Tarlon Khoubyari
         Staff Writer

Truth is you probably won’t find a college student without a smartphone. We all use different applications that make our lives MUCH easier. Whether it’s for catching up on breaking news, study tools, or social media; college students are plugged in one way or another.

Most college students have the typical social media platforms, dating apps, and UNCG’s campus apps.

Below are apps that you may consider downloading. Most of them are free and are compatible with iOS and Android devices.

1. Google Calendar- Free

    If you need a clear, easy way of putting in assignments, planning events, or making reminders for yourself this app is for you. Everyone has their own way of organizing themselves. Google Calendar is personally my go- to. I can see a list of the things I need to do that day or see my entire month. One of my favorite features is when I add an event it asks me where it is and who I’m seeing. It also has travel time and will remind you when you should leave. It’s connected through my Google Maps and it’ll update me to see what my route looks like. Honestly, any of the Google apps are a must have. They’re all super easy to use and really come in handy. A new feature has been added to allow users to create reminders.

2.  Mathway- Free

Math homework has just become easier. Don’t have a calculator? Stuck on a problem? Download Mathway- the mobile app that will help you step-by-step on your math homework. Enter the task into the application and check your answers. It’s super easy to use and will help make your math homework much easier.

3. Venmo- Free

Have you ever needed to pay someone back but know you’ll forget or you don’t have the cash on you? Venmo will make this easier for you to pay back money without cash. You can also collect money from people who owe it to you, pay your bills, and much more. The user interface could use some improvement but overall, incredibly useful.

4. Mint.com-Free

As college students, most of us have a hard time managing money. Mint allows you to control your budget and see what your money is usually spent on. This is almost like checking my bank account; I hate doing it but in the long run, it helps.

5. Water In- Free

    Drinking water throughout the day can be a bit challenging especially if you forget to do it. Staying hydrated has a lot of obvious health benefits and improves your mood. If you’re curious as to how many times you drink water, WaterIn tracks your water intake and will remind you when to drink. The user interface is clean, simple, and easy to move around.

6. Mixologist

    Want to impress your friends by serving tasty drinks that will please the masses? Download Mixologist- a free app that will make you into a bartender into no time. Instead of drinking beer or taking shots, spruce it up with some tasty drinks. You can even make mock-tails (non-alcoholic drinks) from these recipes as well.

7. Yelp- Free

    I am an avid Yelp-er. Yelp is a free application that allows you to search local restaurants in the area. Tired of eating at the caf? Search up restaurants on Yelp and write reviews on your favorite places. This application lets you see a variety of details: wi-fi availability, cost per person, menu, attire, noise level, ambience, hours, kids menu, and more! When you’re unfamiliar with a city this is incredibly useful because you can see customer favorites and what the popular restaurants are. Sometimes there are even deals you can access for certain places. You can even make reservations, deliver food, and bookmark restaurants!

8. Wise Drinking

    No matter how old you are you should be smart about drinking. This well designed app aims to help users moderate their drinking and notify them when it’s time to go home. By inputting your gender, age, weight, and height the app will calculate your blood alcohol content (BAC) according to the type, amount, and time of when you drank. It will also ask you to enter the last full meal you ate. This BAC level is just an estimate and it is based on what you enter (be honest). At least it lets you be aware of how much you consume. This application also allows you to know what transits are nearby as well as taxis. With Uber being into existence and most parties being near campus, this may not be as useful.

9. JeFit

    The holidays have passed and you may have gained a few pounds or your pants have magically shrank. JeFit is a great option if you don’t have time to hit the gym or don’t feel like making the walk all the way to the rec. This app offers range of workout routines where you can mix up. It is designed for men but ladies, you can definitely find a workout that works for you.

10. WiFi Finder

    Have limited data and need to use your phone? Download Wifi Finder when you work off campus. It will help find free Internet hotspots that your wifi connector on your phone may not pick up. With over 650,000 locations in 144 countries, you’re bound to find a connection.

11. LinkedIn- Free

    It’s the Facebook of the professional world. By now, you should already have one. LinkedIn is one of the most popular ways to network, search for jobs, and connect with professionals. Most employers today look for your LinkedIn account. Plus it’s easier to update versus always having to resend your resume. You can connect with recruiters and much more.

12. Self Control (available on Macs only)

    This application is meant for your laptop. Self control really tests your willpower. When you know you’ll be distracted by Netflix or Facebook and you have things to get done. Add the sites that will distract you to the “Black List” and for the time you set those sites will be blocked. You can’t access those sites for that extended period of time no matter what you do (even if you restart your computer or delete the application).

13. Sworkit

    Not your ordinary workout app. This application is free for iOS and Android devices ($0.99 for additional features) and has a lot of workouts you can try for the time you want to work out. You simply: choose a category, set a timer, and get to work!