10 Best Apps for PhD Students, Researchers, Graduate Students
Grad school can be tough, so having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s a guide to 10 of the best apps for graduate students, from productivity boosters to apps designed to help you unwind.
Apps to Keep You on Track
Whether you’re already using project management tools like Trello or looking for more ways to stay organized, these apps will help you manage your workload, maintain your GPA, and streamline your research.
Asana
Asana is widely used by companies to manage tasks and track progress. For group projects in grad school, Asana is a lifesaver, allowing you to break down projects into tasks and subtasks, ensuring everyone knows what needs to be done. The visual dashboards make it easy to see how your team is progressing.- Free for teams of up to 15 people, available on iOS, iPad, and Android.
Evernote
Graduate school means taking a lot of notes, and Evernote is one of the best apps to keep them organized. The app allows you to create searchable notes that sync across all devices, and its notebook system helps you stay organized.- Bonus for students: the audio recorder feature is perfect for capturing lectures.
- Available on iOS and Android.
Google Drive
No more endless searching through email for the latest version of a project. Google Drive simplifies file storage and collaboration, allowing access to files across all your devices.- Free storage up to 15 GB, with more available for purchase.
Slack
Slack aims to reduce email overload, and it works wonders in a graduate school setting. With its user-friendly, social-network style “channels,” team collaboration is quick and efficient. You can even add some fun with Giphy integrations.- Available on most platforms, including iOS, Android, and even Windows Phone or Linux.
iStudiez
Staying organized is key to grad school success, and iStudiez helps you keep track of your class schedules, research, assignments, and even your GPA with a built-in calculator.- Free, with subscription options for cloud syncing.
Outliner
One of the hardest parts of writing a paper or planning a research project is outlining your ideas. Outliner helps you organize your thoughts into a clear plan. It syncs with Dropbox and offers sharing options for group work.- Available for $4.99 on iPhone and iPad.
Habitica
This app turns productivity into a game. Habitica makes accomplishing tasks fun by rewarding you with virtual gold as you complete school-related and daily tasks.- Free, with optional subscriptions for iOS and Android.
Forest
Stay focused and avoid distractions with Forest. This app grows a virtual tree for every 30 minutes you spend focused on your work, helping you resist the urge to check social media.- Available as an app and a browser extension for Chrome and Firefox.
Apps for Unwinding
All work and no play can lead to burnout. Here are a few apps to help you relax and recharge during your downtime.
Triller
Love music? Triller turns you into a lip-sync star. Pick a song, plan your shots, and let Triller edit together the best video. Perfect for a quick study break with friends.- Available for iOS and Android.
Enlight Pixaloop
For photography enthusiasts, this app allows you to add stunning animation effects to your photos, such as twinkling lights or rippling water. You can even change the sky in your pictures with just a few taps.- Available on iOS and Android.
Calm
Everyone could use a bit more peace in their life. Calm offers nature sounds, guided meditations, and soothing bedtime stories to help you manage stress and unwind.- Free version available, with optional subscriptions for additional features.
Bonus: UL Lafayette’s Official App
UL Lafayette’s app makes it easy for students to access university news, events, and sports on the go. You can also check your email, access Moodle, and view your schedule and account statements.
- Available for free on Apple and Android devices.
With these apps, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the challenges of grad school while also taking time to relax and recharge. Whether you’re working on a group project or unwinding with a little meditation, these tools have you covered.