As you bask in the summer sun, it’s okay if thoughts of your past (and future) semester creep in. Many students take the summer to think about what they’d change when they go back to school, and lots of us want to establish a strategy to stay more organized and productive. In the age of frequent cell phone usage, apps have become resources for a variety of day-to-day needs such as ordering food, getting an Uber, and even keeping yourself productive and organized. As the semester draws closer, consider taking a look at these 5 apps to keep you organized all school year long!
Trello:
Trello is an app that I personally live by. It’s super easy to use, and it helps you easily track and sort your assignments by things like “To do,” “Doing,” and “Done.” You also get to physically click and drag the tasks over to the designated section which feels extremely rewarding as you move along in your processes! You can also build “workspaces” that allow you to categorize tasks based on your different classes and responsibilities. Who needs that big ‘ol planner now?
Quizlet:
In terms of studying, Quizlet is an extremely popular and effective resource—but it can also help you keep your course materials organized throughout the semester. This app is a powerful way to study for exams by making your own flashcards digitally and conveniently. Whenever I’m studying for an upcoming quiz or test, I make sure to build these flashcards so I can interact with them from my laptop, tablet, or even my phone. One of Quizlet’s most useful features, however, is their “Test” section: once you build flashcards, you can have customized tests built for you. This allows you to work on retaining the concepts from class! There are also fun games you can play with the flashcards, which makes a study sesh 1000x better—in my humble opinion.
Mint:
To keep your finances organized during the year, Mint is your best friend. By syncing your checking account and credit card, you’ll be able to get a broad overview of your finances. With Mint, you’re also able to place limits on spending which can help you budget and even save up for an item you’ve had your eye on. Easily viewing and managing finances as a college student allows you to stay focused on other important elements of the college experience. So, give Mint a try!
Flora:
Flora is an app that allows you to stay focused on your assignments and projects—kind of like an accountability partner. My friend introduced this to me last year, and it truly helps me keep track of my academics and other important tasks. With this app, you plant theoretical “flowers” and set a timer on your phone. However, the Flowers will bloom only if you choose not to open your phone. This allows you to stay engaged with your assignments rather than doing the dreaded social media scroll. Oh, and it’s cute.
Headspace:
If you’re stressed out about assignments and college life in general, take a second to relieve potential burnout with the Headspace app. Headspace has many different types of meditation exercises if you’re looking to find a way to relax. I use this app rather frequently to destress after studying or a hefty exam day. Additionally, I try to use it most mornings so I can keep my head in a peaceful state before I start my day. Headspace also has calming stories to listen to before you sleep—so, if you have trouble sleeping, Headspace might just be the app for you!. This app allows you to take care of yourself in such a unique and meaningful way, and you deserve it.
If you’re looking to switch up the way that you approach your next semester, delving into these productivity apps is definitely worth it. After all, it’s always important to evaluate your past semesters to see where you could improve, even in terms of organization. These apps all have a central focus of making your college life a bit easier, and who doesn’t want that?