5 Apps to Stay on Course this Semester
By: Hannah Millner
#1 – TimeTable
Pencil in all of your classes, meetings, assignments, and exams to a color-coded daily calendar so you can see all of your obligations in one place! Choose different segments for different times and information to keep on track of your scheduled events so you remember even the little things. Add in the tasks you need to complete at certain times and set reminders so you can check it off your list. Don’t bother with the $1.99 Upgrade since you will still have all of the necessary perks without spending anything. Perfect for all ages and all grades because everyone needs to keep their life in order.
#2 – Focus Keeper
Smartphone addiction is real, especially when trying to be productive. It is so easy to grab that phone and mindlessly scroll through any social media platform without realizing you have been doing it for an hour. Lots of apps offer their services to prevent this addiction, however, the majority have a subscription cost. With Focus Keeper, you can set a timer for the amount of time you need to focus and for the amount you need to take a break. There are many studies showing that scheduling breaks while studying or working will help boost productivity and motivation. Make sure you edit the ticking noises “off” if they are distracting so you don’t feel like you are sitting in front of a grandfather clock.
Another app for staying off of your phone in a fun way is “Bakery” where you can “bake” a new pastry when staying off your phone for different intervals of time. Try them both out today!
#3 – Remember the Milk
It seems like there are always pieces of paper around my desk of things that I am supposed to do but end up forgetting. Downloading an app like Remember the Milk will help you keep organized with the little things that you need to do so your parents stop nagging you to fill out your FAFSA or schedule your dentist appointment. With features like reminders, sharing, and even rating the priority, you’ll be sure to complete all of those pesky little tasks. And when your roommate asks you to go to the grocery store, you will actually Remember the Milk.
#4 – Grammarly Keyboard
I have been using the Grammarly extension on my computer for over a year now and it has completely saved me. I did not realize there was an app for it but it should definitely be added to your phone for sending emails or jotting down notes in a meeting or class. Download the app on your phone and opt-out of the premium version so you don’t have to spend a dime for correct spelling and grammar. Because it acts as a separate keyboard, you can “activate” Grammarly for certain documents and turn it off for regular texting and other social media posts. Don’t send anything without checking with Grammarly first.
#5 – Habit Tracker
Although it might seem like just another “to-do” list app to add to the list of things you already have to keep track of, Habit makes it easy to keep up with the small tasks that you actually enjoy doing. Set yourself reminders at specific times daily, weekly, or monthly to go for a walk/run, do some yoga, stretch, drink 80 ounces of water, read a book, or just breathe. There are different ways to customize each task to ensure that your to-do list gets finished. Another cool feature is the “Habit Tracker” to review your weekly update of how many tasks you actually managed to achieve. Just got to check off my task of being productive for the day!
After downloading these apps, your life will definitely be more organized and will increase your motivation to succeed. Whether you have 4 classes a day with a part-time job in college or a full course load in high school or middle school, the apps listed will be a game-changer.
Make sure to reply in the comments with the apps you downloaded or other suggestions for your fellow students!
