As the next school year 2021-2022 is fast approaching, POP!’s June batch of interns are recommending apps that might make the academic lives of students (especially freshmen) simpler and easier.
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Choosing what app to download is really trial and error. But aren’t you tired of the constantly downloading and uninstalling of apps after finding out that they don’t really serve its purpose?
If you can relate to this, don’t fret–we’ve got you covered! Here are some tried and tested apps recommended by students, for students:
For communication – Aside from usual Facebook Messenger and Zoom to communicate with your classmates, there are some apps out there that could connect you with your friends in a more organized way — with even lower data usage! These are:
Discord
Although this group-chatting platform is more popular for in the community, students regard this app as a more organized and efficient way to connect with people.
“Once you understand the basics of the app, you’ll find out that it’s a very organized way to communicate with blockmates,” said UST senior Zach Mirpuri.
Discord allows a number of members during calls, and it also allows you to share your screen. You could also organize your chats per “text channels.”
It is almost entirely free — features behind the paywall are basically irrelevant to academic uses.
Viber
Another app to reach your classmates is through Viber, an app that allows texting, calling and transferring calls between devices – Windows and Mac.
Carmela Calling, another UST senior, said that Viber is better because you could “pin a file or link in your chats,” unlike in Messenger, where you need to constantly back-read your messages to find the link.
The secret to productivity – Organizing your study space is important since clutter could result in students’ inability to focus. Apps such as ClassUp could help you organize your schedule and you could personalize it with stickers, your preferred color, and photos for background.
Here are some other apps that will help you hack your way to improve your productivity:
Notion
An all-in-one workspace app also recommended by Mirpuri, where it could be used to take notes, organize a calendar, and make a checklist.
“It’s easy to use and gives you a lot of freedom in organizing,” he added.
Forest
An app that helps people beat their phone addiction and manage their time (and even plant trees)!
“It’s actually a cute app kasi it plants trees kapag nag-seset ka ng oras. It’s your choice kung what time ka mag-aaral, you can view your forest and it shows kung gaano ka na katagal nag-aaral and what time ka usually active in studying,” shared Kaye Pandanan.
It could be used freely, although it has its premium version.
This app hits two birds in one stone. Aside from helping you to be productive, it also helps you save nature by planting trees.
Utilize your Google Suite – Google has a lot of tools and apps on its own that really makes student lives easier. If your institution happens to be on Google Suite, then it’s time to make the most out of it and reap the benefits of this subscription:
Google Docs
A word processor, similar to Microsoft Word and Apple Pages, but online.
“Very basic yet at the same time it’s very useful and convenient, especially now almost all the students are having online classes,” said Calling.
She also added that presentation is easy in Google Docs because all members view the same document. Thus, less hassle.
Google Classroom
This app aims to simplify creating, distributing, grading assignments, and engaging students in learning online.
For Enderun student Joaqui Mariano, Google Classroom is “one of the best apps to use when conducting tasks and information with multiple subjects.”
Honorable mentions:
Study Stream
Do you want to study with others (maybe even strangers)? Try Study Stream!
“When I have loads of things to do, I go to study stream. It’s a website for students like me who do better with people watching. Para siyang study group na bibigyan ka ng zoom link then may mga students kung saang bansa man ‘yan. Para siyang study group online, bawal mag-message sa site, it’s really just for studying,” Pandanan said.
Adobe Fill and Sign
Ara Afan recommended this app because it makes PDF files “easier to fill-out.”
This app lets you fill, sign and send any form. You could also take a picture of a document and fill it in on your devices. You could also attach your e-signature.
No printing needed!
May these suggested apps help students to make their academic year 2021-2022 easier and bearable.
Study well, study smart, and study right.
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