Photo illustration by Skylar August
By Skylar August
College life can be stressful. Between classes, homework, exams, and trying to have an actual life outside of school, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in responsibilities. Luckily, technology has our backs. I’ve found a handful of apps that make my day-to-day life as a student easier. From note-taking to staying organized, these apps keep me sane and (mostly) on top of things.
Note-Taking Apps
GoodNotes (or Notability)
I use GoodNotes and my main note-taking app. With a handwriting template I created in Calligraphr, my typed notes look like my own handwriting but better. GoodNotes is quick, efficient, and makes me feel like I have my life together, even when I don’t. Plus, the tape function lets me hide and show answers for studying, which is a huge lifesaver for quick study sessions.
Apple Notes/Quick Notes
Always handy for jotting down random thoughts, reminders, or million-dollar ideas (that I’ll
probably never follow through on). I keep Quick Notes in my control panel for easy access.
Microsoft Alternative
OneNote works well for Windows users and offers the same ability to keep notes organized and
synced across devices.
GenioNotes
A must-have if your professor uses PowerPoint presentations. You can upload them, follow along,
and take notes, all while recording the lecture. It’s basically multitasking on autopilot.
Study Aids
Studying can feel brutal sometimes, but these apps make it bearable:
Quizlet
This is my go-to for flashcards. I use it for big tests and exams, and I love how I can quiz myself
anywhere.
Photomath
My lifesaver in math. I just scan or input the problem, and not only does it give me the answer,
but it also shows the step-by-step process. That breakdown is key for learning, not just copying
answers.
Grammarly
Always helpful for catching spelling mistakes. The free version is enough for me most of the
time, but when it’s not…
ChatGPT
Yes, I said it! Another tool I use, but as an aid, not a replacement. It helps me with grammar
checks, spelling, and even brainstorming when I hit a wall. It’s like a little safety net when I get
stuck.
Organization & Planning
Staying organized is half the battle in college. Here’s what keeps me on track:
Notion
Amazing for homework planning. The second I get my syllabus, I plug all my deadlines into
Notion so I’m never blindsided by a paper or exam.
Google Calendar or Apple Calendar
Must-haves for keeping everything, like school, events, appointments and even subscriptions, all
in one place. If you’re on Microsoft, Outlook Calendar is the alternative.
Files
Underrated but so useful. I can access my work on any device, and it updates automatically. No
more emailing myself papers.
Other Helpful Tools
A few extras that make my life easier (and more fun):
Canva
I use this every single day for templates, projects, and presentations.
Spotify (or Apple Music)
Perfect for creating study playlists, whether I need calm focus music or something loud enough
to keep me awake at 2 a.m. while I regret all my life choices.
My go-to for ideas and inspiration, whether it’s for school projects or just figuring out how to
decorate my tiny apartment on a broke college budget.
Zen Flip Clock
Part aesthetic desk clock, part timer. It keeps me on task and reminds me to take breaks so I
don’t burn out.
Focus Mode (iPhone)
This is more of a “hack” built into your iPhone. Turning Focus Mode on silences notifications,
texts, and calls so I can actually get work done without distractions.
College is already a full-time juggling act, and half the time we’re dropping balls left and right.
These apps won’t magically fix your GPA or make that 10-page paper write itself, but they can
take the edge off and keep you from completely losing it mid-semester. At the end of the day,
the right tools make the chaos a little more manageable, and in college, “a little more
manageable” is basically a miracle.
