Smartphones get a pretty bad rap when it comes to study. They distract you, disrupt your sleep schedule and can lead to hundreds of wasted hours looking at memes. So why not instead use them for something other than procrastination? There are plenty of apps out there to help you focus on your study and improve your wellbeing. We’ve compiled five of the best ones we think will help you ace your time at university.
MyUNI
MyUNI is the University of Newcastle’s student portal. While you can access this online, why not make it easier on yourself and download the app. It’s the one-stop-shop for everything student related. The MyUNI app provides single sign-on access for the important systems and information you’ll need while studying at university.
Once you’ve logged in with your student ID and password, you will be on the home page which displays all of its features in the form of tiles, meaning everything you need is in the one place.
Through this portal you can access systems such as UONline, Numail and AskUON. It also displays your timetables which includes your weekly schedule and any upcoming exams. The app allows you to make payments as well as filing credit applications or reserving library books.
The MyUNI Portal is simple to use, and best of all you can customize the layout and tiles displayed to suit your needs.
TripView
TripView is a NSW transport app which shows you the quickest way to get to your destination. Rather than having to compare various timetables, the app allows you to create trip plans for train, bus, ferry, light rail and coach services. Basically, it takes some of the stress out of getting from A to B. No longer will you be left wondering what connecting bus you need to catch.
It lists all timetable services with real time data. Through TripView you can view a summary of the next departures between stops, view full timetables and track your service in real time. It even lets you see the expected arrival time at your destination and track your bus on a map. The app provides accessibility information for services and also lets you check available passenger space on the next bus service.
Smiling Mind
Smiling Mind is a meditation and wellbeing app. It exists to help build mental health and wellbeing, using positive and innovative tools that are accessible to all. The app is designed to assist with the management of pain and stress, helps build resilience and compassion, improves your focus at work and in the classroom and helps with creativity and collaboration. Even if you’re a bit of a meditation sceptic – just try it! All you need is 10 minutes a day to start feeling the benefits.
Maze Maps
Now this little guy is like Google Maps’ younger sibling but for uni campuses. And let me tell you, it has been my saviour so many times. It will pinpoint your location and tell you how long it will take you to walk to your location and how to get there. It can show you buildings, lecture theatres, labs and rooms, and also allows you to plan an accessible-friendly route to your destination. It displays where to grab your coffee fix or food and bar locations. It also shows you toilets, uni services, printing, ATMs, study spaces, parking and so much more. Plus – you can access it from the myUNI app!
UNIDAYS
Okay so this one’s not going to help you necessarily succeed with your studies, but it will with your savings account! It’s an app that gives student killer discounts for free… I KNOW CRAZY RIGHT!?
It categorises its promotions in the categories of Ready prep go (Back to school), fashion, beauty, lifestyle, food, health and fitness, and technology. Promotions on the app have included buying a MacBook for uni and getting a free set of Beats headphones, 35% of Pretty Little Thing, 20% off Kikki.K, 50% Sheridan bedsheets, 10% off Sephora and 33% off Dominoes. Now the important study related discounts include up to $800 off Microsoft, 35% off HP, 15% off dell and 10% off Apple.
You can access all of the suggested apps on IOS and Android, so go on, what are you still doing here? Get downloading!