13 Apps Everyone Should Have

As we struggle throughout the mayhem of our college years, here are a few tips and tricks in app form to get you through the week. Channel your inner Bob Barker as you read this.

1. GroupMe

So simple, yet so helpful. This app allows you to talk to multiple friends across different platforms, which means no more dumb phone/smartphone hassles. Enough said. Get it now.

2. Venmo

Everyone needs cash, but no one carries it anymore, and while you can just sit around and hope that it’ll pay itself back, you can instead download Venmo, which is like PayPal, but for your phone. Do it before your friends hate you.

3. TransLoc

Oh. My. Goodness. Is this real life or is it just fantasy? An app for the Harvard shuttle that’s actually accurate? Thank heaven!

4. Evernote

Evernote is the ultimate notetaker. It lets you keep all your written, audio, picture, or voice memos in one place, within easy reach of the search function, and makes it accessible everywhere (thank you, cloud technology).

5. Adblock Plus

Goodbye to being tracked by Google Analytics and the NSA, and helloooo ad-free browsing! Never again will an ad pop up before a YouTube video, or distract you with Zappos shoe sales. With both mobile and desktop versions, this free app is a must.

6. Stayfocusd

Stop stalking that cute guy three floors up and start doing work. This free app will help limit the amount of time you spend on time-wasting websites to increase your productivity. Go finish that p-set!

7. Songza

Infinitely superior to Pandora, everyone should use Songza. Say goodbye to ads and repeated songs, and look up playlists for “Drinking Gourmet Coffee” on a “Late Monday Morning” or check out “Avant-Garde Soundscapes” and “Speaker-Busting Electro House.”

8. Dropbox

The ultimate file-syncer, this app is great for moving and sharing large documents and images seamlessly. There is literally no hassle involved, unlike trying to enter Annenberg at 6:00 p.m.

9. Awesome Note

This To Do and calendar app is one of the few on this list that asks you to break out your wallet. At $3.99, it certainly helpful if you’re one of those neurotic to-do-listers who also feels guilty about killing all those trees with your mountain of Post-Its.

10. Snapseed

This camera app is the only one that remotely approaches the power of desktop editing software. Think Instagram on steroids.

11. Spider Solitaire

Because we all need to procrastinate sometimes. This way, you can feel like you’re exercising those little brain cells while you wish the time away.

12. Tip Calculator

On the off-chance that you break the Harvard Bubble (let’s be honest, it’s probably not going to happen), you’ll need to leave a tip at whatever snazzy restaurant you find yourself at. This free app is blissfully simple. No more tricky division; but it’s not like you can't handle it, you're in Math 25.

13. MyFitnessPal

If you’re unathletic, but still looking to stay in shape, this free app helps you keep track of all the pizza and candy you consume. It might be slightly depressing, but it gets the job done.