With the new year having started and university classes just beginning, it is the best time to create new healthy habits, stay on top of our work, and find ways to make achieving our new year’s resolutions easier.
For almost every problem you are facing when it comes to keeping your productivity levels high, there’s an app for it out there. Here is a list of the best apps to have on your phone to make sure you start this new year out well:
Flora – Green Focus
The Flora app makes use of the Pomodoro Technique, where work is broken into 25 minute intervals in order to keep you focused and motivated when doing work. Using a Pomodoro timer, when you start your studies it plants a tree which will die when you switch to another app, compelling you to avoid other distractions on your phone. The app also features a to-do list function, ensuring you stay on top of your list of things you need to get done. With the more trees grown, you will be able to see your forest grow and monitor your progress over time. There is also a social aspect to this app, where you can connect with your family and friends by planting trees together and keeping each other accountable.
Notability
This note-taking app can come in handy, especially when it comes to lectures. It supports note-taking in different formats such as text, handwriting, images, and videos, making it extremely useful and convenient. You can also annotate on academic materials by adding handwritten notes, highlights, and drawings. You can easily access and retrieve notes and documents according to different subjects and folders, too.
Quizlet
When it comes to taking exams, flashcards are a great way to study by making use of active recall. Quizlet allows you to create your own set of flashcards, while also giving you the option to use existing flashcard sets made by other people on an endless number of topics. There are different study modes available, Learn (spaced repetition), Test (quizzes), and Match (matching terms). Besides being able to share flashcards with your friends and study together, there is also a leaderboard to keep you motivated. And, because it’s an app, your flashcards are always with you on the go. It’s less chunky than physical flashcards, and no risk of them being ruined by spilt drinks.
Goodbudget Budget Planner
Budgeting and managing expenses is important for everyone, especially skint students. GoodBudget uses the concept of “envelopes,” allocating a certain amount to different categories of spending. You’re also able to track what you buy and be mindful of how much you have or have not spent. It is a simple app to use, but one that definitely comes in handy when it comes to making smart financial decisions – like whether to get that new jacket you’ve had your eyes on.
iSheffield
Lastly, our university’s own app, iSheffield, is the most useful app when you’re a student at the University of Sheffield. From viewing your timetable wherever you are, getting access to various support services, to staying up-to-date with the latest events around campus. And with the new digital check-in being essential for classes, it makes this app a must-have.