While preparing for your first semester of college, you may be gathering textbooks, supplies, or even dorm room basics if you’re an incoming freshman.
One aspect you might overlook, though? Making sure your phone is equipped with the apps and digital tools that could make your time in school more enjoyable and productive.
Why the Right Apps Could Make College Life Easier
While it may be true that some apps become an unwelcome distraction from your academic work, the right ones could actually make your life as a college student easier.
How Digital Tools Support Academic Success and Organization
Some apps and tools, for example, are designed to help students better manage their time, remind them of important due dates, and keep them organized. This, in turn, could lead students to utilize their time more efficiently and achieve higher levels of academic success.
Balancing Coursework, Work, and Life With Smart Technology
Today, either part- or full-time jobs — adding another complex layer of responsibility to their time earning a degree. Fortunately, mobile apps and tools (like digital calendars and time management tools) make it simpler for students to balance their schoolwork, work, and social lives.
Why Choosing the Right Apps May Save Time and Reduce Stress
However, with countless apps out there of varying levels of quality, it is essential to thoroughly research the tools available before you start using them. By finding the apps with the features you need, you may be able to save time and better manage your stress as you power through college courses.
So, what are some of the must-have apps for college that you may want to download for yourself?
Apps That Keep You Organized
Staying organized in college is a challenge for many students. Not only do you have notes and assignments from several different classes to keep track of, but you may also have a job and other activities to juggle. The right apps could help you stay better organized as you adjust to the demands of college life.
1. Task Management Apps That Help You Stay on Track
When you are balancing a lot at once, task management apps may help keep your deadlines and tasks organized. Some of these apps may serve as basic “to-do” lists, whereas others may offer tools (like Kanban boards) to help you better visualize what needs to be done when. A few popular task management apps worth checking out include:
2. Calendar and Scheduling Tools for Managing Busy Weeks
Some weeks in college, it might feel like you have so much to do — and not enough hours in the day to do it. This is where calendar and scheduling apps could save the day, making it easier for you to block off your limited time with reminders, events, and more. Among the most common calendar and scheduling tools are:
3. Note-Taking Apps That Keep Everything in One Place
Taking quality notes during lectures and readings helps you better grasp complex concepts while enhancing your study routine. Rather than using the traditional pen-and-paper method, many students make the switch to dedicated apps to elevate their note-taking, like:
Apps for Studying and Academic Support
Sometimes, you just need a bit of extra support when studying for a big test or grasping a complex topic. This is where studying tools, like digital flashcard tools and research/citation apps, could make all the difference.
4. Digital Flashcard Tools for Memorization
Ditch the paper notecards in favor of notes that stay with you on the go — perfect for quick study sessions on the bus, a walk, or whenever you have a free moment. Check out these digital flashcard apps to see which is best for your needs:
5. AI-Assisted Study Apps for Practice and Review
Some apps are now integrating artificial intelligence (AI) as a means of offering more personalized learning, with features like AI tutors, customized practice tests, and content conversion to make studying a smoother experience. Here are a few to consider:
6. Research and Citation Apps to Simplify Assignments
Need help getting started with a research assignment? Maybe you are struggling with citing your sources in AP, APA, or MLA style. Thankfully, there is an app for that. Explore these popular research and citation apps to land on one that best suits your needs:
Apps to Boost Productivity
Running into distractions when you try to sit down and do your schoolwork? When you really need to focus, there are apps for that, too.
7. Focus Timers and Distraction Blockers
If you are having trouble staying off social media or otherwise remaining focused on your schoolwork, tools like focus timers and distraction blockers may help you (or even force you) to stay on-task. Here are a few ideas:
8. Cloud Storage Apps for Easy File Access Anywhere
Want to be able to access your schoolwork (including digital notes and assignments) while you are on the go? If so, saving your schoolwork in a cloud storage app may be a great way to be productive from just about anywhere. Popular cloud storage options for students include:
9. Collaboration Tools for Group Projects
Group projects do not have to be such a hassle with the right tools to support collaboration. There are plenty of options with features like real-time editing, version history, app-based communication, and more. Check out these options for yourself and see what might work for your group:
Health and Wellness Apps Students Rely On
Maintaining your health and wellness while in college is especially important — but when you have so much on your plate, this might also be difficult. There exists a range of apps to help students with everything from stress relief and sleep to nutrition and fitness.
10. Meditation, Stress Relief, and Mental Health Trackers
When academic life gets stressful (like during final exam week), student mental health often takes a hit. These apps offer features like guided meditation, mood trackers, and other tools to support psychological health:
11. Sleep and Habit-Building Apps for Routine Support
Looking to build healthier habits as a college student? This may be simpler said than done, but with some support from the right tools, you might be heading in the right direction in no time. Apps to explore include:
12. Fitness and Movement Apps to Stay Active Between Classes
Staying active as a college student proves challenging for many, especially with plenty of competing priorities already. These apps may help you find the motivation you need to get moving and prioritize your physical wellness:
Financial Apps Every College Student Should Know
For freshmen students in particular, college is often the first time they are 100% self-sufficient and responsible for their own finances. Learning how to budget and spend responsibly is key to staying out of unnecessary debt and making smart financial decisions — and many apps are designed to help students do just that.
