In this time and day, it’s probably rare to find an NYU student around campus who doesn’t use some type of smartphone. Although it’s true that students often use their phones for entertainment and social media/communication, both Apple iPhones and Android offer apps that can be very useful and efficient for studying, commuting and dining. Here are 10 helpful apps that every NYU student should have!
1. OpenTable
Unexpected part of being an adult? Be in charge of your own restaurant reservations! If you’re in the mood for a nice dinner (aka a desperate break from dining halls), chances are seats might be hard to come by on the nights you’re looking to go out. Instead of waiting for a table in NYC’s oh-so unpredictable climate, make plans ahead of time use this easy little app. OpenTable helps you reserve seats for your party at thousands of restaurants for FREE and then sends a convenient reminder when your reservation time approaches. Because let’s be honest, this fast paced lifestyle sometimes helps a few things slip from our mind.
2. 7 Cups of Tea
Amidst the chaos of college life, it’s necessary to take mental health days to make sure your body and mind are in the best shape possible. On those days where you’re feeling a little down or just need to vent, 7 Cups of Tea is a free app which connects you to “trained volunteer listeners,” to help work out problems both big and small. It’s like a therapy chat in your palm.
3. Evernote
Ahh, Evernote. The kale of the app world. People either swear by it or are totally confused by it. But there’s no denying this app seems to come out on top time and time again, so I’m giving it the seal of approval. As someone who writes pretty unintelligibly during a lecture and jots a mess of keyword reminders on my iPhone notes, that I can never understand when I read back, WHERE HAS THIS APP BEEN ALL MY LIFE? The interface may seem a bit intimidating at first, but that’s only because it has the power to sort out your entire life! Academic life, anyway. Clip together web content you like, snap pics of your professor’s chalkboard lectures, and take pristine notes all while Evernote syncs the content between your phone, tablet and computer.
4. Wifi finder
A person can only do so much work at their dorm–or in Bobst– before the stagnant environment leads to a complete creative and mental block. Seek inspiration through new locations by finding different places to get work done. Use Wifi finder to find spots around the city that offer free wifi!
5. Uber
Sure we all love to hear the “horror stories” of weird drivers and unexpected surge pricing, but having the Uber app on your phone is a pretty good preemptive measure, especially if you live in an urban area. For the most part I get around on my two feet and using the trusted subway system, but there have been nights where it became much too late to safely do either. So just in case, do yourself a favor and keep it on your phone! You never know when you might need a quick getaway from a weird frat party.
6. UniDays
No two words make me happier more quickly than hearing “student discount.” UNiDAYS connects college students with discounts from all their favorite retailers. $200 off a new Apple computer? 10% off at ASOS for my entire purchase? This app doesn’t need a tagline or much endorsement. It is a godsend. *excited emoji overload*
7. Google Drive
Busy people like to multitask at all available opportunities. And busy people don’t always have the luxury of having their laptop on hand, at all times. I love having the Google docs app because it allows me to work on assignments on the go or jot down ideas for a paper directly onto my document if I’m away from my computer. If you too find yourself writing essays in between breakfast bites, then this app is probably for you.
8. Venmo/Square Cash
Discreetly pay friends for your share of the uber ride or charge someone who didn’t have any cash on them at dinner–all while using emojis to paint the appropriate picture of the transaction taking place. Venmo adds an ease and light hearted attitude to those awkward monetary moments that take place in most friendships. It allows its users to connect their bank account to make paying and receiving money, fast and simple. Square Cash is very similar and a great alternative for those who hate trends or who like their deposits to be made instantly, rather than waiting for the Venmo 2-3 day grace period.
9. CityMapper
I’ve lived in the city for nearly eight months, and while I will admit my sense of direction has improved DRASTICALLY, I can still get pretty confused using the New York City subway system. There are many great apps out there for public transportation, but this one has been by my side since the first day I landed, and it hasn’t failed me yet so I’m biasedly decreeing it superior to all other transportation apps. It not only lets you in on the quickest train ride to your destination, it also gives you tips on what section (front, middle, back) to sit in, approximate train arrival time, how often a particular train stops at your station, and which exit to take once you’ve reached your final stop. Need I say more?
10. Mobile Banking App
If you’re a student who, like me, has to budget their college spending, there is nothing more helpful than downloading your bank’s mobile app. While nowadays, there are fancy apps which allow you to allot a certain amount of money for coffee each week, the most helpful thing for me was being able to see the flow of money in and out of my account. It made my money feel real in a way that simply swiping my debit card every once in awhile, couldn’t. Before making a purchase which may not be entirely necessary, I can quickly login to see the amount of my money in my account at that precise moment in time and decide if I can allow myself a fun splurge or if I’m in a position where I should be saving rather spending.