Must Have Apps for University Students

Hey Guys!

I like to think I'm quite an organised person and that I can stay on top of things but I don't think I would be that organised if I didn't have a bunch of apps to help me out haha! While I've been at uni I've had to download a lot of apps to help with my organisation, work load and to help with living the life of a student. So listed below are several apps I have found to be very helpful :)

The HW App

To stay on top of my deadlines I found that this app is great at assigning tasks to different days and you can set how high the priority of the task is so you know what needs to be done before anything else. Its basically the same as any other homework app, where you write in what you need to do, when the deadline is and what subject it is for. But what I like about this app is that I can assign my different modules to different colours so the tasks that need to be done first stand out more than my other tasks in a different module. Also, the layout of the task is great! You can input your timetable, put in your different subjects and separate tasks that might not even be homework. So it doesn't just act as a homework log but an organiser to help you prioritise particular tasks. Even though I use this app I do still use my tangible diary to write tasks and important errands that need doing as I like to physically tick it off the list. So, by having both I stay very organised :) 

UNiDAYS

I don't use this app as much as the others in the list because I'm really bad at looking out for discounts and if I want to buy something I forget to look for money off first and just buy it oops! UNiDays is similar to the NUS app as it notifies students like myself of offers on particular brands and what student offers there are around in my area. But to be honest the only shopping I do is grocery shopping and the only offers I've seen on UNiDays are clothing, electronic and food discounts and coupons which I don't particularly need. So, I don't really use the app much unless there is a restaurant I'm wanted to try out and I'm curious if I can get any money off the bill :p

NUS Extra

I use NUS Extra more than UNiDays as I have the physical card to use when I'm out. I've only used it a couple of times as I always forget I have it in my purse haha! But its been great to use in New Look when I've made a one off purchase, it was great around Christmas time when I was buying Christmas presents online and wanted some money off and you can use it when booking train tickets. But when I tried to use it when I was going home for Christmas it didn't seem to work, I think it must be because I have a railcard and you can only use one card. The app its very similar to any money or coupon app as it shows you where there are deals and then re-directs you to the website where the discount is being held :) I prefer NUS Extra because I can sign in and see the deals I can use with my physical card.

Fatsoma

I discovered this app back when I was a fresher in September and wanted to pre-book tickets for events that were happening at different clubs and by having this app I could purchase the tickets, see what events were going on close by and it also stored my tickets on the app. So when I got to the venue I just had to go on my phone, on to the app and they could scan it straight away. It was really convenient and I didn't have to carry a ticket around with me :) Other than being great for purchasing tickets it is also great for finding out events taking place in your local area. By clicking on the app and searching Newcastle you can see the line up for all the events happening in the area which will take you on to purchasing pages and the organisation information. It is a very handy app when it comes to student night life and being ahead of the game!

Next Metro

This app is my lifesaver in the mornings! This is only specific to students that live in Newcastle and Sunderland who can use the Metro. In Newcastle we have the Metro that goes all around the city and coast, its better than any of the buses as its quicker and cheaper to get around. Especially if your a student and have a 30% metro pass like those living in the accommodation I reside at :) This app like most timetables for the tube and bus tell you when the next metro is and how long till the next train will be in the station. So, if your like me and get up late every day for lectures and worry about getting to uni on time this is a saviour! While I'm getting ready I check when the next Metro is so I know how long I have until I need to be at my station if I'm going to get to uni on time (which is very rare haha!). 

University App

At Newcastle University we have an app that every student can download and it helps with particular aspects of student life. You login to the app with your student credentials and then you have access to your timetable, exam timetable, you can see what books you currently have on loan from the library and when they are due back, you even have the ability to renew your books on the app if they are due to be sent back. Also, you can see what libraries are busy and if there are any computers available to use. By using this app you can decide what library to go depending on your needs, what lecture you need to be at next and you can even do a search of the library to check if the book you want to take out is available. There are many features that have become very useful since I've been a student and if your university has an app where you can use these features to aid your daily needs then I highly suggest it :)

Budget Taxis

I don't know if this is only useful for students that live in Newcastle and the surrounding areas as I'm not sure if they are situated in other areas but this taxi company is the best! I've never bothered to use Uber as I don't get taxis very often to need the app but when I came to Newcastle and was out most nights in Freshers Week this app was essential. Where my university accommodation is located we aren't any where near the city centre so we couldn't just walk home after a night out and all public transport had finished for the evening so taking a taxi was our only option. This app was suggested to me online and since then we use them every time we go out for a night out or its late and the last Metro has left. The app is so easy to use, you can see the estimated price that your expected to pay and you can see who your taxi driver is and that they have a licence and are safe. There are several times I've had to get a taxi home on my own and didn't fancy catching a taxi off the street so I booked a taxi with these guys and I knew I would get home safely as they track the cars. Better to be safe than sorry!

Train Line

I've used this app for the longest time! Since travelling down to London a lot in the past and then going to Sheffield to see my boyfriend Dennis on weekends and now being at university I use this app quite often. I don't use it as much as I used to when I lived back with my parents in the East Midlands but I still use it occasionally now if I'm travelling back home to see my family or going to Sheffield to see Dennis :) Its just so useful and quick to use, its simple and everything is done in one place, you can choose your seat on the train and you can even have your train ticket on your phone now as a bar code instead of having to print off a physical ticket :) The only thing that frustrates me about this app is that you have to pay a booking fee, but other than that minor problem the app is highly recommended if you need to travel around the UK!