13. Budgeting Apps for Managing Expenses
Get a better grasp of your expenses and habits with a budgeting app that breaks down your spending in various categories. From there, explore ways to cut back on unnecessary costs and help your dollars stretch further. Here are some budgeting apps to consider:
14. Student-Friendly Banking or Savings Tools
Being a college student often means finding creative ways to save money. Now, there are even dedicated banking and savings apps to help you do so while enjoying convenient features such as mobile banking, expense tracking, and automatic transfers to savings. Check with your bank to see if these features are offered on your account, and if so, take advantage of their mobile apps.
If you are still looking for a student banking or savings account, some popular and student-friendly options include:
15. Apps for Tracking Subscriptions and Avoiding Unnecessary Costs
When was the last time you reviewed your active subscriptions and canceled any that you no longer use? If you do not remember, then there is a solid chance you are wasting some of your hard-earned money on recurring subscriptions. Thankfully, subscription tracking apps help you identify these unnecessary costs. Some even offer the option to cancel subscriptions on your behalf, saving you even more of your valuable time:
Apps for Campus Life and Connection
Building a sense of community while in school makes your experience more enjoyable while forging lifelong connections. And, as you may have guessed, there is an app for that.
16. Group Chat and Communication Apps for Classmates and Clubs
Joining campus clubs and organizations is a go-to way to meet new people, make friends, and even explore valuable leadership opportunities during your time in college. Meanwhile, group chat and communication apps make it easier for everyone in your group to stay in touch and up to date on the latest happenings, with popular options including:
17. Ride-Share and Transportation Apps for Getting Around Easily
Need to catch a ride to the game? Looking for the closest bus stop to your dorm? With ride-share and transportation apps, you may be able to get around campus and beyond with less stress. Try these apps on for size:
How to Choose the Right Apps for Your Needs
The above sections were meant to offer quick, general guidance on the types of apps that could benefit you as a new college student. At the end of the day, however, only you know your true needs — so it is key to select apps that best support you.
Identifying Gaps in Your Routine
You might not know which apps are going to serve you right away when you start school. After a few days or even your first week of classes, though, it may become clear which areas of your routine could use some support. For instance, you might find that you are simply having trouble staying focused when it comes time to study.
Once you identify this gap, you may realize that you need a site-blocker or other focus tool (like a Pomodoro timer) to keep you on task during study time. Problem solved!
Evaluating Free vs. Premium Versions
Many of the apps listed here offer both free and paid versions from which to choose. Oftentimes, the free versions of apps offer more limited features — but it is generally wise to at least try the free option before opting for a premium version, as it may suit your needs just fine.
If you are considering a premium version of an app, see whether a free trial is offered so you may test out the platform and its features before committing. Some apps may even offer discounted options for students (with a valid student ID or email address), so this might be worth inquiring about to save some money.
Ensuring Security and Privacy in the Apps You Use
No matter which app(s) you end up using, make data privacy a priority. Before trusting just any app with your personal information, get to know what kind of security safeguards are in place to protect your data. Some security features to look for include:
- Data encryption
- Multi-factor authentication
- Session management
- API security
Such features are especially crucial if the app needs to collect or use any sensitive data — such as your bank account information, personal address, or linked account credentials.
Build a Tech Toolkit That Works for You
So, where do you even begin in regard to establishing a tech toolkit for your college years?
The Best Apps Are the Ones That Support Your Academic and Personal Goals
Remember, the apps that work for other students might not be the same apps that serve you well. For example, you might be a naturally focused person who has no trouble ignoring phone notifications and social media to complete an assigned reading. With this in mind, you might not have much use for a time management or focus/distraction app.
On the other hand, if you struggle with budgeting and finances, then you might benefit greatly from an app that automatically tracks your expenses, helps you build a budget, and even finds/cancels unused subscriptions. At the end of the day, building a digital system as a college student is all about leveraging the apps that best support your academic and personal goals.
Start With a Few Essential Tools and Adjust as Your Needs Change
Despite the host of excellent tools out there, it is also important to avoid tech overload as you adjust to life as a college student. As tempting as it might be to download and explore all the different apps covered here, start with just a few essential tools that you believe may benefit you most. From there, you may adjust and add or delete apps as you see fit, expanding on it only as necessary.
Get the Support You Need at Post University
Starting college is an exciting time, but it is also one of significant change and adjustment. And while the right digital tools and apps for college may certainly help you with studying and better managing your time, they are not a replacement for a school with robust student support services in place.
At Post University, we are proud to offer student services that include academic advising, tutoring, a library, and a dedicated Center for Career and Professional Development. All of these resources are designed to guide students on their academic and professional journeys — empowering them to excel in the classroom and beyond.
Contact us to learn more about our student services or any of the programs we have to offer at Post University. You may also take the next step toward enrollment by completing an application for admission today.
