Being a student isn’t easy, because you’re often battling with deadlines, time management, and trying to save money where possible – noting that all these aspects can either make or break your academic success. You’re either caught between trying to print application forms, sign and scan them whilst still being expected to meet up with your classmates to brainstorm ideas for your project.
What If I told you that you can do all of that and more in the comfort of your space while not using a single cent? Well, I have one word for you my friend – smartphone. As the world becomes more virtual, sometimes all you need for efficiency is your smartphone that comes with many instrumental apps that we often overlook or apps that can be freely downloaded. Luckily, these productivity software work everywhere—on any desktop, laptop, or phone you use—to level up your performance no matter where you work. These can help us with a range of things to ensure success as they can help you scan, collaborate with classmates, and even sign documents.
Here are six tools (i.e. productivity apps) that can ensure that you work faster, frugally, and more efficiently:
Notes App (web, android, iOS)
Most smartphones come with a free notes app. Notably, Evernote is the notebook app where you can write your ideas, quick to-do lists, and reminders for more essential notes you need to remember. Drag in files or use the built-in camera tool to scan documents and keep track of tickets, receipts, forms, and more.
Also, you can easily scan a document using the iPhone notes app. All you do is create a new note, tap the camera button, then tap the Scan documents.
Google Drive (Web, Android, iOS, Windows, Mac)
If you need somewhere to store all your files and find them easily when you want them, then google drive is your best bet. It comes with Google’s own Workspace (i.e. formally known as G Suite apps) with Docs, Sheets, and Slides to handle your office needs.
The important thing is that it’s great at managing files. Drag-and-drop files between folders, open your most recently viewed files in a click, and search through all of your files and Google Docs documents together. One of its best features is that it works great with teams, group work due to the shared folders, and Team Drives for collaborative files. It even allows people to edit documents simultaneously or “live” so you’re able to see and track the exact changes.
HelloSign
Have you ever been in a situation where you desperately and urgently needed to sign a document but you were so far away from a from a pen or even worse, you didn’t have access to a printer or a scanning tool? HelloSign helps you sign every page that needs your signature in a few clicks. You can draw your signature on HelloSign’s mobile apps, or type your name and let HelloSign generate a signature if you’d prefer, then click each signature field to add it.
Pixlr (Web, Android, iOS)
Most people find it easier and seamless to find apps that help with writing and editing. However, people’s experiences with finding graphics apps, tend to be a bit more difficult. Therefore, there’s a huge notion that people need to use a PC or MacBook for their work which is great if you can afford it, but what if you’re just a student who can barely afford a MacBook, Pixlr can help you tweak images and record video from anywhere.
It’s a suite of photo editing apps for the web and mobile. Pixlr Express is the easiest to use. It comes with core adjustment tools to crop, resize, rotate, sharpen, blur, heal, and otherwise fix images—with Instagram-style effects, borders, stickers, and text to make fun graphics from your photos.
Lucid Chart (Web, Android, iOS)
If you ever want to build a professional-looking flowchart then Lucid Chart is the next best thing. It’s quite user-friendly and has templates that you can customize. All you need to do is drag the item you want from the left sidebar, type in the text to customize it, then click the red dot to connect that element to others with arrows.
Lucidchart can even turn your data into a chart automatically to map or even build a mockup from your mind maps.
Google Calendar (Web, Android, iOS)
Google Calendar is a simple and practical app that allows you to organize all your classes, events, extracurriculars, and assignment deadlines across your phone and computer. The great thing is that you can easily see commitments throughout your day, week and month. Set up reminders before events or for to-dos so you’ll never forget anything. Say goodbye to missed deadlines and forgotten meetings, and hello to organized student life!