Apps are one of the best lifehacks for students, especially considering how streamlined they’ve made many things like shopping and banking. Sometimes, though, it can be hard to find just the right app for the right situation.

Here are my top picks for apps which will make life so much easier, when it comes to both your work and social life, so you can spend more time enjoying your time at university: 

1. Monzo 

A screenshot of Monzo's interface, showing money being divided into categories.
[Image description: A screenshot of Monzo’s interface, showing money being divided into categories.] Via Monzo
I started using Monzo to help me keep track of my money. It helps organize spending by creating different categories – food, going out, essentials. You can set budgets on each category and you’ll be alerted when you start to reach its limit. This helped me keep a constant check on where, and how much, I was spending. This was helpful when it came to saving up for extra spendings for birthdays and Christmas because it meant that I could really treat people! Monzo also allows for sending out payments which is great when it comes to paying people back or paying bills. 

2. DrinkCoach

Screenshot of the app Drink Coach + via Drink Coach +
[Image description: Screenshot of the app Drink Coach+] Via Drink Coach+
My friend swears by this app! It first asks you how much you drink to gauge whether or not you rely on alcohol, and then it not only tracks what you’re drinking but how much of it, and what you’re spending on drinks. It also tracks the calorie intake from the alcohol. And it’s color coded so you can see how your month has panned out with a quick look on the app. It is easy to use and is one of the best ones I have seen.


UNiDAYS' homepage featuring all the categories it covers student discounts on.
[Image description: UNiDAYS’ homepage featuring all the categories it covers student discounts on.] Via UNiDAYS
When I was at university, UNiDAYS was always my go-to when I went shopping. All you have to do is type the name of the store into the search bar and the app will let you know if any discounts are available. Never has a discount code generated by UNiDAYS been rejected for me and you can use it as many times as you want. And with Christmas around the corner, this app will be a genuine lifesaver!

4. TooGoodToGo

A screenshot of TooGoodToGo's app featuring its interface.
[Image description: A screenshot of TooGoodToGo’s app featuring its interface.] Via TooGoodToGo
Using your location, this app shows you restaurants nearby that are selling food for cheap. Most of this food is that which is due to expire soon and so instead of throwing it away, many places sell it at a cheaper price. Each restaurant will tell you how many meals they have left and how much they are selling each one for. This is available so you can search from home to avoid disappointment. I have seen meals worth £12 be reduced to £3.29 which is an absolute steal for a steak dinner!

5. Reference Generator 

A screenshot of Easy Bib's scanning interface.
[Image description: A screenshot of  Reference Generator’s scanning interface.] Via Reference Generator
A reference generator, this app creates an academic reference for any book, all you have to do is scan the barcode. It makes writing essays easier and saved my life during my undergraduate degree as it made writing my dissertation so much easier and took so much stress away. The app references in all styles including MLA, APA, and Chicago.

6. Quizlet

Quizlet's interface featuring its flashcards.
[Image description: Quizlet’s interface featuring its flashcards.] Via Common Sense Education
This app makes it easy to create mind maps, flashcards, and quizzes. It also makes it easier to condense notes into revision notes, putting them all in one place, meaning that they are always accessible, anywhere. It’s great for separating school work from your living space as well! I hated having posters and mind maps around my student flat as I felt that my work was constantly surrounding me, however, when it’s in an app, it’s all contained in one place.

7. Google Docs

A layout of Google Doc's capabilities.
[Image description: A layout of Google Doc’s capabilities.] Via Google Docs
One of the best things about Google Docs is that as you are typing, the document saves. It means that you don’t have to worry about your computer crashing or the battery dying. And as long as you are logged into Google with the same email, you can access your documents from anywhere. It is also perfect for group projects because by sharing the document, all members can work on it simultaneously.
Aafiyah Shaikh

By Aafiyah Shaikh

Community Fellow