Best Apps for University Students
University life is exciting, but it can also be a bit difficult to figure out. Students are caught between lectures, assignments, exams, part-time jobs and a thriving social life. Thanks to an increasing amount of easily accessible and genuinely helpful digital solutions, though, the right apps can make a world of difference.
There are apps for organization, mental and physical health, learning, productivity, travel, food, and so much more. In this article, we cover a broad overview of ALL the apps you could possibly need for every (or almost every) facet of university life. All the apps in this list combine functionality with ease of use so you can work smarter, not harder.
Organizational apps
These apps help you organize and plan university life so you can make the best use of the, frankly, limited time you have in a day.
iStudiez Pro
One of the best apps for planning and structuring your entire university life; desktop versions also exist. It helps you organize and summarize your schedule, manage your homework assignments, track your grade point average, and much more.
The Campus App
Created to connect students with the best deals locally and online, the Campus app is a web platform that functions like a native smartphone app and serves as a meeting place for students and merchants advertising their businesses. Students can see promotions from merchants around their campus, search for promotions by keywords, and view a map that highlights all of the local promotions around their location. Best of all? It's free!
UniNow
A multifunctional organizational tool, UniNow is Germany's leading campus app. It streamlines the organization of student life by providing valuable support to universities and colleges in their digitalization efforts. The app offers features for the various aspects of studying such as digital timetables, IDs, library cards and secure access control. They are currently in cooperation with over a 100 universities in Germany, and have over 1.8M downloads.
Learning & Note-taking Apps
Our list of learning apps covers a wide range of learning functions such as memorization, accessing student-generated study notes, vocabulary, exam preparation and more.
Studydrive
With over 3 million users in Germany and Europe, Studydrive is the defintive platform for university students. Studydrivers can access and upload study materials such as summaries, lecture notes, past exam papers, and flashcards. Not only does this add much-needed context to the process of learning itself, it is also a social platform where you can connect with fellow university students and engage in peer-to-peer learning or just a chat. It has a free version and a Premium version. Available in both app and web versions.
Brainyoo
A flashcard app that simplifies learning and uses the principles of active recall to faciliate exam preparation. Save paper and learn more effectively.
Khan Academy
With numerous online courses for a large variety of subjects and disciplines, Khan Academy is a non-profit that covers a demographic starting from pre-K right up until university. In addition to academic learning, Khan Academy also has offerings for life skills such as financial literacy, emotional development, media literacy and more.
Flashcards Deluxe
Another comprehensive flashcard app, and is very easy to use.
Photomath
Hate math? Then you'll love Photomath! You can simply photograph complex math problems, and the app provides you with a step-by-step solution that is perfect for conceptual learning.
Google Docs
Did you know that Google provides everyone with a complete office suite, for free? Including word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software.
Notion
Another excellent platform for taking notes, Notion is free to use and offers a broad range of functionality for university students. Notion's UI is simple, minimal, and intuitive. You can take notes, dress them up, create timetables using the Calendar tool, and so much more. In fact, you can also create and share websites on Notion in addition to embedding images/video for presentations.
Goodnotes
Available as both a web platform and app, Goodnotes is known for being the ultimate note-taking tool. You can digitize your handwritten notes seamlessly, and use your own handwriting for digital notes. Additional features include automized spellcheck, illustrations, and more.
Language Learning Apps & Dictionaries
Duolingo
Duolingo is a language learning app that offers well-structured, interactive lessons in 43 languages and in certain niche areas such as Math and Music. They have a large userbase on a global level, and aim to simplify language learning by offering byte-sized practice sessions that focus on reading, listening, and speech. You can use the app as a free user. Paying users have access to additional AI-enhanced features and can practice without a daily limit.
Babbel
Babbel is an interactive learning app based on a subscription model. It focuses on personalized language learning through real-time feedback, extensive course material, a progress tracker, and more.
Wolfram Alpha
The ultimate knowledge engine! Google for students.
Leo Dictionary
Available as an app and web platform both, Leo Dictionary is a well-known English-German dictionary that can help with integration and language learnings. Offerings include online forums, language courses, contextual translations, and more.
Dict.cc
A very popular online dictionary, Dict.cc makes it possible to share your vocabulary knowledge with the world. Every user is encouraged to contribute to the English-German dictionary by adding and/or verifying translation suggestions. The resulting vocabulary database can be downloaded and used for free.
Google Translator
Google's translation service (it has really improved over time!), and is completely free.
Duden
A German dictionary. Extensive in scope and vocabulary.
Urban Dictionary
You've probably heard of Urban Dictionary already, but this list wouldn't be quite complete without a mention of the OG. This is a vast collection of words that are both real and not - 'urban' words that have developed as a result of pop culture use, social media, and general linguistic evolution. Entries are user-generated and very, very fun.
Travel & Mobility Apps
What is the quickest and cheapest way for a student to get from A to B? This list of travel and navigation apps are a must-have for life in, at, and around university.
Google Maps
isn't just a mobile map and always-up-to-date navigation system. GMaps helps with calibrating travel times, gives you a list of connections to choose from, and provides real-time info about transportation options and how long each would take.
DB Navigator
An essential for anyone living and studying in Germany, you can use the DB Navigator app to book trains around and beyond the country.
Booking.com
Available both as a web platform and app, Booking.com is a one-stop solution for booking travel accommodation that fits your preferences. You can also use the app for renting transport in your holiday destination, as well as look up flight information.
