Let’s face it. It’s the 21st century, and you, the reader, probably own either a phone or a laptop. You also probably have to go to school, whether you like it or not. As such, it is best to be prepared for every possible thing that school can throw at you. Here’s a list of pretty much everything software that you could possibly need to survive school (till the next vacation at least).
For phone fanatics:
• Google Chrome: I really don’t care what you say; Google Chrome is the best web browser, and the internet agrees with me. Sure, there will be the Internet Explorer 11 fan- boys, the Firefox survivalists and the Safari warriors, but Chrome is indisputably the best web browser out there.
• Every Microsoft and Google app there is: This is a no-brainer. Whether it be to list some important thing down, or to make a last minute edit to that PPT you made for some subject, these apps will literally save your skin on multiple occasions. If I were to recommend just one Microsoft and Google app each, I’d recommend Google Keep and Microsoft Word. They’re amazing.
• Scientific Calculator: There will always be this one time where you’re doing math homework and everything seems easy until at one point you realize that you need a calculator. If you’re like me, then you’ll probably spend an hour searching for it only to realize it was under your book. Why go through that trouble when you can calculate [e^ (πi+1)] on your phone? This is especially important for Additional Mathematics and Accountings students.
• Dictionary app: Another no-brainer. Why bother finding out the meaning of pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis from your biology text book when you can just search it up on your phone’s dictionary?
• StudyDroid: StudyDroid is an app that basically makes flash cards for you. It’s extremely handy, especially for memorizing complicated terms and concepts. It’s intuitive to use, highly useful and free to use, so why not try it out?
• Voice recorder: This is another no-brainer. Why bother writing down something when you can just record it and play it back whenever you need?
Of course, those were all apps that are necessary for student, but what about for specific subjects?
• Some form of periodic table: This is a must have for chemistry. Try finding an app that suits you and has all the information you need. I personally use Elementals.
• Some form of Python IDE: This is a necessity for computer science. Use an IDE that is intuitive and has useful features. I recommend PyDroid for phones and PyCharm for PCs.
• Epocrates apps: This is a necessity for medicine and biology. Epocrates is a company that makes apps for biology, pre-medicine and medicine students.
• Wolfram Alpha: This is a necessity for engineering students. This is pretty much the equivalent of Wikipedia but for engineering students.
• History Timeline: This is a necessity for history students. A concise, simple to understand timeline outlining the world’s biggest events is always helpful.
• GIMP or Adobe Photoshop: This is a necessity for arts and design students. Good photo editors are needed to make and design things.
The most important thing to note is that this is not a complete list. Of course I’ve missed out on a lot of subjects. Which is why I will tell you, dear reader, the best thing you can do to find an app that is tailored to your school needs. Just Google it. That’s it. Just type in “best app for ________ student” and you will find something perfect for you. Fill in the blank with the subject you’re studying and are searching for an app for. That’s all folks.
- Rayhan Hasan, coffee addict and nerd