THE BASICS

College Life

Sure, college is a time to study and learn, but it’s also a time to make friends, make mistakes, deal with difficult situations, and generally figure out how to be an adult. Here are some great apps to help you with all the stuff that happens outside the classroom.

Cohabitate congenially

‣ Living with a roommate or even multiple strangers can be one of the biggest challenges you’ll ever experience. Or it can be awesome! Here are a few apps for making the best of your living arrangements.

To start, figure out a way to manage your household finances so everyone’s on board. Splitwise makes it easy to set up recurring costs like rent and utilities and split the bills among housemates.

You’re definitely going to have people over, right? Use Letgo to find used furniture and DoorDash to get food delivered...or you could always learn to cook with Tasty. Pacemaker is a simple DJ app that makes you the life of the party. And to be sure you get home safe from that party, use Noonlight, which lets you trigger an alarm and notify the police if you sense you’re in danger.

Post prolifically

‣ You’re probably already a pro at Instagram and Snapchat, but to give your posts a little something extra, try these apps.

For pure editing, VSCO will get you out of your filter rut, while TouchRetouch removes unwanted objects from your photos, like telephone wires, trash cans, and ex-boyfriends.

To add some layers, incorporate Word Swag’s killer typography on top of photos, make collages and posters with April, and package everything into a story with Unfold.

The best part: You can decorate your dorm or apartment for free with FreePrints. Get 1,000 4-by-6-inch prints for free every year—up to 85 per month. Yes, it really is free, just pay for shipping.

Move mindfully

‣ One of the hardest parts about freshman year (or sophomore year, or senior year, or grad school, or life) is taking care of your body and your mind. These apps can help you build healthy habits that last.

Try to get regular workouts in with Nike Training Club, track your meals and exercise with Lifesum, and get enough rest with Sleep Cycle.

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. For minor stress and anxiety, take a mindfulness break with Meditation Studio. The app contains specific exercises for college students.

Sanvello can give you the tools to help with bigger issues such as depression, Aloe Bud can help you establish healthy daily routines, and Mend can ease you through a bad breakup.