The Must-Have Apps That’ll Actually Make College Easier
Let’s be real: between classes, side hustles, and trying to remember where you left your student ID, college is a lot. But the right apps can save you time, money, and sanity. No fluff—just the ones I (and my broke, over-caffeinated friends) swear by.
📚 Study Smarter, Not Harder
- Mint – Automatically tracks your spending so you know exactly how much you blew on DoorDash last month.
- Splitwise – Roommate owes you for pizza again? This app does the math so you don’t have to awkwardly Venmo request $4.37.
- Too Good To Go – Bag a $5 surprise meal from local cafes (think: leftover pastries, sandwiches). Perfect for when dining hall food is tragic.
🧠 Mental Health > All-Nighters
Headspace – Free for many students! Their 3-minute “SOS meditation” got me through finals week without crying in the library.
MyLife – Checks in with your mood daily and suggests quick stress-relief activities (like breathing exercises or a walk).
🚌 “How Do I Get to My 8 AM?”
Google Maps – Not just for off-campus trips. Pin your class buildings before Week 1 so you’re not that lost freshman.
Transit App – Real-time bus/train times. Because waiting 30 minutes in the snow is a villain origin story.
📖 Academics & Research
Zotero – Free citation manager for research papers (way easier than manual APA/MLA formatting).
Wolfram Alpha – Solves math, science, and engineering problems step-by-step (lifesaver for STEM majors).
Khan Academy – Free tutorials on everything from calculus to macroeconomics.
🏠 Housing & Roommates
Roomi – Find off-campus housing or roommates (with background checks).
Bumble BFF – Sounds weird, but it’s legit for making friends in a new city.
💡 Student Discounts & Free Stuff
UNiDAYS & Student Beans – Verify your .edu email for discounts at Apple, Nike, Spotify, and more.
SheerID – Proof of student status for brands like Adobe, Samsung, and The North Face.
Tasty – Free step-by-step cooking videos (for when you’re done with instant ramen).
🚗 Transportation & Rideshares
Zipcar – Rent cars by the hour (if your campus has them).
Citymapper – Better than Google Maps for public transit in NYC, Chicago, etc.
GasBuddy – Finds the cheapest gas near you (if you road-trip).
💼 Jobs & Side Hustles
Upwork / Fiverr – Freelance gigs (writing, design, coding) for extra cash.
TaskRabbit – Get paid for odd jobs (assembling IKEA furniture, moving help).
🛡️ Safety & Emergencies
Noonlight – Hold a button for emergency services if you’re walking alone at night.
Citizen – Real-time safety alerts for your area.
🌎 International Student Essentials
Remitly / Wise – Send money home with low fees.
Google Translate – Instant camera translation for textbooks/menus.
🍎 Campus-Specific Apps
Your university’s app – For dining hall menus, bus schedules, and event alerts.
Spotify Student – $5.99/month for Hulu + Showtime (yes, really).
🎯 Pro Tips from a Seasoned Student
Your school might pay for apps! Check if you get free Canva Pro (for resumes), Microsoft Office, or even Spotify Premium.
Less is more. Don’t download 10 apps at once—start with Notion + Quizlet + Mint, then add others as needed.
Ask about free software! Many schools give free Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud, or MATLAB.
Check your bank’s app (e.g., Chase, Bank of America) for ATM locators and mobile check deposits.
Use a VPN (like ProtonVPN) on public campus Wi-Fi to keep your data safe.
