14 must-have apps to make campus life easier

College life is a balancing act with deadlines, group projects, side gigs, and the occasional social life all competing for space in your calendar.

Having the right apps on your phone can make the difference between staying on top of everything and feeling like you’re constantly playing catch-up.

Whether you’re managing lecture notes, staying on budget, or figuring out what to make for dinner, these Android apps can help you survive in the modern college grind.

14

Google Keep

Simple, lightning-fast note-taking

Google Keep might not have the heavy-duty features of other note apps, but that’s why it works so well for college students. It is the simplest way to capture quick ideas, lists, and reminders on your phone without the clutter of a full-blown note-taking app.

You can use Keep for quick to-do lists, voice memos recorded between classes, or even photo notes. Location-based reminders are handy when you need to remember to pick something up near campus.

You can use the checklist feature to track assignments, then drag and drop items to reorder them by priority.

Color-coded labels make it easy to organize, and its seamless sync with your Google account means your notes are instantly available on your phone, laptop, or tablet.

13

Obsidian

Knowledge management for serious students

If Google Keep is your sticky note, Obsidian is your library. This markdown-based note app is perfect for students who need to connect ideas across different subjects or projects.

Obsidian works offline and supports plugins for flashcards and diagrams.

It also lets you link related notes. That means you can connect your lecture notes on biology to research on environmental science, then link both to your term paper outline.

While the learning curve is steeper than a simple notes app, it pays off in sustained organization.

By the end of the semester, you’ll have a web of interconnected knowledge that makes studying and writing papers far easier.

12

Google Calendar

Never miss a deadline again

When your class schedule, work shifts, club meetings, and exam dates all live in different places, things can slip through the cracks.

Google Calendar puts them all in one view, with color coding for separate areas of your life.

You can set recurring reminders for weekly classes, block out study sessions, and add location data on the app. If you’re part of a group project, share a calendar, so everyone stays in sync.

The mobile app also integrates with Gmail, so events mentioned in emails can automatically appear in your calendar.

11

AnkiDroid

The flashcard app for review sessions

AnkiDroid features spaced repetition, a scientifically proven memory technique, to make studying more effective.

Whether you’re learning medical terms, foreign language vocabulary, or key formulas, it helps you remember information longer with strategically timed flashcard reviews.

You can create your decks, download shared decks made by other students, and study on the go between classes. The app tracks your progress, showing you the cards you need to review when you’re most likely to forget them.

AnkiDroid is an academic lifesaver for students who need to memorize large amounts of material without cramming.

10

Khan Academy

Free learning, from algebra to art history

Khan Academy is like having a free tutor. The app offers high-quality video lessons, quizzes, and practice exercises across dozens of subjects, from calculus and physics to personal finance and art history.

Its structured courses are perfect for self-paced study, while progress tracking keeps you on target.

For budget-conscious students, it’s a free yet powerful supplement to lectures and textbooks.

9

Wolfram Alpha

The ultimate problem solver

Wolfram Alpha is a computational knowledge engine. It shows you step-by-step solutions when you enter a math problem. It also works with physics equations, chemistry formulas, and even data analysis for economics.

Beyond academics, it can convert units, analyze statistics, and pull factual information on a range of topics. For STEM students, Wolfram Alpha turns tough assignments into manageable challenges.

8

Discord

More than just gaming chats

Discord has evolved far beyond gaming communities. Many professors and student groups now use it as a hub for class discussions, study groups, and resource sharing.

You can set up channels for different topics, use voice chat for real-time collaboration, and share files.

The mobile and desktop apps sync seamlessly. You can switch between your laptop and phone without missing messages.

7

Notebloc

Digitize your handwritten notes

If you still prefer handwriting notes or your professor doesn’t allow devices in class, Notebloc is your best friend.

This scanning app captures your notebook pages, straightens them, and removes shadows, making your notes look crisp and professional.

It also recognizes text via OCR (optical character recognition), so you can search for your notes later.

You can store everything in the cloud or on your device for offline access.

6

YNAB (You Need A Budget)

Master your finances early

College is the perfect time to build good money habits, and YNAB teaches budgeting in a way that sticks.

Instead of guessing where your money went at the end of the month, it allows you to assign funds to categories such as rent, textbooks, or social outings.

Its reports help you spot spending trends, and the mobile app syncs with your bank accounts so your budget stays up-to-date.

Although it’s a paid app, the skills you learn can save you hundreds of dollars over time.

5

Forest

Stay focused, one tree at a time

Forest gamifies focus by letting you grow virtual trees while you stay off your phone. Your tree withers if you leave the app to scroll social media. The more you focus, the bigger your forest grows.

The app even partners with tree-planting organizations for an extra real-world benefit.

It’s a fun way to break the habit of checking your phone every five minutes, especially during lectures or study sessions.