I could not imagine my life without these apps. All my friends have them and they are basically a necessity when going to college. The uses for these apps could be for convenience, socializing, or simply for entertainment. Basic college starter kit right here. All in one on your phone!
Social Media Apps
If you do not have a single one of these social media apps then are you even living in the twenty-first century? Get connected, be connected, and stay connected. It is as simple as that. I personally use Facebook, Snapchat, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.
Music Apps
Walking around campus with earbuds is a classic look that all students have sported at least once. It does not give you an excuse to not socialize with anyone but perhaps blast your fire playlist and make a friend (please do not damage your hearing).
I have Spotify and use the student subscription which I pay $5 per month for. It comes in handy because I get to skip ads, download playlists to be played later with those rare instances of no wifi, and ability to create my own playlists. Some of my friends use Apple Music or Pandora.
Entertainment Apps
On those "rare" occasions when you are not studying, a little entertainment can go a long way. You could start watching tv shows or movies with your friends during the weekends. Alone time is also a great time to start binge watching a new show or season. The possibilities are endless with the numerous amounts of shows and films to watch.
Because I use the student subscription with Spotify, they provide me with a free subscription to Hulu. I also have a subscription with Netflix for a once screen only per month payment. Sometimes if you are lucky then your school will provide you with their own entertainment service. For instance Endicott College has EC movies that can be found online. Some of my friends at public universities have access to HBO.
Financial Apps
Money is always a touchy topic when it comes to being a college student. Before we enter the higher institution, we are already worried about the accumulated debt of four years. Which makes owing money from each other kind of like pulling teeth. Everything is going digital nowadays so it is rare for people to carry cash around.
I of course have my bank's mobile app on my phone for quick and easy banking. For a college student, I have found that the app Venmo makes my life significantly easier. Venmo is connected to my bank account in some magical way. I can pay my friends through Venmo and Venmo charges my bank account. While my friends can pay me on Venmo and I can keep the money for future payments to friends or put directly into bank account.
Transportation Apps
Upon arrival to college, you gain a sense of freedom and independence. You tell yourself that you never want to leave but within the first month you get sick of your surroundings. You find out that maybe the school's transportation services are inconvenient to your schedule and sometimes runs a little late.
I use the apps Zipcar and Uber if I ever need to get someplace. Zipcar allows me to rent my school's Zipcar for a certain amount of time that I reserved. If your school has a partnership with Zipcar then for the first year, you have to pay $15 for a membership. Typically, depending on the car and the day, the costs ranges from $7.50 to $9 an hour. Oh did I mention that in order for you to drive the car, you of course need a valid driver's license?! If you do not; Uber and Lyft comes in handy. You get to order a car and the drivers pick you up where you want and drop you off at your destination.
