top of page
Writer's pictureIsabela Castillo

The Student Guidebook: The Ultimate List of Apps for Students

Composite by Reana Manalo

When it comes to apps for us students, you can find a lot of them in the app store. But how do you pick the right ones?

The Student Guidebook makes a comeback as we are nearing the middle of our second term. Lots have happened just a few months into the school year and I’m here to share with you some apps that can help you start your next term right.

To-Do Lists

  • Todomate

Devices: Android, IOS | Free

Useful for: Planning, Goal Tracking, and Daily Tasks


A simple app with its main features as your digital to-do list. You can organize your tasks in different categories labeled as ‘goals’ and keep you and your friends accountable as you can follow each other on the app. It automatically syncs your devices and has simple widgets that you may add to your home screen.


Todomate is among the best apps I’ve found this year! Its interface is minimal and very easy to get used to. With this app, you can stay organized and see what your priorities are for the day.

Another feature I like to use is its diary, where you can document your day!


Note-Taking

  • Notion

Devices: Android, IOS | Free

Useful for: Note-taking, Tracking, and Planning


Notion, a workspace for all your needs, is the best of all worlds and is probably the most used app for productivity. Want to write down notes, organize files, manage school projects, and/or track requirements? Anything you can think of, Notion has it!


If you prefer typing your notes, this app is perfect for you! Focusing on the note-taking aspect of it, similar to Todomate, Notion has a very simple interface. It contains features such as highlighters tables, timelines, lists, and much much more that can help you create well-written notes.


You can also customize your notes however you like! You can change the covers, upload icons, and add images. If you know a little bit of code, you can customize it to the next level.


  • Goodnotes

Devices: IOS | Paid

Useful for: Note-taking, Planning, and Annotating


Goodnotes is a note-taking application that you can consider as your digital notebook! It has all the features a regular notebook would have, but with unlimited pages.


You can customize your notebook cover, the type of paper you’d want to use, and even its page color. You can choose between a fountain pen, a ball pen, and a brush pen, and have a big range of colors to choose from. You can also highlight, add shapes and images, and even have a collection of stickers! If you don’t have a pencil/stylus or would still prefer to type, you can always use text boxes.


Other than note-taking, you can upload digital planners, e-books, and pdf documents that you may freely annotate and easily access.


Time Management / Timers

Plantie and Focus Traveller both serve the same purpose of keeping you from using your phone while studying or working on requirements. Both keep distractions away and help you stay accountable.

  • Plantie

Devices: Android, IOS | Free


With Plantie, as you get through the timer, you get rewarded by being able to grow a plant while you work. As you continue to work for longer hours, you get rewarded by getting more plants and badges. Detailed statistics are reflected to show you your daily performance.


  • Focus Traveller

Devices: Android, IOS | Paid


With Focus Traveller, you are accompanied by your chosen traveler. You can choose between humans, dogs, cats, and even bears! Once you start the timer or your ‘focus’, your traveler will start to climb the mountain. The longer hours you work, the higher your traveler climbs.


Similar to Plantie, you can collect badges and keep track of your records.


Once you leave the application, you are given 10 minutes before the adventure ends. You can see your traveler sitting by the fire, taking a break with you!


Self-Development & Self-Care

Aside from studying and doing assignments, it’s important for us students to make time for ourselves!

  • Deepstash

Devices: Android, IOS | Free

Useful for: Short reads


Deepstash provides shortened versions of different books and articles. It contains different categories of content and does not limit itself to self-help and motivation-related topics.


You can learn something new or gain productivity tips in just 5 minutes!


  • Habitica

Devices: Android, IOS | Free

Useful for: Habit tracking, Daily Tasks, and Routines


Habitica, with its cool retro RPG elements, makes you feel like you’re in your own game! This app helps in building good habits and breaking down your bad ones. You can also add in your goals or tasks for the day, as well as your everyday routine which serves as a checklist.


Just like in a game, you have rewards and punishments! You can invite your friends and team up to fight monsters and earn rewards. This helps to motivate you to work towards your goals and stay accountable.


  • Sayana

Devices: Android, IOS | Free

Useful for: Mood tracking and Mental self-care


Sayana is a mental health platform that aims to help you manage your stress and anxiety. Sayana introduces its users to a variety of mindfulness-enhancing exercises that they can apply in their life.


It also gives the users the chance to talk with people who may be facing the same thing they’re going through and help build a support system!


Sayana’s interface is simple and mellow, making it easy to use.


Just For Fun!

As we soon get a break from school, here are some simple games you can try out! These are also games that you can play whenever you reward yourself with a break after working on your academics.

  • Steppy Pants

Devices: Android, IOS | Free

Steppy Pants is a straightforward game. It's a walking simulator! All you have to do is to tap and hold your screen and make sure you get the timing right. You can collect different characters and mix and match!

It’s an entertaining game to keep your mind off of your academic requirements.

  • Animal Restaurant

Devices: Android, IOS | Free


Animal restaurant is a business simulation game. You’re met with the cutest characters who’ll help you with your restaurant! It’s an idle clicker game where you earn even if you’re offline.


You can design your restaurant, watch your workers serve your customers, help with cleaning, and even keep the burglars away!


We are lucky to have access to these resources that can support us in our academic performance and personal development.


These are just a few of the apps I found that were very useful for me as a student, and I hope you’ll find apps that’ll be of use to you as well!

About the author:


Isabela Castillo is a sucker for literary fiction, anything design, and Stardew Valley. A senior high student whose dedicated to using art and design as a way to communicate, and sometimes writes on the side. She’s in it for the fun and looks forward to what life has in store.



Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page