It's that time of the year again. College is just around the corner, and students are doing all their back-to-school shopping in order to prepare for the upcoming semester. They may have hit a lot of stores already, but they're forgetting to shop at one pretty important store -- the App Store. There they can find thousands of apps that will help make their college years go more smoothly. Check out (and download) these 15 amazing apps now!
1. Smart Voice Recorder.
We all know how easy it is to zone out during your 8 a.m. lecture class -- especially if you have a professor with a dull, monotone voice. But while your brain is taking a short break, your professor certainly isn't. This means you often miss out on important info that may later appear on the midterm or final. But with the app, Smart Voice Recorder, you don't have to. You can record the ENTIRE lecture with just a click of a button. And those awkward moments of silence when "Professor Monotone" forgets what he was droning on and on about? The Smart Voice Recorder will automatically skip those for you -- it's that good.
2. Tapingo.
You're studying for an important exam on the quiet floor of the library when suddenly, you hear it -- an ungodly growling noise coming from your stomach. You're super hungry, but you know that grabbing a bite to eat would take away too much time from your studying. So what do you do? You can attempt to ignore the dying whale sounds coming from your stomach, OR, you can have a delicious meal delivered right to you via Tapingo. This convenient app allows you to custom order food from a number of restaurants near you, giving you more time to study for tomorrow's exam.
3. Mint.
When trying to manage the many costs of college, it's super easy to become overwhelmed. But with the personal finance app, Mint, you don't have to be. This easy-to-use app allows you to monitor your day-to-day spending, helps you set budget goals for yourself, and even lets you check your credit score for free. It's money management made easy.
4. Alarmy (Sleep If U Can) alarm.
There are two types of people in this world: 1) morning people and 2) people who could sleep through anything -- including the 10+ alarms they set the night before. If you're the latter, then this app is for you. Alarmy is known as the world's most annoying alarm -- and rightfully so. To turn off the alarm you must either solve a math problem, shake your phone, or actually get out of bed to take a picture of something from across the room. Alarmy may be annoying, but it sure is effective.
5. Uber.
You went to a party and your designated driver bailed on you. What do you do? You can either: A. Wait forever for a cab, B. Call all your friends in your address book until someone offers to pick you up, or C. Request a ride via Uber. Though all these options work, "C" is definitely the most convenient. Uber is a must-have app for college students and is a quick and affordable way to get home safely.
6. Charity Miles.
Chances are you will be doing your fair share of walking in college. Make those miles count with the app, Charity Miles. You simply select the charity you want to raise money for and then get moving! You will be making an impact just by walking from class to class.
7. Find My Car.
It's the end of the day and you're ready to head back to your apartment. You exit your classroom and head toward the parking lot when it suddenly dawns on you -- you completely forgot where you parked. Sound familiar? If so, then this app is for you! Find My Car allows you to save your car position on the map so that you can easily find your way back to your car without aimlessly walking down the seemingly endless rows of cars.
Want to hear MORE about the struggles of parking at a large university? Read about them here!
8. Sworkit.
Want to lose the Freshman 15, but don't want the hassle of going to the gym? Download the app, Sworkit! This fitness app provides you with personalized video workouts that range from five to 60 minutes, allowing you to work out at your own place in your own time.
9. Spotify.
Spotify is a godsend for all music lovers -- especially if they're in college. Spotify Premium is 50 percent off for students, which means for only $4.99 a month, students can take advantage of all the AMAZING features Spotify Premium has to offer.
10. Duolingo.
College is the perfect time to learn a foreign language. Do so for free with the app Duolingo! This incredible app can help you prepare for that upcoming study abroad trip you've been looking forward to or with that foreign language class you've been struggling in. Don't forget about the resume benefits that come along with knowing a second language -- employers will be impressed.
11. Netflix.
Need a brain break? Binge-watch all your favorite shows on Netflix! Just remember: With great TV-watching power comes great responsibility -- don't even think of opening this app if you have a test to study for or an essay due the next day. The next season of "House of Cards" can wait.
12. Depop.
Need some extra cash for this semester? Sell your used clothes, original artwork, furniture, and books on Depop! Described by TechCrunch as a mix between Instagram and eBay, this popular app makes selling easy.
13. bSafe.
Help your parents worry less by downloading this awesome personal safety app. bSafe is chock-full of safety features, such as a Guardian Alert button that will immediately notify your friends and family that you need help AND send them your location via GPS with a video of what's going on. Chances are you won't ever have to use it, but it's always better safe than sorry. Also, don't forget to check if your college offers any safety apps -- these help alert you to unsafe situations happening specifically at your college.
14. Chegg.
Need to buy a textbook but don't want to spend $400 on it when chances are you'll only use it twice? Download Chegg! This nifty app provides students the option of renting their textbooks for a relatively low price. It beats shopping at the bookstore any day.
15. Skype.
Don't forget about the people back home! With Skype you can get in touch with your family and friends via call, text, IM and video call. It's the perfect way to catch up with your loved ones -- they miss you more than you'll ever know.
Did I miss any? Let me know in the comments!
