1. Pocket Points
Do you like cheap food? How about good grades? Download Pocket Points! This new app rewards students for staying off their phone while in class. The app connects to the school’s campus wifi and keeps track of how long you leave your phone alone. All you have to do is open the app, lock your phone, and earn points! Points can then be used to get great deals and discounts on local and online businesses. For example, in Athens, students can convert 50 points into a free milkshake at Grindhouse. Other Athens businesses currently connected with Pocket Points include Brixx, Butt Hutt, Complete Nutrition, Domino’s, Palm Beach Tan, Pita Pit and much more. Nothing motivates me more to stay off my phone and pay attention to class than a free milkshake.
2. Hooked
One of my favorite finds, this app alerts you of fantastic deals from nearby restaurants. Think free humus at Taziki’s, ice cream at Dairy Queen, and smoothies at Smoothie King. The only catch is once deals are open, they are only available for a short time (like 1-3 hours). All you have to do is check the app, find a deal that interests you, hurry to the location, and show your cashier the app! Hooked connects with all types of restaurants—national chains, delis, pubs, even mom and pop shops.
3. Tapingo
It’s noon on Wednesday. Your class gets out in five minutes and all you can think about is rushing over to Tate to grab a yummy Barberito’s burrito. However, unfortunately you are not the only one with this idea. The lunch rush at Tate’s Bulldog Cafe and the Tate Cafe is intense. The lines for Barberito’s and Chick-fil-A can have you waiting an extra 20 minutes to get your meal. Don’t be one of those people waiting in line forever for your food—download Tapingo. With Tapingo, students can order their food ahead of time and pay for it with either Paw Points, Bulldog Bucks, or debit or credit card via the app. Then, when you arrive in Tate, skip the lines and head straight to the register where your food is already waiting for you.
4. GOTCHA Rides
Uber’s worst nightmare but every freshman’s dream come true, GOTCHA Rides offers students on campus rides to any campus location during evening hours. Sustainable, safe, and free, GOTCHA cars are electric, open air vehicles that provide rides in between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. Whether you are downtown and need a ride back from the arches or you’re at the library for a late night study session, GOTCHA’s got you.
