10 Best Apps for Students to Survive College

By Ree-Hyeon Kim on July 24, 2014

As students, there is always something to organize, sort, take note, memorize….on and on and on. Well, here are some apps for students that will make life a little simpler. Whether you have Apple, Android or Windows, these apps will help any fellow Illini walk a little taller in the classroom.

Staying Updated

1. Flipboard

[Photo Credit: SoftIcons]

When I am sitting on the bus, sometimes I want to be updated with what is happening with the world. Best place to look? Flipboard, hands down. With a customizable UI, being able to add or remove topics of your choosing (technology, film, news, music, etc.) it really seems to fit what you are interested in. So, whether you like to be updated about Capital Hill, or just want to know which celebrity is dating who, it is all up to you.

[Photo Credit: AppSplit]

2. Yik Yak

[Photo Credit: HuffingtonPost]

Now, I just discovered this gem. Living in such a lively campus as UIUC, there is always something happening; Yik Yak is the best app to see what people are up to, thinking and seeing around your location. Only being able to see statuses that are posted near your location, you can really see what is going on around you. Some of the things you read might be inspirational, great advice and other times just downright ridiculous and funny.

3. Yahoo Weather

[Photo Credit: MITTechnology]

Being outside is something everyone is used to here at UIUC, whether playing frisbee on a summer day, or shivering on the way to class in the winter. So, knowing what mother nature will be like before leaving the door is essential, especially with Illinois’ mood swings. Yahoo’s weather app is not only informative, but beautiful to look at. It is easy, simple and aesthetically pleasing for anyone to use. So, rather than walking outside and guessing how the day will go, just open the app and know whether to bring an umbrella or some sun screen.

Finances

4. Venmo

[Photo Credit: CollegeCFO]

We have all been there…you go to Joe’s for some burgers with friends. The bill comes up, but everyone has brought their cards. It is such a difficult and just annoying situation when you guys are choosing whose card to put the tab on, how to pay everyone, blah blah blah. Venmo is the solution to such a common problem. After a simple set up with your bank account, a simple login with Facebook or an email will connect you with anyone else with a Facebook or email account. Now, you can simply send money to your friends without the hassle of change. It also conveniently keeps received money in the app, just in case you do not want it to affect your bank account. Definitely an app that is making an impact, so much that the phrase “Venmo me” can be heard at any restaurant in CU.

5. Starbucks

[Photo Credit: Wikipedia]

Weeks of classes, RSO’s and late nights studying can really wear out the gears, and of course coffee is needed. The Starbucks app will truly, easily help you get in, order and get out with your coffee with just a scan. By making the Starbuck’s card digital, you no longer have to dig into your wallet, but you can simply go into the app and the barista can scan the code. You can keep track of your rewards, your balance and even nearby Starbucks locations; the hardest thing about getting a cup of coffee is opening the front door.

6. UI Dining

[Photo Credit: UniversityHousing]

Now, this one truly hits deep in my Illini heart. This app single-handedly made my dorming experience so much easier. Organized by location and dorm, you can easily find out the whole day’s menu with a single tap. You want to go get some steak? Save some money and see if it is on the menu at Ikenberry. Not only does it show you the menus of all the dorms, but you can sign in with your account and you can easily keep track of how many meals and credits you have left. So, you do not have to go into the cafeteria guessing and disappointed, find out what is going in your stomach!

Being Organized and Working Together

7. Google Drive

[Photo Credit: Pocketables]

You have probably heard of and used Dropbox, but it is definitely not a waste to check out Google’s Drive. An easy way to drop and send files to classmates and teachers, so no more flash drives, no more emails. It is easy to use, great UI design and it has a great connectivity with all your devices. Want to look at a study guide on-the-go? Put it in the Drive from your computer, and open it on your phone instantly and study away.

8. Google Keep

[Photo Credit: Techpinions]

There are so many things to keep track of in one day. You have homework, books to buy, checks to cash and of course…groceries to get. Google Keep is the best app for students because it makes lists and notes simple and fun to use. Using different and memorable notes that are different sizes, the notes you type down catch your eye and make it easy to differentiate what is what. Type a quick thought, maybe write down the pages to read for the homework, or make a list of all the people you need to email for an RSO meeting on the quad. Throw away your post-its, Google Keep is here!

9. Messenger

[Photo Credit: Engadget]

Ok…Ok….I know you are a little confused with this one, but Facebook’s messenger is not only good to chat with friends, or finally say a word to that cute girl in your Psychology class, it can be a great tool in group assignments! Rather than having to deal with group messages through text, easily chat together with your classmates; it makes being able to talk to everyone at once and collaborate easy. With an intuitive camera function, you can send pictures and videos with ease. You do not always have to be at the UGL to organize a group assignment to perfection.

Killin’ Time

10. Spotify

[Photo Credit: Gizmodo]

In all the buzz of going from one class to the next, it can be extremely soothing to walk to the beat of some soothing Frank Sinatra….or Katy Perry, whatever floats your boat. Don’t go through the trouble of downloading and syncing your devices, have all the music you want and might want in one app. Simply search up the song, album or artist you want and play it on-the-go. Or, with Spotify premium ($4.99 a month for a student), download your playlists for offline use so you can listen without using data and in low internet situations. College is not always serious, so relax and destress with good music, anything from the EDM beats of Zedd, to the mad rhymes of Iggy Azelea…as long as it is not Justin Beiber.

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