Everyone's hooked to their phones today, but that's nothing to be ashamed off--use it to your advantage! There's an app for just about everything, and a lot of them can be extremely helpful to college students. Whether you're a commuter or a resident, you can have everything you need in the palm of your hand.
1. GroupMe
This is essential for mass messages. Group messaging when not everyone has an iPhone is annoying, and GroupMe simplifies that. It's downloadable on both iPhones and Androids, and labels every message with the senders' name. Perfect for organizing your next night out--I mean, study group.
2. SafeTrek
SafeTrek is simple: hold down the button on your screen while you walk, and when you let go, you have 10 seconds to put in your 4-digit passcode. If the code isn't processed within those ten seconds, the police are alerted to your location. Pretty handy when you're walking back from the library after dark.
3. Guardian
Like SafeTrek, this app makes sure you feel safe on campus. It can partner with your college's police department, set a timer for when you're supposed to come home, call 911 for you, and lets you send in anonymous tips if you see something suspicious.
4. Canva
Need to whip up a poster for a club meeting? Want to design something special for you room? Canva is the app you need. It has countless designs, stickers, and layouts to make the design you want.
5. Panera
Who doesn't love Panera Bread? With their app you can place your order in advance or, depending on your location, have it delivered. The app also has nutritional information and stores all your coupons, so you never forget to cash in that free bakery item again.
6. Bed, Bath, and Beyond
This is just to enable your online shopping addiction. Shop all of BB&B's college section in a quick and easy way, and order everything you need right from your phone. It's a dangerous power!
7. Amazon
Do I really need to explain why you need the Amazon app? You can order your textbooks or dorm decor with a few easy swipes. Maybe that's not always a good thing, though!
8. Tradeversity
This app lets you sell, buy, and trade things around your campus. It's limited only to your campus and the process is simple, and the app is free. It's perfect when you're looking to get rid of that expensive textbook you only used once.
9. Duologino
Want to learn a new language but can't fit any more courses into your busy semester? Not to worry, Duolingo has you covered. For just a few minutes every day, this app can teach you French, Spanish, Italian, and many other languages. You can also learn English if it's not your first language. C'est magnifique!
10. BoosterBuddy
Who doesn't want a cute little animal to wake them up in the morning? With this app you can choose a furry "buddy" to wake up every morning when you check in with them. In order to wake them, you must complete three tasks, which can range from brushing your teeth to making sure you're registered to vote. When they wake up, they'll ask how you're feeling, offer advice and inspiration quotes, and remind you to keep being awesome. We all need a buddy sometimes.
11. Target
Who doesn't love Target? If you need some throw pillows to spice up your dorm, a new outfit for a special event, or just some emergency school supplies, Target has got you covered, and you can see all of it from their free app.
12. TuneIn
If your college has a radio station, listen to them on TuneIn! Just download the app and browse thousands of stations from around the world. It's also a great way to support your college's station if they have one. If not, you can suggest it now that you know the best platform to use!
13. MyFitnessPal
We all know college means eating a lot of junk food and ordering out...a lot. MyFitnessPal helps you keep track of how many calories you're consuming, how many you're burning, and how many you should have every day in order to reach your goal, whether that's to lose weight, gain weight, or stay where you are. It's easy to use and bases your daily calorie count on a wide range of factors, so it's tailored to what you need.
14. Forest
Have trouble concentrating? Forest is here to help. Set the timer for how long you want to work, and a tree will be planted. If you avoid going on your phone before the timer goes off, your tree will be fully grown and you can plant it in your forest. If you exit out of the app, your tree will die. Don't be a tree killer.
15. Doodle
Scheduling appointments just got way easier. Doodle links up to your Google account, so your contacts and calendar are automatically added. You can also use it to plan events and easily figure out a time that works for everyone involved.
The best part of all these apps is, of course, that they're free! So whether you live on campus or are struggling to find parking, if you use an Android or an iPhone, you need to download these apps ASAP.