Lonely Planet
The world's leading content provider about all things travel, Lonely Planet can now be used as an app. You can explore travel stories and reviews, go through their curated list of location-based itirenaries, and even book calls with local experts before or during the planning process.
City-specific Navigation Apps
Every city has one. Take the BVG app in Berlin, for example. Or the MVV app for Bavaria. When moving to a new city or navigating a new place, using the local transport provider app is a free and frctionless way to get around.
F&B Apps
Being a student and figuring out what to cook and eat can be quite a challenge. You don't want to be haemorrhaging money by getting takeout everyday, and you haven't quite nailed home cooking yet. Here is a list of apps that are sure to help!
Mensa App
Always have your cafetaria Speisekarte (menu) with you. Updates daily, and is available for both Android and iOS. Has over 500 menus for 200-odd locations.
Kochmeister
App with over 60,000 recipes from a variety of cuisines. More are added daily, and you can find recipes that cover the entire spectrum of cooking - from basics to more complex dishes.
Kptncook
Kptncook has an unique and useful value proposition, it offers cooking support in the form of recipes that take less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Ideal for university! The app not only gives you access to a broad range of recipes but also facilitates meal planning support. Users can customize it according to their dietary preferences, fitness goals, allergies, age, and more.
Chefkoch App
Another great little recipe app, including a shopping list and an extra cooking view (find out what it's all about). It is subscription-based (1.99 EUR/month) and has over 380,000 recipes for cooking and baking.
KitchenStories
Available as both an app and web platform, Kitchen Stories is a great app for learning to cook in a sustainable and interesting way. It is a highly interactive platform, and you can filter by time of day, type, chef, and more.
Wolt | Lieferando | Uber Eats
You're probably already familiar.
Apartment & Accomodation Apps
You're at university now. You're looking for a place to live. Maybe a studio. Or would a shared apartment be more comfortable? Either way, finding the right place to live during uni is a quintessential experience. It's also hard. What with rent prices exploding almost everywhere and skyrocketing demand for cheap accommodation in most major cities and town, finding a place is quite the undertaking. The following apps make it a little easier.
WG Gesucht
The Holy Grail for shared accommodation, in particular, WG Gesucht is available for free use as an app and web platform both. It is one of Germany's most popular and effective apps to find apartments within a budget. You can also filter for neighbourhoods, room-specific features, and more.
ImmoScout24
Another great app for finding reasonable accommodation in Germany. You can both find a place and advertise your own.
Spotahome
Spotahome offers personalized support for temporary rentals, perfect if you're doing a semester abroad or are part of an exchange program. The search is tailored to your budget, and the app ensures safety through proper vetting of all tenants and owners.
Flatastic
Do you live in a shared apartment? Then this app is a must-have! Organize your daily life more perfectly and easily than ever before, with features that cater to various aspects of shared living such as cleaning, grocery shopping, laundry, expenses, and more.
FlatMate
A very good alternative to Flatastic, but more focused on finances.
Fitness Apps
Fitness can go for a toss when figuring out uni and trying to keep on top of classes and exams. Here's a comprehensive list of fitness and sport apps so you can manage your exercise goals, and have fun while doing it!
Google Fit
It's probably already on your phone. Free to use and provides basic stats like daily steps, distance covered, calories burned, and more. You can also customize it your personal metrics such as weight, height, hours of sleep, diet for more personalized results.
Strava
Strava is big. Every second person is using it. And we get it. The app is mainly focused on runners and cyclists, and tracks times and distances. There is also a community aspect to being on the app - you can join runclubs and track your friends' progress on the app. Additional benefits include navigation support and achievement sharing.
MyFitnessPal
Helps you track your calorie intake, plan your meal, track your daily exercise gains, and more. Like a personal trainer and nutrionist in your pocket.
ClassPass
An app for wellness, beauty, and fitness rolled into one, ClassPass offers users access to a truly stupendous variety of fitness and health activities in accessible locations.
Entertainment, Events, and Nightlife
A little fun or a lot of fun. Take your pick from our list of apps for entertainment, events, and nightlife.
Meinestadt
Meinestadt is an app that covers a broad range of features such as jobs, accommodation, local news, events, and more. You can use it to keep track of events and entertainment options in your city, such as restaurant and bar openings, poetry readings, open mics, festivals, and more.
Cocktail Flow
This app helps you serve your guests the perfect cocktail.
Bumble BFF
Perfect for making friends in a new city.
Timeleft
Timeleft is an app that is founded on a very interesting phenomenon. Dinner with strangers. You sign up, take a personality quiz, the app matches you with 5 strangers who are suited to you. Timeleft books and organizes everything for a fee. 'Every Wednesday, strangers meet for dinner.' Catchy.
Jodel
One of the most popular social networking apps among students. Share your thoughts anonymously with others nearby. Here you'll find useful tips and tricks, as well as some serious knee-slappers!
Yik Yak
Connect anonymously with everyone at your uni.
Need we say more? Follow the Studydrive handle for more on university life, study help, and how to ace exam season without breaking a sweat.
Studydrive - Your Companion for Studying
Stay ahead of the curve and check out how Studydrive can support your journey in the semesters to come.
Exchange ideas with other students, get peer-to-peer support for any questions you may have, don't miss anything shared between your classmates in the course, and find helpful study materials.