App-solutely essential?!

Numerous apps claim to improve students’ everyday lives. One of our students, Lydia, has taken a closer look at five apps for learning, relaxation and organization. She explains which of them are good study companions.

App testing

Illustration: artinspiring / stock.adobe.com

Quick navigation:
To-do lists: Remember the Milk
Organization: Class Timetable
Focus: Forest
Relaxation: 7Mind
Learning: AnkiMobile Flashcards

You have probably noticed that your app store is full of tools that are supposed to make life easier for students. One of our students, Lydia, has taken a closer look at five apps to see which ones are worth using. You can find out what she thinks of the digital companions in this test report or in her

Image: Universität Jena

App tester Lydia Lydia has finished her studies. She has tested five apps designed for students.

To-do lists

Remember the Milk is the smart to-do list app for busy people. Never forget to buy milk for your flatmates again – and never miss another university deadline. Enter your tasks, appointments and deadlines – and get reminded by email or via push notification.

Test report:

Play Store: Remember the Milk
Image: Sophie Bartholome

After downloading Remember the Milk from your app store, you can create an account by entering your name and email address and setting a username and password.

Then you can enter your tasks for the next day or weeks in the menu. You can specify the urgency and duration of each task and set repeats to be reminded of recurring tasks. The big advantage is that the app sends you push notifications with all your important appointments and deadlines.

Pros:

Manage your tasks with ease
Get reminded of deadlines, appointments and upcoming tasks
Share your to-do lists with other students
Synchronize across devices (e.g. smartphone or smart watch)
Set priorities using tags
Categorize your tasks (e.g. home or work / studies)

Cons:

The large number of tags and sub-categories make the app a little confusing.

Availability / costs: App StoreExternal link (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch) and Google Play StoreExternal link (Android), free

Organization

Class Timetable is the perfect companion for school or higher education. Keep track of your classes, seminars and lectures, and easily add events to your weekly schedule.

Test report:

Play Store: Class Timetable
Image: Sophie Bartholome

After downloading Class Timetable, you can get started straight away – you don’t have to register. By simply swiping left and right, you can check your timetable and add new appointments, seminars, lectures and other events. You can also rotate your device to see your weekly timetable, giving you a better overview of your upcoming appointments.

Pros:

Siri support
Synchronize across devices (e.g. smartphone or smart watch)
Very easy to use with an intuitive design
Keep track of your timetable and tasks
Upgrades possible

Cons:

You can’t share or edit your timetables with others.

Availability / costs: App StoreExternal link (iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch) and Google Play StoreExternal link (Android), free

Focus

We’ve all been there before… You should be doing your homework, looking through your study notes or preparing a presentation, but you are constantly distracted by your phone. Forest helps you put your phone to one side and concentrate on what is more important and needs to be done.

Test report:

Playstore: Forest
Image: Sophie Bartholome

After downloading Forest and registering in the app, you can start using its features. Plant a seed and – if you stay off your phone – it will gradually grow into a tree. For this to work, the app has to remain open the whole time – you can’t close or leave it. If you can’t resist the temptation to use your phone and leave the app, your tree will wither. I have regularly used the app myself during my studies.

Pros:

Reduce your screen time
Boost your productivity
See detailed statistics about your concentration levels
Deep focus mode

Cons:

The iOS version costs money.

Availability / costs: App StoreExternal link (iOS, approx. €4) and Google Play StoreExternal link (Android, free)

Relaxation

7Mind helps to clear your head of university stress with mindfulness, relaxation and meditation exercises – in just 7 minutes.

Test report:

Playstore: 7Mind
Image: Sophie Bartholome

After downloading 7Mind, you can register for free using either your Apple or Android account or your email address and password. The main menu contains a wide range of different courses and meditation exercises for you to choose and listen to at any time. You will find the right meditation for any situation, such as during a study break or after exercise, allowing you to escape from everyday life – at least for a moment.

Pros:

Free basic version
Easy to register
Easy to use with an intuitive design
Prevention course refundable through health insurance
Different themed meditations (e.g. for students, fantasy journeys, falling asleep, walking meditations)

Cons:

You need a monthly subscription to unlock more features.

Availability / costs: App StoreExternal link (iOS) and Google Play StoreExternal link (Android) / basic version free; premium subscription approx. €12 / month

Learning

AnkiMobile Flashcards makes it really easy to create your own flashcards.

Test report:

Playstore: AnkiApp
Image: Sophie Bartholome

After downloading AnkiMobile Flashcards, you first have to register by entering your email address and setting a password. Then you will be asked which subject would like to create or learn flashcards for (e.g. languages, medicine, law) and which order they should be displayed in. You can download existing card decks.

Pros:

Easy to add flashcards in the mobile app
Personalize your flashcards (e.g. with colours, lists or bullet points)
Synchronize with other devices
Import flashcards from photos
Share your flashcards with other students (study groups)
Night mode is easy on the eyes

Cons:

You need a subscription to unlock lots more useful features.

Availability / costs: App StoreExternal link (iOS) and Google Play StoreExternal link (Android) / basic version free

_{Last edited: June 2022}