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23 Free Apps To Help You, A Broke College Student, Survive Your Daily Life

More apps, less problems.

Cailin

Mar 12, 2019

University of Connecticut

134

23 *Free* Apps To Help You, A Broke College Student, Survive Your Daily Life

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You likely will never come across a college student who doesn't have a phone. On average we spend a few hours every day on our phones. Why not get more out of our time? There are a wide variety of apps out there that can benefit our organization, mental & physical health, finances, creativity and even reduce our stress levels. Here is a list of the best *free* apps for all the college students out there:

1. Groupon

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/Groupon_Logo.svg

The Groupon app allows us to save money through deals and coupons (with limited supply). It is a middle man between us and the businesses. The coupons are separated into categories such as entertainment, restaurants, travel and fashion.

2. Calm, Headspace: Meditation & Sleep, 10% Happier: Meditation

https://unsplash.com/photos/DFtjXYd5Pto

College is a challenge and at times it can be overwhelming. These are some great "editor's choice" apps that promote stress relief, meditation and better sleep.

3. Mathaway

Struggling with Calculus? Mathaway is the #1 math calculator. Either type in the problem or take a picture of it, and Mathaway solves it immediately.

4. Quizlet

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjZl_eepeTgAhXqV98KHTxyD3QQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fquizlet.threadless.com%2Fdesigns%2Fquizlet-white%2Faccessories%2Fnotebook&psig=AOvVaw1wpOL0ODSgVOswClC3dxQO&ust=1551644740686651

Many students have heard of or used Quizlet, but why not download it on your phone? The Quizlet app makes studying much easier and more accessible. It allows you to create shareable (or private) flashcard sets and has a variety of study tools to assist you in preparing for that next exam.

5. Nike Training Club, MyFitnessPal, MapMyRun

These are some recommendable fitness apps to help you track and reach your training and physical health goals.

6. Duolingo

Duolingo is an addicting app which can help you learn the basics of 30+ languages.

7. Uber, Lyft

https://unsplash.com/photos/ZMVtx_KJtOk

If you're an residential student, you likely won't have a car on campus for a couple of years. Uber and Lyft are free to download, with in-app payments per each ride. They allow you, as a passenger, to reach out to a network of reliable drivers in you area.

8. Mint: Personal Finance & Money

Mint helps you create a budget and points out areas where you can save more and spend less. It helps you live within your college budget and organize your wallet. Mint will help you review your spending habits (the good and the bad).

9. Venmo / Cash App

These are "Fast Mobile Payment" apps which are quick and efficient ways to pay/or receive money, if you don't have cash on hand.

10. Pinterest

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjk1N7XpeTgAhVCiOAKHfAjA8oQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.iconfinder.com%2Ficons%2F2894412%2Fapp_logo_media_pinterest_popular_social_web_icon&psig=AOvVaw3m1pQ6ceVuv3d4m5q_uKk2&ust=1551644834006566

Pinterest is a social media app used to discover new ideas. You can search and save recipes, DIY's, crafts, home design, decor ideas, fashion, inspirational quotes, travel ideas and more. You can create and save private Pinterest boards or collaborate/share them with friends.

11. Foursquare, Yelp

These are two "Editor's Choice" apps which help connect you with local restaurants, bars, and services near by. Foursquare is a detailed "City Guide" which helps you find hidden gems, hot spots, trusted restaurants and well-rated bars. Yelp includes millions of detailed reviews of all types of businesses.

12. Spotify / Pandora

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These are two popular music apps allowing you to listen for free.

13. Amazon

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The Amazon app allows you to shop quickly and easily. If you're a college student, make sure to create a Prime Student Membership which grants you 6 months of all the Prime benefits (for free). Amazon is currently the #1 Shopping app in the App Store.

14. DoorDash

If you're not in the mood to cook or just need a break from dining hall cuisine, download DoorDash. It is currently the #1 Food & Drink app in the App store. It allows for easy, quick, and efficient ordering from a variety of your favorite restaurants.

15. TED

The app provides you with thousands of interesting and informative TED Talk videos, which you can search by topic or category.

16. Netflix

https://unsplash.com/photos/VbGYLwHnw88

Many people have at least heard of Netflix. It is currently the #1 app in Entertainment in the App Store. The app is free to download, with in-app purchases (including a 1 month free trial). You can watch movies, shows and documentaries on you phone, laptop, and TV.

17. Feedly- Smart News Reader

If you're living in a dorm you may not have a TV. To keep up with the news and even stay ahead of the curve, Feedly connects you with the information and news you need to know.

18. Unfold

Unfold is an "Editor's Choice" template and collage editor which allows you to make creative, unique stories for social media platforms.

19. Tasty

For many college students, this is the first time you are living on you're own. Tasty is an Editor's Choice app which has over 3000 videos and recipes. The app allows you to filter through and select specific categories or search through trending recipes.

20. Grammarly

Grammarly is an editor that helps you achieve mistake-free writing.

