Top 16 Apps a student shouldn't live without

Distraction blockers

SelfControl: 

This thing is amazing. It’s an app that lets you block any site on all browsers for any period you like. You can adjust the settings to match your needs and goals. I keep it simple and just block Facebook for periods of 3 hours when I really need to get through study. Check it out here

Cold Turkey:

This one is really similar to SelfControl, and has lots of added functionality and premium versions for those who will do anything to ‘not study’. Those interested can find it here

Languages and Learning

Duolingo:

This language learning app tracks your progress as you use flash cards and other useful tools to learn another language. Duolingo is completely free and is fun to use. 

Organisation and Sharing

Wunderlist:

I use Wunderlist for everything. If you love making lists, and sub-lists and setting digital reminders, this one is for you. I really like the simple interface and how it syncs across multiple devices. 

Evernote:

This one is more focused on note-making, but includes all the functionality that’s in Wunderlist. It’s a bit more complicated to use, but once you get it, it can be your one stop shop for note taking. 

Google Calendar & other calendar apps:

If you don’t know about Google Calendar, then you’ve probably been living under a rock! Use this to create your perfect study timetable, send yourself push notifications to study and set up study groups with friends!

Dropbox:

An obvious choice for anyone who needs to share files on a cloud. Once again, an obvious go-to. 

Speed Reading, Watching, Dictation

Zap Reader:

You copy and paste text you’d like to get through quickly into the reader and push play. ZAP Reader will throw words at you one at a time in quick succession so that you don’t need to move your eyes across the page. You can also control the speed that the words are delivered too.  

iAnnotate:

Annotate your PDFs on the go so you can take notes and read all on your tablet. 

VLC Media player:

Speed up or slow down videos to your own speed with VLC. You can watch a 1 hour lecture or video in 40 minutes! 

Dragon Dictation:

Use your voice to dictate a text message or email, create Facebook status updates or a Tweet, and anything in between – simply speak and see your text content appear with Dragon Dictation.

Light and Sound

f.lux:

f.lux adjusts the light levels and colour tones of your computer screen to match the time of day. This allows your eyes to adjust naturally so that you’re not staring at bright screens right before bed. 

Noisli:

Noisli allows you to play different types of sounds to help you block out surrounding noise. I like to use this when I’m in a study area where people are talking. It allows me to block them out without distracting myself. 

Raining.fm:

Like Noisli but just the sound of rain. Rain is a very comforting sound and blocks out the sound of brothers and sisters distracting you! 

Meditation

1GiantMind:

An app that teaches you how to meditate. I like to use this to de-stress after a busy day and clear my head before exams. 

Headspace:

Another very useful meditation app used by more than 4 million people worldwide!

Got any other useful productivity apps or tech? Comment below and let us know your favourites.

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