For any students out there that need apps to make life a little easier these are some I definitely recommend! They made a big difference for me and everything became easier :)

What is your favourite app to use as a student? 

See you lovelies!

Amy xx

January Favourites | 2017

Hey Guys!

For once I'm actually doing my favourites post on time unlike my December favourites haha :p I've been waiting to do this post for ages as I have so many things to share with you guys! I can't believe how quickly this month has gone by, I always find the first month of a new year the strangest as it always goes so fast and then the next couple of months will drag on for ages!

Lets get started!

The Girl Fragrance | Tommy Hilfiger

I got given 'The Girl' by Tommy Hilfiger from my parents for Christmas back in December and loved it! By parents have always been amazing at picking out the best perfumes :) I can give no hints to what perfumes I like and they will always pick the one I was interested in. I was really surprised to receive this at Christmas as we agreed not to give gifts this year due to going on vacation but it was such a lovely surprise. I like to wear perfume every day but with 'The Girl' I only wear it on special occasions, like when I'm going out or celebrating something as I don't want it to go so quickly. I want to preserve it for as long as possible as it is one of the best perfumes I have received other than 'Alien' by Thierry Mugler.

Innisfree Capsule Recipe Pack | Jeju Volcano

My Korean pen-pal always sends me great things that she has found and a while back she sent me three pots each a different face mask from Innisfree and from the collection this one is the best. I find most clay masks are really drying and cause dry skin around my eyebrows and nose, but this brand is amazing! Its more hydrating then drying and it really helps with my impurities a lot. What I've found is that it doesn't take a lot of effort to do this face mask. Most of my face masks take a lot of time to apply and to remove, it takes around 30 minutes of my time at night when I have other things to do like my course readings and seminar preparation and this mask only takes a maximum of 15 minutes, giving me time to do other things on my to-do list. It's really easy to remove with a wet cloth and doesn't make my face red like the other clay masks I use :)

VO5 Heat Protect Spray

I used to be really bad when it came to protecting my hair from heat damage but I've been quite consistent this month especially after having all my hair chopped off. I'm determined not to damage by hair as much as I did last year with dying my hair and everything so this year is the year to look after my hair and keep it in a healthy condition. This heat spray is so good and VO5 is the best brand I've tried so far. I did us VO5 in the past and it was amazing especially when I was straightening my hair then it wasn't in my local drugstore anymore so I had to stop using it and then now it has been re-branded and brought back I'm in love with it again :) It makes my hair smell nicer for longer, even with second day hair and it makes it so shiny and soft! I think the combination of Tresemme shampoo, conditioner and the VO5 heat spray is what is working my hair wonders!

Shape of You | Ed Sheeran 

A lot of people love this song and no surprise really its Ed Sheeran :) but its way better than I thought it would be! There was such high expectation for his new album especially after he took a break for a while and I was worried that Divide wouldn't be as good as his other albums but I was so wrong! Its so good :) I like 'Castle On The Hill' but this one is my favourite, its just upbeat and like me its a very cheery song :)

Chase Me | Dream Catcher

Every time I listen to this song it reminds me of the theme tune for an anime or any drama because of how upbeat and eccentric it is. Its very fast flowing and the choreograph is brilliant, a dance I could never do haha :p Like you guys know I'm really into upbeat and jumpy songs as it gives me motivation to be productive and this song got me through writing two important essays and kept me sane haha! So you could say its my favourite :)

I Don't Wanna Live Forever | Zayn Malik & Taylor Swift

I can't wait for the movie to come out in around a week or so, the trailer looks so good! I watched the first one and it was okay but the story line was a bit lacking where as this one seems to have much more going on and a dramatic story line :) Obviously I've only seen the trailer so far but I'm all for the drama shown haha! The song though by Zayn Malik and Taylor Swift is so good :) For the past couple of weeks its all I've been listening to when I'm doing work and with friends so it is definitely getting me excited for the film. I'm not really keen on Taylor Swift but the song is still just as good!

Oh Na Na | K.A.R.D

This song! I can't get over how much I love this song haha :) it is one of those songs that always gets you up dancing and singing along to! Recently I've had no reason to need uplifting and cheering up because I've been in such a good mood but I can imagine if I was feeling down it would make me feel better :) Music affects my mood the most so if your like me and need cheering up or just a good upbeat tune give this a listen!

The Man In The High Castle | Amazon Prime 

I saw this advertised on telly for so long and it always caught my eye and appealed but seeing as I didn't have Amazon Prime I gave up and accepted that I couldn't watch it. But after I accidentally signed up for their free trial one day while I was buying Christmas presents I went to cancel it I realised that even when I cancelled the payment I still got the trail for 30 days, so I took the opportunity and started to watch season one, I then got an extension because Amazon messed up one of my orders so they gave me an extra 30 days. I finished season one quite quickly and loved it :) Its very different to the other dramas I've seen and without giving away any spoilers you don't expect the ending to be so bizarre. If your into history or dramas based on the Second World War then I'm sure you will enjoy The Man In The High Castle! Its more dramatic and action packed than I thought, there is so much going on in each episode that I could only ever watch two episodes a time other wise my brain would melt haha!

What is your favourite TV show at the moment? Let me know in the comments below :)

See you soon lovelies!

Amy xx