21. Facebook

https://unsplash.com/photos/DfMMzzi3rmg

You may have deleted your Facebook 5 years ago, but its time to re-download. In college, many organizations and clubs (such as Greek Life and community service groups) use Facebook as a means of communication and it's easiest to stay updated with the App.

22. GroupMe

GroupMe is a social networking app used frequently to communicate within large groups. You will likely join a club/organization in college that requires you to download it.

23. Eternal Sunshine

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&source=images&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiN4sOPpuTgAhUqU98KHdqxDzQQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fgb%2Fapp%2Feternal-sunshine%2Fid1245926909%3Fmt%3D8&psig=AOvVaw1kKh6tOwSHcPnikjaWoTWv&ust=1551644949801142

Eternal Sunshine is a lifestyle app that provides daily inspiration and mindfulness.

Let's face it, college isn't easy but there are plenty of tools out there to help. Each of these apps has the ability to enhance our experiences as college students, and make it all a little easier.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

23 *Free* Apps To Help You, A Broke College Student, Survive Your Daily Life

More apps, less problems.

1. Groupon

2. Calm, Headspace: Meditation & Sleep, 10% Happier: Meditation

3. Mathaway

4. Quizlet

5. Nike Training Club, MyFitnessPal, MapMyRun

6. Duolingo

7. Uber, Lyft

8. Mint: Personal Finance & Money

9. Venmo / Cash App

10. Pinterest

11. Foursquare, Yelp

12. Spotify / Pandora

13. Amazon

14. DoorDash

15. TED

16. Netflix

17. Feedly- Smart News Reader

18. Unfold

19. Tasty

20. Grammarly

21. Facebook

22. GroupMe

23. Eternal Sunshine

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Or at least try to do.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

2. I will look decent for class.

3. I will go to the gym more.

4. I will go to the library and study more.

5. I will meet new people.

For those long nights that turn into mornings when the struggle is real.

1. Walk in motivated and ready to rock

2. Disappointed you let it get this bad

3. Distracted: When a 10-Minute Break Becomes an Hour

4. When the Yearning for Sleep Sneaks Up

5. In the words of Lorelai Gilmore "Coffee, Coffee, Coffee"

Oh, so done.

You need sleep, but also have 13 things due in the span of 4 days.

1. When it's December 1 and you have seven things due, three exams, and haven't slept in three days.

2. So you stress.

3. And cry.

4. Then call your mom to cry some more.

5. After the pep talk, you feel determined to get everything done.

6. But, now you're tired.

7. And really hungry.

8. Suddenly, it's 2 a.m. and you have only written three sentences and your paper is due in the morning.

9. You've made it to Friday... somehow.

10. Then Sunday hits and you find yourself back at the Lib.

11. So you cry some more.

12. But, you fight through the tears to get everything done because you're determined.

13. In the end, you feel on top of the world because you made it through the last week of class alive.

14. But, now it's finals week so good luck.

"I want to thank Google, Wikipedia, and whoever else invented copy and paste. Thank you."

1. I'm so tired. I need a nap. Maybe I can sleep with my eyes open in class? Or pretend I'm not napping?

2. We have a test today? Why didn't anyone tell me? Did I know this?!

3. Can I quit school yet? It's only October, and I need a vacation.

4. The struggle is so real.

5. I'm so broke. SOS.

6. Stressed? Eat everything you own in your pantry and stuff your face with all your feelings.

7. "Did we have anything due in class today? Homework? Quiz? Test?" "Not that I know of..."

8. I need food. Where is the closest place to get food? I need it stat.

9. This is the longest day of my life. I need a drink, or two, or three.

10. Sleep? What is sleep? What a foreign concept.

11. When someone suggests going and studying in the library, let alone studying in general.

12. When the cafeteria or student center is packed and you can't find a seat anywhere so you literally have to sit in an abandoned corner.

13. When you see someone you used to hook up with. They see you, and approach you; so you have to pretend like everything is normal.

14. When you get your exam and realize you didn't study as much as you should have.

15. When you crush it on an exam or paper that you totally bullshitted.

16. I need a grande, extra strong coffee to get me through today.

17. When the professor announces you have a project due the following week with no instruction on what it's on and how to do it.

18. Is it Friday yet? Where's the weekend when you need it most?

19. It's freezing in here. I feel like I'm sitting in an igloo. I should have brought a jacket or worn long pants.

20. Did I remember my book? Damn, I forgot the book, and of course I need it for that quiz in class.

21. I would pay a million dollars to not go to class today; or actually never again.

22. I need a hoverboard to ride to class. Maybe then I wouldn't be running 15 minutes late to class every day.

23. Oh she/he's cute! I wonder if they're single. Who are they texting? They're BF/GF? I wonder if they think I'm cute. Could they be a potential new bae?

24. Why is there never any parking? I pay thousands of dollars a year for one parking spot to be open.

23 Free Apps To Help You, A Broke College Student, Survive Your Daily Life

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