Top 10 Apps for Students
There’s an app for everything these days, and we mean everything. From one that literally just sends the word “Yo” to your friends, to another that helps you track... all the places you’ve ever pooped.
But while pointless apps are oddly entertaining, your phone can actually be useful. Like, proper useful. There are loads of apps for students designed to make life easier – and we’ve picked out 10 of the best. Save money. Get stuff done. Avoid flatmate drama.
These are the ones actually worth your screen time.
Quizlet (Studying & Revision) You can make your own flashcards or scroll through thousands that other students (and teachers) have already made, on literally any subject. Making sets is quick, organising them into folders and classes is super satisfying, and it’s way less chaotic than your camera roll of blurry revision notes. The app can even turn your flashcards into mini tests, which is a game-changer when you’re cramming. The free version gets you far, but premium gives you unlimited testing – which is probably why this app is solely responsible for me passing my GCSEs and A-levels…
Knowunity (Studying & Revision) The student-made notes on this app were so good, my school literally banned it. You can browse loads of high-quality resources, and everything you save gets automatically organised into the right subject folder. You can create your own content too, but honestly, it’s way better for finding what other students have already put together. There are testing tools, topic-based quizzes, and even a mock exam builder if you upload your subject and topics. The built-in AI is surprisingly useful too – as long as you nail the prompt, it’s like having your own revision assistant.
TickTick (Organisation) The ultimate organisational sidekick. It’s a clean, easy-to-use to-do list and planner that helps you stay organised and on top of deadlines, revision, and all the random life stuff that stacks up fast. You can set reminders, break things down into subtasks, track habits, and even assign tasks to other people (because being organised and a little bossy is a vibe). I rate it so highly I actually paid for the premium version – it keeps my brain calm, helps me remember the tasks I’d definitely forget otherwise, and has a pretty background. Worth every penny.
Monzo (Finance) There are loads of banking apps out there now – from the newer digital ones like Emma, to the big-name banks with their own (slightly clunky) apps. Most of them are fine, but a bit basic. So why did Monzo make the list? Because it’s still one of the easiest and most useful banking apps out there, and it genuinely makes managing money less of a headache. You get instant spending notifications (ideal for those “wait, how much?!” moments), can split bills with friends, and set budgets that actually track your spending properly. You can even round up your spare change and save it automatically without thinking. It’s easy to use, super visual, and surprisingly satisfying when your balance isn’t in meltdown.
Roome (Housing & Flatmates) Sorting uni housing is stressful enough without getting stuck with a nightmare flatmate or chasing people for bill money. We found Roome genuinely helpful for cutting through the chaos. You can search for places, link up with friends, or match with other students who aren’t total weirdos. You can match with like-minded students, and even team up with mates to find somewhere together. One thing we really like is that you can sort your utility bills upfront, so everything’s bundled together in one bill. No dodgy estimates, no last-minute panics, and no chasing your housemate who mysteriously disappears every time the electric bill arrives.
Waking Up (Well-being) There are loads of mindfulness and meditation apps out there , some are pretty good, but it can be hard to build the habit and actually feel the benefits. The 30-day course on Waking Up eases you in gradually, and from there you’re free to explore everything else on the app. Created by a neuroscientist and philosopher, it goes beyond basic breathing exercises and dives into the why behind how your mind works. It’s more than just meditation – there are conversations, courses, and Q&As that genuinely help when things start to feel a bit overwhelming. While it’s a paid app, Waking Up offers a scholarship programme for those who can’t afford a subscription. It’s thoughtful, deeper than most, and oddly grounding when everything else feels a bit much.
Grammarly (Writing Help) With AI everywhere now, you’d think tools like Grammarly might be surplus to requirements, but honestly, it still earns its place. It’s like your own personal proofreader… minus the red pen and passive-aggressive comments. Grammarly checks your spelling, grammar, tone, and general vibe while you type, so your essays don’t sound like they were written at 2am (even if they were). It works across your browser, emails, docs, and even texts if you're feeling fancy. Perfect for coursework, cover letters, or just not sounding like you're completely unravelling in a seminar reply. Some suggestions are behind a paywall, but it still shows you what’s wrong and your overall score, so you can tweak it yourself and watch that number climb.
UNiDAYS (Student Discounts) Being a student comes with exactly one financial perk: discounts. UNiDAYS gives you access to loads of them, from big brands like Shein, Nike, Represent, and Boohoo if you’re after clothes, to Apple and Samsung for tech, and Krispy Kreme, Just Eat, and Zizzi when you’re hungry. Signing up is free, quick, and 100% worth it once you realise how many places offer student savings. It’s one of those apps you forget you’ve got… until you whip it out at the checkout and knock 20% off something you were about to buy anyway. Absolute win.
Forest (Productivity) If you’re easily distracted (same), Forest turns staying focused into a game. You plant a virtual tree, and it grows while you work! But if you leave the app to scroll or text, your tree dies. Brutal, but weirdly effective. Stick with it and you can grow a whole little forest of concentration, track your focus time, and unlock new tree types. Even better, you can save up your virtual coins and Forest will plant a real tree on your behalf. Saving your grades and the planet.
Habitica (Life Admin & Motivation) If ticking off a to-do list doesn’t do it for you, Habitica gamifies your life to make it way more fun. Habitica gives you XP, coins, and quests for getting stuff done, like finishing your reading, taking the bins out, or finally replying to your group project chat. Ignore everything for too long and your health bar drops. It somehow makes boring tasks feel less painful, and you can team up with friends to keep each other going (or just flex your gear if you’re that person). A bit nerdy, yes, a bit. But it actually works.
Uni life is chaotic enough, you might as well get your phone to do some of the hard work. From sorting your flat bills to saving your sanity during revision season, these apps for students are genuinely helpful.
Download a few, try them out, and see what sticks. Worst case? You waste 30 seconds. Best case? You nail your next exam, stay under budget, and finally remember to take the bins out. Absolute win.
Oh, and honourable mentions to a few other apps we rate: Duolingo (for passive-aggressively learning Spanish), Too Good To Go (for cheap snacks that save the planet), and Libby (for free books, if you’re feeling wholesome).
