If you were lucky enough to get the new iPhone or any other type of smart phone for the first time, then you now have access to the wonderful world of mobile apps! There are tons of fun and helpful apps that can be downloaded to your phone to make life much easier and portable. Hopefully by now you’ve figured out how to download applications from the market or App Store, but don’t let the endless options overwhelm you! There are a lot of different apps to choose from, and some are definitely better than others. Here is a collection of the most used applications I recommend all college students should have on their smart phone:
1. Facebook App
Facebook is the one tab you always keep open in your browser, so what do you do when you’re away from the computer? Don’t wait to update your status when you get home–let people know how much fun you are having in the moment! Also widely popular is the Twitter app, just use caution whenever you post. In the heat of the moment, you might tell the world something that could come back to haunt you later on!
2. Shazam!
Curious about what the song is that the girl in the shower next to you is singing? Get this app that recognizes music while it is playing and tells you both the song title and artist. This app saves a lot of trouble searching the web when you only remember one word from that song you heard in the store.
3. Flashlight App
This is probably the most functional app available. It’s great for walking back to your dorm late at night or trying to find your glasses in the dark. It illuminates a super bright light that can be adjusted for different situations. Don’t want to disturb your roommate but need to prepare for that upcoming exam? Study your notes under your sheets with this helpful app!
4. Netflix Mobile
Netflix Mobile is perfect for when you are flying home for breaks and you have to suffer alone in the airport for hours. Watch your favorite movies or TV shows while waiting in the airport terminal or heading home on the train. This app turns any long trip into an enjoyable one.
5. iHeartRadio or Pandora
Be the D.J. of any party with these musical apps. You’ll be able to make any situation better with your favorite tunes playing in the background. Use them at the gym, in the library, or even while walking to class. Listening to music can get you inspired, active, and even keep you awake while doing homework.
6. Amazon
Amazon has all of your college essentials from textbooks to mini fridges. This portable app allows you to order on the go so that you don’t forget to do so later on. Plus, Amazon offers special student programs and features one touch buying and shipping.
7. Mixology
Your friends (of legal drinking age) will love you for this one. You can search for drink recipes based on the ingredients you already have, or if you are running low on supplies it also uses your current location to find the closest liquor store. No need to get creative, this app does it for you! Now you can amaze your friends with your newfound knowledge of delicious mixed drink recipes.
8. Google Maps
The Google Maps app is particularly helpful for out of state students who are totally unfamiliar with the college area. Use this app to easily locate your favorite stores on a shopping spree in the city, or find your way back to the dorm from an off-campus party. You won’t be afraid to venture out of the library with this helpful app!
9. Words With Friends
Take the fun with you wherever you go! This mobile version of Scrabble is perfect for waiting at the bus stop or time in between classes. Play it with your friends, siblings, parents, or random opponents. Family game night can still continue even after you’ve left home for college!
10. E-mail
This is my personal favorite application. I am on the go almost 100% of the time and carrying my laptop with me always seems to be a hassle. Having access to e-mail on my phone is like having an ice cream cone on a hot summer’s day; such a relief! I no longer have to stress about replying back to professors, setting up group study times, or reaching my family. I can send academic or personal e-mails from any location and can reference them whenever I need to. Gmail, AOL, Yahoo, and most other e-mail service providers have a free app that is simple to set up.
11. Sleep Cycle
Everyone sacrifices sleep habits while in college. The worst part about getting up for an 8:00 am class is reaching for the alarm in the middle of a deep sleep. This app monitors your sleep patterns and knows when you are in a lesser, lighter sleep when it is more natural to wake up. Feel refreshed in the morning and ready to tackle the day by waking up at the right time for your body with this app.
If you don’t have any of these already, set yourself up for college success and download them today!