Guess what? July is almost over, which means school will be here before you know it. If there's one thing we can say about college students, it's that they're innovative (read: lazy), and they're kings and queens of finding easier, quicker ways to do things. So, in order to maximize your efficiency and keep your eyes on that degree, I give you the top apps for college students!
1. Blackboard.
Most universities use Blackboard as their main hub for grades. Download the app to your phone so there are never any questions about where your grades stand. Trust me - you don't want to play Schrodinger's grade. You cannot be failing and not failing simultaneously.
2. Dropbox or Google Drive
This is the best way to keep your assignments and important documents accessible. Personally, I like Dropbox, but I know a lot of people use Drive for almost everything. If you keep study guides in either of these apps, you can study for your exams as you're walking to class. Super handy!
3. Mobile banking app
Money goes so quickly in college. Yeah, it's easier to grab a coffee from Starbucks on the way to class, but that adds up so fast, and it's especially easy to lose track of your funds when you don't have easy access to them. Use your mobile banking app in conjunction with this next one to maximize your money.
4. Mint
Mint is a super cool budgeting app. You can break down your expenses by category and it will track your spending to show you where your money is going. It can also send you notifications so you know that you're close to going over your self-set $30 fast food limit for the month.
5. Spotify
Walking to class can get boring, and a lot of people like background noise while doing homework. Spotify is the perfect answer. The app itself is free, but you can choose to pay for a premium membership to avoid commercials. This is my favorite music app!
6. Google Maps
Never get lost going on a spontaneous adventure with your friends ever again!
7. Duolingo
While you may struggle to find any free time to learn anything outside of class material, Duolingo is a great way to learn a new language or brush on the language you "learned" in high school. You can even burn through a lesson while waiting for the class shuttle! Bonus: the lessons feel like games, so it's fun.
8. Poshmark
I am 100% sure I was cursed by an evil fairy as a baby. I have very expensive taste, and not enough money to buy what I want. Poshmark is an app for selling gently used (or purchased but never worn) brand name, designer clothing, shoes, makeup, and accessories. Where else are you going to find $25 Sperry's? Or a new in box Naked palette for discounted rates? Nowhere.
9. Breathe
This app may be a literal lifesaver. The app leads you through deep breathing exercises when you're stressed, angry, anxious, or can't sleep. I have used this app several times and I always feel better when I'm done.
10. Email
Yeah, the email app comes installed on your phone, but if you don't have it set up, you should do so before school starts. Class cancellations are usually sent out via email, and there is nothing worse than getting to your 8 a.m. class to find that nobody else will be there.
11. GroupMe
GroupMe is my favorite group messaging app! You can create different chats for all of your study groups, roommates, extracurricular activities, and even family members. Plus, it gives you the option to like someones message so they know you read it, even if you don't respond.
These are my favorite apps that help me survive college. I'm sure that there are several more out there that I've either missed or don't know of. Hopefully these will help your productivity soar as we enter a new school year!
