In a world where screen time and technology usage are ever increasing, ditch the doom-scrolling on TikTok and 60-minute Instagram breaks for apps that boost study skills and productivity. The Gamut has curated a list of the most efficient apps for students which could help spice up what feels like endless studying.
Notion
A productivity and note-taking application available to download on practically every interface, Notion is widely known as a massive all-in-one hub with various customizable features and elements, offering users an expansive range of tools including to-do lists, weekly and monthly agendas, budget trackers, and even calendar integration. Though the app provides thousands of free templates for layout of your study space, users looking for a more personalized platform can create their own organizational systems by using the customizable building blocks and code available. With its user-friendly tabs, navigation links, and connected pages, Notion allows users to have everything they need to organize their life in one place. Better yet, it’s free; users can access all the best and necessary features Notion offers without paying for an advanced plan.
Forest
Forest is akin to timer, allowing its users to decide the amount of time they want to stay focused for. Users of Forest will plant trees in their digital forest to set the timer, and when a task is started and time is spent off the phone, the tree planted will grow until there is a forest of time-productive trees. Forest’s unique concept also translates to real environmental actions; trees planted digitally will be planted in real life as well. Be careful though, as the growing trees die if the phone is used or picked up before the productivity timer ends.
Feyn
Feyn is an educational tool that uses flashcards and spaced repetition (a set of repeated reviews over a course of a few days) to aid learning. Programmed specifically to help users memorize and learn concepts for the long term, it is a perfect tool for studying for AP exams, vocabulary tests for English, and more. Using data from previous performances, Feyn asks users to review cards based on how well they remember them. Offering a completely blank slate, Feyn provides various drawing tools to create your own flashcards, allowing for a range of diagrams, models, and outlines outside of the standard word-definition form.
Instapaper
Known as a great “read it later” buddy, Instapaper allows users to save articles, videos, and texts to view later. Immensely helpful when researching different topics without enough time to go through it all, Instapaper helps to organize content to read later. The platform’s offline availability provides a distraction-free space that emphasizes specific content for review or study. By providing tools such as folders, labels, a search tool, and a speed-reading mode, Instapaper has everything a student needs to organize and consume material before exams engagingly and efficiently.
Oxford students would benefit from the various educational, productive, time-managing, and stress-relieving components offered by these apps. Take the time to choose which one (or more!) of these apps works best for you, as it may just be the difference between spending your study time procrastinating or being productive.
