The smartphone in your pocket might be one of the most important tools you'll use in college. If you don't have an Android device, then you're missing out on some killer apps. Look for a phone like the Samsung Galaxy s3, which has a larger screen and enough memory, to run any kind of app you want. Then check out the following apps and be ready for whatever college throws at you.
The Visitor Guide Apps
Campus Publishers and University Visitors Network, producers of 40+ Official Campus Print and Online Visitor Guides for prospective and existing college students and their parents, has launched an exciting new Mobile App for iPhone, iPad, and Android phones and tablets. Campus Publishers will make the App available to its 40+ current university clients and also license the technology to other interested colleges and universities.
Each Mobile App is specific to the respective university and offers users/visitors a comprehensive, convenient way to explore the college of their choosing. These powerful new Apps will complement university visits and assist in the selection process for college education. The App provides a wide range of information, including GPS directions to the relevant campus and GPS Guided Campus Tours based on a variety of points of interest on each campus. Pictures, texts and videos allow the user to learn all about the campus they are investigating before they arrive or while they are on-campus.
To take a look at what's to come, download the Visit UMD , our pilot app for the University of Maryland. Apps can be downloaded for free at the Apple itunes Store or Google Play Store located at:
Kindle for Android
College requires a lot of reading. The Kindle app lets you carry thousands of titles with you in your pocket. Buy or download eBooks or read text files. Get a little extra reading done while you're waiting in line or for class to start. You can change the font, size and screen brightness. Organize your eBooks to be able to find them quickly.
Studious
This app is a to-do list and calendar made specifically for students. You can track your class times, assignments and exams and have the app remind you when they're coming up. You can also save notes and photos with your entries.
Easy Voice Recorder
Most smartphones have a voice recorder, but they're usually difficult to use and have few features. This voice recorder app is easy to use and valuable for recording lectures. Sometimes your notes may be unclear or you missed a point while writing something else down. Having a recording is a simple way to make sure you haven't missed a thing. Easy Voice Recorder records MP4 and WAV files. A widget keeps the app on your home screen so you can quickly access it.
The handyCalc Calculator
This app lets you use your smartphone as a scientific calculator. One less gadget you have to buy and carry around. Great for science, math and engineering, there are graphing and plotting functions, as well. Currency, metric and unit conversions are handled by built-in functions.
Google Docs for Android
Google Docs is a great place to store notes and documents that you can access later from your laptop or tablet computer. It takes care of syncing documents so you'll have access to the current docs from any device. You can have multiple accounts or use folders to organize your documents. A PDF viewer is also included with this app.
Wapedia
There is so much information stored in Wikipedia now. And there are numerous Wikipedia sites to search on. This app lets you easily search through several Wikipedia sites at once. Save frequently performed searches for future use.
Skype
Using the larger screen and high-resolution camera such as on the Samsung Galaxy s3 Android smartphone, Skype is a great video chat tool for keeping contact with friends and family. There are many controls for picture and sound quality. An address book makes it easy to contact the people in your life.
Facebook, Twitter
These are no-brainer apps to have on your smartphone while at college. Your network of friends will grow exponentially in college and these tools will be some of the most important ways to be connected.
Carry Your Toolbox With You
Don't hesitate to try these apps out. Many are free or low cost. Keep the ones you like and get rid of the rest. You'll soon have a toolbox of apps to help you throughout your college career.
Photo by Flickr user Reliance Digital Store
