looking for what to bring and just as many lists detailing what not to forget to bring. Few mention, however, your phone. Of course you will remember to bring your physical phone, but what apps should you have on it? From watching your budget to watching your fitness, these are 10 apps you absolutely cannot go to school without this year.
- Spotify - Having unlimited music at the tips of your fingers is awesome. If you need a playlist to run to, Spotify has it. If you need a playlist to study to, Spotify has it. On top of its many music options, Spotify offers a discount for college students which makes having an account near irresistible.
2. NBC News - It’s no secret that while on campus, students are pretty isolated from what is going on in the world around them. From sports scores to political debates, the NBC News app has it all. In the classroom we are learning how to be good students, let us not forget this is also the time for us to become well informed citizens as well. Stay up to date with current events using the NBC news app.
3. Venmo - Forget the days of trying to remember who you owe what, money wise. If you go out to dinner, just pay your friends right on the spot with Venmo when they pick up the tab. Venmo also eases the need to carry around cash by keeping all transactions in one place.
4.Uber - If you are like me and don’t have a car at school, campus can easily start feeling like a deserted island. Go into the surrounding city every once in a while by taking an Uber. Much easier than using public transit or taking a cab, Uber is a no brainer.
5.BuzzFeed - If you’re looking for a news story and can’t find it on the NBC News app, chances are you can find it on the BuzzFeed app. Plus, if you’re looking for fun quizzes to take while avoiding your work, BuzzFeed offers a multitude of options. Have fun, but be carefull because five minutes can quickly turn into an hour on BuzzFeed.
6. Netflix - This one pretty much speaks for itself. But, what about all the times you want to watch your favorite TV show without having to use your computer? The Netflix app lets you take your favorite characters to the gym or to bed when you’re too lazy to get up and grab your computer (which is okay! We’ve all been there, embrace the laziness.)
7. GroupMe - If you don’t already have Groupme, download it right now! Any group you join on campus, whether it’s a sports team or a study group, will undoubtedly use Groupme to communicate with one another.
8. Google Drive - Like with Netflix, there are some times when you are just too lazy to get up and get your computer. When it comes to get work done while staying comfy, get the Google Drive app so that you can work on papers and reports from your phone.
9. Fitbit - PSA: the freshmen 15 is real! Combat its effects with a fitness tracker that will let you know when you’ve been sitting watching Netflix for too long. On the Fitbit app you can track not only your exercise, but your sleep, and your nutrition as well. Plus, if you make friends who also have a Fitbit, you can have friendly competitions to see who can get the most steps in a week.
10. Pacifica - Finally, when it comes to college there are so many times when you can easily become overwhelmed with work, so make sure to also take care of yourself mentally. Pacifica is a great app to help track your mood and give you helpful tips on how to improve your mood, as well as keep track of any goals you might have for the school year and beyond.
