11 best apps every college student needs to download

College is almost back in session and we want you to be prepared with the best apps out there.

There is literally an app for everything which is nice, but it can be overwhelming when you’re trying to choose which apps are best for your upcoming semester. There’s everything from dating apps to apps that help you study to apps required by your campus, so we’ve sorted through all them all and picked the 11 best collegiate apps for you.

Whether you are just starting college, trying to avoid the sophomore slump, deciding that junior year is the year you finally get organized, or balancing applying to jobs and finishing your senior year, these apps will help you succeed in all aspects of collegiate life. There are even a few that will help you make the most of grad school.

1. Google Calendar

Google Calendar is the perfect app to organize your busy schedule. Use it to keep track of your classes, deadlines, and club meetings.

You can download Google Calendar for iOS in the Apple App Store or for Android in the Google Play Store.

Google Calendar does not sell user data and only collects data to improve user experience. You can see the basics of the Google Calendar privacy policy here and Google’s privacy policy here.

Google Calendar helps you keep track of your classes, deadlines, and extracurriculars.
Credit: screenshot: google calendar

2. Venmo

Venmo is a must-have for any college student. The free app allows you to transfer money to and from your friends, which makes it easy to split the cost of meals, drinks, and gas. Or maybe you need to request some money from your parents back home. That’s as easy as just a few taps.

You can download Venmo for iOS in the Apple App Store or for Android in the Google Play Store.

Venmo does not sell user data and only collects data to improve user experience, you can read its full privacy policy here.

Download Venmo for easy money transfers.
Credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images

3. Spotify

Not only is Spotify the superior music streaming platform, but it also gives a discount on premium to college students. You listen to all your favorite songs and curate edgy playlists, but there are also great study playlists like the iconic lofi hip hop – beats to relax and study to.

You can download Spotify for iOS in the Apple App Store or for Android in the Google Play Store.

Spotify collects user, usage, and plan verification data. You can also choose to share voice data, payment and purchase data, and contests, surveys, and sweepstakes data with Spotify. Spotify also collects data from third party sources which include authentication partners, technical services partners, payment partners, and advertisers. Spotify uses user data to improve user experience and “for marketing, promotion, and advertising purposes.” Spotify “may process certain personal data to help Spotify understand your interests or preferences so that we can deliver advertisements that are more relevant to you.” You can read its full privacy policy here.

There are lots of study playlists on Spotify.
Credit: screenshot: spotify

4. CamScanner

CamScanner is a mobile scanner. When you take a picture through the app it’s saved as a .pdf, which is perfect for submitting handwritten assignments like lap reports online. You get a three-day free-trial but then it costs $59.99/year.

You can download CamScanner for iOS in the Apple App Store or for Android in the Google Play Store.

CamScanner does not sell user data and only collects data to improve user experience, you can read its full privacy policy here.

Take a photo in CamScanner and it will be converted to a PDF.
Credit: screenshot: Camscanner

5. SplitWise

SplitWise keeps track of shared expenses and comes in handy when you live with roommates or are going on trips with friends. SplitWise splits the expenses you input, and then you can pay your friends via Venmo or PayPal.

You can download SplitWise for iOS in the Apple App Store or for Android in the Google Play Store.

SplitWise does not sell user data and only collects data to improve user experience, you can read its full privacy policy here.

SplitWise keeps track of shared expenses.
Credit: screenshot: splitwise

6. Quizlet

Quizlet is an online flashcard maker that makes studying for exams so easy. It is especially helpful because chances are someone has already made the flashcards for the exam you’re studying for, and you can search the app to see if they exist already. Study smarter, not harder.

You can download Quizlet for iOS in the Apple App Store or for Android in the Google Play Store.

Quizlet collects your device information, geolocation information, and log information. It “may use your personal information for marketing the Service.” You can read the full Quizlet privacy policy here.

On Quizlet you can both create flashcards and find flashcards already made.
Credit: screenshot: quizlet

7. Duo Mobile

The bane of any college student’s existence. Duo Mobile is a two-step verification app that colleges use to protect your identity when logging into your campus portal.

You can download Duo Mobile for iOS in the Apple App Store or for Android in the Google Play Store.

Duo Mobile not sell or track user data, you can read its full privacy policy here.

Download Duo Mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Credit: screenshot: apple app store

8. Word Hippo

Word Hippo is an elite thesaurus app and as we all know a good thesaurus is a must for essay writing. Type in any word and Word Hippo will give you a great selection of synonyms.

You can download Word Hippo for iOS in the Apple App Store or for Android in the Google Play Store.

Word Hippo does not sell user data and only collects user data to improve user experience, you can read its full privacy policy here.

Type in any word to Word Hippo and get a wide selection of synonyms.
Credit: screenshot: word Hippo

9. Tinder

College is a great time to meet new people and explore your sexuality, and Tinder is a great tool for meeting new people to do just that. You can also enroll in Tinder U with your college email, which prioritizes other students in your swiping.

You can download Tinder for iOS in the Apple App Store or for Android in the Google Play Store.

Tinder collects your usage information, device information, and other information you share with your consent like geolocation. Tinder shares this information with other uses, service providers and partners, and other MatchGroup businesses. It may also ask for your consent to share your information with third parties like advertisers in a “non-human readable form.” You can read Tinder’s full privacy policy here.

Download Tinder in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Credit: screenshot: apple app store

10. Pomodoro

Pomodoro is a great time management app. It operates on the Pomodoro method which has you work for 25 minutes straight with no interruptions and then take a five minute break. I wouldn’t have finished my thesis without the aide of the Pomodoro method. Sorry Android owners, this app is currently only available on iPhone.

You can download Pomodoro for iOS in the Apple App Store.

Pomodoro collects data such as your IP address, location, and information like the amount of time on the app, but says that it uses such information “to create, develop, operate, deliver, and improve our products, services, content, and advertising.” The app also allows you to opt out of location information and that “information cannot be linked to a particular user unless that user manually provides us with their anonymized, randomly-generated device or user ID.” You can read its full privacy policy here.

Pomodoro sets a timer for 25 minutes.
Credit: screenshot: pomodoro

11. Canvas or Blackboard

Depending on your college and class your assignments, readings, and grades will be on one of these apps. Maybe keep the notifications off though, unless you want to see that you bombed a midterm while you’re at a party.

You can download Canvas and Blackboard for iOS in the Apple App Store. Both Canvas and Blackboard are also available for Android in the Google Play Store.

Canvas does not sell user data and only collects user data to improve user experience, you can read its full privacy policy here.

Blackboard does not sell user data and only collects user data to improve user experience, you can read its full privacy policy here.

Courses in Canvas.
Credit: screenshot: canvas

Good luck this semester!