This article was originally published on Red Wire by Vodafone.
Struggling to feel motivated after the mid-semester break? Luckily, the key to staying on top of your studies might just be in the palm of your hand. Here are the best apps to help you boost productivity and stay focused.
Habitica
Available on iOS and Android
Cost: Free
Habitica makes studying that little bit more fun. The app is a lot like an RPG, allowing you to level up and improve your character by completing challenges. The only difference is that you have to set these challenges yourself! They can be as simple as making sure you meditate each day or doing a few hours of study for an upcoming exam, but the overall idea is to motivate yourself to form regular habits.
Focus Keeper
Available on iOS
Cost: Free
The Focus Keeper app uses the Pomodoro Technique, which divides your study into 25-minute parts that are broken up by short breaks. The idea is that it makes long study sessions more achievable, as smaller chunks of focus time are less intimidating. The app will help you stay disciplined by allowing you to set goals, time your study and track your progress. The simple interface even allows you to customise your timer if you’d prefer longer or shorter study blocks.
Forest
Available on iOS, Android and Google Chrome
Cost: Free
When trying to study, do you get distracted by your Facebook and Instagram feeds? Forest is intended to help you beat your phone addiction by offering incentives to stay focused. The way it works is that you plant a seed in the app, which will then eventually grow into a tree the longer you use the app. As soon as you leave the app to open another one, it will stop growing and start to wilt – so make sure you stay focused!
iStudiez Pro
Available on iOS, Android and desktop
Cost: Free
This comprehensive app is great for mapping out your studies, as you can track all kinds of things, including classes, assignments and your grades. iStudiez Pro works across different devices so you can use it on the go or at home. One of the best parts of the app is its interface, which allows you to move between to-do list and calendar modes so you can easily work out when everything is due.
Exam Countdown
Available on iOS and Android
Cost: Free
The idea behind this app is all in the name: Exam Countdown counts down the days and minutes until your next exam, allowing you to prepare well in advance. The overall aim is to keep you on top of exam dates and motivate you to study – while a simple concept, it’s very effective.
Wunderlist
Available on iOS, Android, Kindle and desktop
Cost: Free
If you’re a fan of making lists, this is the app for you. whether it’s grocery shopping, an assignment or exam preparation, Wunderlist allows you to keep all your to-dos in one place, as well as set reminders and collaborate with other people – particularly handy for group assignments!
Paprika
Available on iOS, Android and desktop
Cost: From $7.99
Meal planning, grocery shopping and cooking can take up a lot of time. Paprika is designed to simplify food preparation, allowing you to download hundreds of awesome recipes from different websites at the tap of a button. You can plan out your week using the calendar view, and also keep shopping lists, recipes and nutritional information all in the one app.
