Let's be honest; we are on our phones just about as much as we breathe each day. Technology has taken over, and just about everything in our lives brings us right back to it. The key to taking control in this technological world, though, is to use technology the most efficient way to help you benefit your life in the long run. Otherwise, people just end up wasting so much of their lives playing Candy Crush and/or scrolling through Facebook. Those apps are great in moderation, but constant use of apps like these have turned us all into technology-addicted zombies. The ultimate goal is to have apps that are going to keep you on track with your daily tasks, rather than hindering your progress.
1.Find My iPhone | Android Device Manager
This app does wonders when you're too tired after all those classes to even function correctly, causing you to just leave your phone everywhere you go. It's hard to do these days with our constant need to be touching our phones, but you never know what could happen. It's better to have the app and be able to find your phone when it is lost or stolen than not have the app and have to buy a brand new phone. You can even erase all your data when the phone is turned on again if there is no other way to locate it. This app is a life saver when you get tragically separated from your 5" by 2" best friend.
2. OneDrive: iPhone | Android
This is a must-have on all phones. Whenever I take a new photo on my phone, OneDrive automatically adds it to a Camera Roll folder inside the app. This means I can delete all my photos on my phone and just use the app when I need to locate any photos or files. This feature helped me choose OneDrive out of all the other possible drives along with the fact that I can easily access my OneDrive files offline on all of my Apple and Microsoft devices. I can save all my school files on this app instead of using a flash drive and open them up on any device when I get home. When the rest of the house goes to sleep, I like to do as much of my school work and reading as I can on my phone until I pass out. This app allows me to actually use my phone productively, instead of just scrolling through Facebook before I sleep.
3. Your Local Financial Institution App
There's no download link here because there are so many different banks, but it is very important to keep track of your finances. You get to use this app to see how first world broke you are, meaning you have a fancy smartphone to be able to go online and check that you have no money. Really, you can be more responsible by being able to check your bills and your bank statements with a simple app on your phone. It's time to adult, and it's never too early to start saving for your future.
4. Starbucks: iPhone | Android
Most college students seem to have another addiction to Starbucks along with their technology addiction, and it's just another thing to make us first world broke. The fact that you can pay with your phone and get perks from doing so makes it so convenient when you need that Pumpkin Spice Latte before class.
5.Pandora: iPhone | Android
I'm sure you probably already have this on your phone, but it was worth mentioning because different genres of music can help your focus more on corresponding tasks. I like to play my Today's Hits station or Today's Country when I'm doing housework or getting ready for my day in the morning. It makes me move just a little bit quicker, and it puts me in a better mood for the day! Then when I'm studying or relaxing, I like to put my Classical station on and wind down. Music is a powerful tool, and it can be great in almost all situations depending on the genre.
6. Evernote: iPhone | Android
This is like the Notes app and the Reminders app mixed together on steroids. You can better organize all your information into notebooks, make a grocery list, set reminders for your exciting events, and even scan documents with your camera. This is great for the forgetful mind, and all your notebooks can be read on every device you use. Don't waste your time trying to remember all your smart ideas throughout the day when you can just jot things down in an app and get on with your day.
7. Sleep Cycle: iPhone | Android
Unfortunately, Sleep Cycle is $0.99, and it is only compatible with newer smart phone models. This app monitors your sleep movement, keeps data about your sleep habits, and wakes you up gradually when you are sleeping the lightest. It's a busy society in which we live, and we have to take care of ourselves by getting a good night's rest. If your phone is compatible with Sleep Cycle and you are willing to pay the little bit of money for it, you can start actually waking up each morning.
8. Amazon: iPhone | Android
Do I really need to explain Amazon? They have literally everything at such great prices! This app is essential when you're on a college budget. It was a very sad day when Amazon started charging sales tax in Ohio. Even with the tax, though, if you can't find what you're looking for in a store, go to Amazon and I'm sure you'll find it at a better price!
9. GasBuddy: iPhone | Android
Gas is expensive, and it's usually a different price in every town. We all need it, and with GasBuddy, you can plan your route home to include the cheapest gas station. You may only be saving a few cents each time, but that adds up after so much driving in your lifetime. You may as well save as much money as you can with the free resources you have, literally, at your fingertips.
10. Splitwise: iPhone | Android
Splitwise is another type of financial app. You can keep track of debts owed, and it helps with shared bills. This is a good way to manage finances when living with roommates. Splitwise lets you put how much you owe, who you owe, and why you owe them in the first place. You could be keeping track of money owed to you, as well. Then this app shows you all your debts, your loans, and the difference of the two on one page. Not everyone is going to need an app like this, but it seems to be essential with most college students living with multiple roommates.
There are many more apps that may help benefit your life in some way, but these are general apps that should be beneficial for just about everyone. Obviously, nearly everyone is going to want social media apps, too, but these are just a few apps that help you from becoming a "how you say...heated mess" in the future. Your friends and family would probably love to see your pretty eyes looking up from that small screen. Stay on task in this technology rich world, and don't become a zombie.
