1. Google Maps:
There is no excuse for getting lost with this great app. The app provides addresses, phone numbers and even integrates ratings for restaurants and ratings for many other places. It also features organization for places around you that you may need to find such as gas stations, places to eat, stay overnight or just entertainment. It also features live traffic reports, public transit, bicycling, satellite, Google Earth and navigation. The best part is that the app is free and very easy to use! So go and download and you’ll never miss the Maps app that comes installed on your iPhones. Available for Apple products and Android devices for free!
2. iStudiez Pro/ iStudiez Lite:
You may be saying “no” to the app right away because it costs money, but the iStudiez Lite app is a limited free version. That means you have no excuse not to try it. You may be used to a paper planner like I was before I made the switch, but I realized I always have my phone with me. Also many of my events are posted online through social media or e-mail so it’s a great way to schedule something right away. It’s also a plus that it will sync with the calendars you choose right from your iPhone calendar. The app is divided by your daily view, full monthly calendar, assignments, and list of courses. It’s very customizable and easy to use, so I was able to set up the grading for each course, include instructors, and holidays along with assignment dates and tests. This specific app is for Apple products only at this time – sorry Android users!
3. News Digest by Yahoo:
All Collegiettes should be versed in world events, so why not start and end your day with the leading newspapers’ top stories? I recently discovered this app through another review, and realized this is exactly what I was searching for (thanks Yahoo!). It’s pretty easy to get lost in the college bubble, but there is so much happening outside of our University. You’ll be happy to keep up to date with news of the world, especially if your professor or another student mentions it. A sleek design with great pictures, videos and easy ways to share – what more could we ask for? And yes it’s free!
4. Pinterest:
If you’re not addicted to Pinterest yet, I’m surprised. I have a love-hate relationship with Pinterest mainly because it can be so distracting during classes or times when I should be focused. It’s great for organizing different collections, which are called boards, of anything you can imagine – cute boys, cute animals, cute clothes and so much more. You’re able to follow other pinners to see what they’re pinning along with being able to re-pin them. It’s a great web site with a free app for iPhones, iPads and Android devices!
5. Spotify:
This free app is great for any computer because it gives you access to an amazing library full of different music. There are even playlists made by the company or by different users and apps. There is also a “Pandora” type radio, which can help you find some great new music. Users can also opt to pay $9.99 a month and get unlimited music streaming offline and download playlists to their Spotify app on their mobile devices. Try Spotify Premium which you can take anywhere for free for a month if you’re not sure about it!
6. UMass BusTrack:
If you’d rather walk everywhere in the cold, I admire your fortitude. For the rest of us, there’s UMass BusTrack. This app shows real-time arrivals for buses at different stops, which are pretty accurate. The app can be a bit overwhelming, but it is definitely useful. A user is able to star their most used stops so they have easy access to arrival times. Also the app offers 5, 10 or 15 minutes alerts before a bus arrives. It is definitely worth learning to use, especially when you aren’t able to use your car all the time. The best part is – it’s free.
7. Yahoo Weather:
This app is similar to the weather app provided on Apple products, but it is even better. It gives you a beautiful picture of what the weather is at the moment for whichever location you look up. It also provides warnings, and hourly and weekly forecasts. The app also has details about the weather including the chances of precipitation, wind & pressure, the times of the sunrise and sunset. This app is available for Android and Apple products for free!
Stay savvy, Collegiettes!