Smartphone apps are great, especially in college. With apps, you can access almost anything with the press of a button. Here are 20 of the most useful apps for college students. Take the time to download and get familiar with them before you start your first semester! (They’re all free!)


1) Roadster Routes

Keep track of the UML Shuttles with this app. All the buses are GPS tracked, so you can see where each line is on it’s specific route.

2) Garage Spaces

This app lets you see the available amount of parking spaces in each garage BEFORE you spend time driving around to find one. Great for commuters!

3) Weather App

You spend a lot of your time walking to class, so it’s best to know what the weather will be like for the day. It’s always good to know if it’s going to rain or if the temperature is going to be very low.

4) UML Now

UML Now gives you access to you SiS, your class schedule, and even the dining hall menus. It’s all at fingertips.

5) MBTA 

Traveling by train is convenient when you don’t have a car. The MBTA app can help you plan trips and show you up to date maps and schedules for bus, commuter and subway routes.

6) Spotify

Spotify is great for anything. With the app, you have all the music you could ever imagine at your finger tips, and for free! Make playlists with your favorite songs or save them to your library. If you don’t want to deal with ads or shuffle mode, you can get Premium Spotify for five dollars a month.

7) Netflix

This one is pretty self explanatory.

8) Blackboard Mobile Learn

UML uses Blackboard as a platform for professors to connect with students online and outside of the classroom through assignments, class notes and discussions. Having the app is a great alternative to when you are unable to access a computer.

9) GroupMe

Group messages are great…if you all have iPhones. Unfortunately, that’s not usually the case. GroupMe is a great way to make group messages with anyone, and you can use it on a computer too!

10) Google Maps

This is essential to keep yourself from getting lost! Always make sure you plan ahead and know where you’re going.

11) Facebook

Stay up to date with all your friends and family, and friend us at UML Orientation!

12) Youtube

Watch anything from music videos to lectures to videos of cute puppies.

13) Pinterest

Keep track of all the things you find intersting on the internet in neat boards. It’s not just for girls either!

14) Dunkin Donuts/Starbucks App

With these apps, you can earn rewards for all the coffee you buy!

15) Pandora

If you’re not sure what you want to listen to, or if Spotify is too intimidating, use Pandora. You can type in any artist, song or genre and it will create a radio tailored to you!

16) Instagram

Share all the memories you make with your friends through pictures.

17) MyFitnessPal

Keep off the freshman 15 by keeping track of your daily routine. MyFitnessPal lets you log your food and exercise for each day, and even counts the steps you take.

18) SAM

This app is for mental health. You can check in how you’re feeling, and even do activities that can lower anxiety and stress. It’s a great way to track your stress levels.

19) Buzzfeed

Buzzfeed is a great place to find news, as well as silly articles and quizzes that are all short and to the point. It’s a great app to scroll through when you’re taking a study break.

20) Mint

If you have trouble keeping track of finances, this app can be your best friend. Set budgets for yourself and hook it up to your bank account to see exactly what you’re spending your money on.

1. Caravan Palace, Lone Digger  

This electro-swing always puts me in a fired up mood. -KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbsBEb1ZxWA

2. Hamilton, My Shot

Not only does this song wake me up, but it gets me pumped about my potential as a human being. -KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vHMSq7K2ds

3. Lion King, Circle of Life

From a classic movie, this song is motivational and makes you feel nostalgic. – KC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GibiNy4d4gc

4. OKGo, Upside Down & Inside Out

One of my favorite bands, OKGo not only makes incredible music, but they make the craziest music videos. -KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWGJA9i18Co
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnTqZ68fI7Q (Behind the scenes!)

5. Earth, Wind and Fire, September

The best throwback jam there is. -KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gs069dndIYk

6. The Foundations, Build Me Up Buttercup

There’s nothing better than belting out this song with friends, or as your getting ready in the morning.
-KC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jrfcR16VzI

7. Breakbot, Baby I’m Yours

The music video pumps me up about as much as the song does. -KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6okxuiiHx2w

8. Janelle Monae, Dance Apocalyptic

If Janelle Monae can’t get you to dance, no one can. -KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztzkW0dbWqo

9. Andy Grammer, Honey I’m Good

I love Andy Grammer, and he can put anyone in a good mood with this song and his swoon-worthy voice. -KC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ejF8Qv6VZk

10. Justin Bieber, Sorry

Learn the dance, and dance along! -KC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRh_vgS2dFE

11. Chromeo, Jealous

Nothing like this Canadian Arab/Jewish pair of electronic artists to wake you up with their upbeat tunes. -KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhmUnk454MA

12. Mika, Elle Me Dit

Mika’s vocal range and pop influence could wake anyone up. -KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdC119_bm1k

13. Kendrick Lamar, i

A song about putting yourself first. -KC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cKoYQqu2D0

14. Lake Street Dive, You Go Down Smooth

You Go down Smooth always makes the morning go smoother. -KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNFRRfVBWjg

15. Foals, My Number

Fun and pumped up! -KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAsGFnLl2u0

16. The Chainsmokers, Roses

For those of you who like a little EDM in the morning to get you going. -KC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5Mv2iV0wkU

17. Phil Vassar, Just Another Day in Paradise

A song about the ups and downs of everyday life, but in a fun way. -KC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR4Y6Ll0DwA

18. oneboredjue, Hollaback Yonce

Kinda self explanatory. – KP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69-iI0eTSLY

19. Kenny Chesney, The Big Revival

Circle of Life-esque, it’ll wake you up for sure. -KC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=213aAkQs9iQ

20. Beyonce, Crazy in Love

Another, self explanatory classic. -KC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViwtNLUqkMY

1. You don’t have to do your homework.

False. Just like high school, homework counts as part of your final grade. It varies from class to class, as each professor will specify on their syllabus. However, you won’t have a homework assignment due everyday for the same class like in high school, as most classes meet two to three times a week.


2. You have to join every club or group you see.

Not true. College is about finding your niche. If you’re not sure what you want to do , you can try out different clubs until you find something you like. But, if you know you only want to join the Engineering Society and nothing else, go for it. It’s your life.


3. It’s a constant party.

4.You don’t have to go to class.

Just like in high school, you will have to attend class. Many professors include participation and attendance as a part of your grade. However, going to class is beneficial because you can meet fellow students, get to know your professor and get help on assignments. Also, you’re paying for it!


5.Social life, sleep or grades: pick 2.

If you can schedule your time correctly, you won’t have to choose.


6.The Freshman 15.

The Freshman 15 can be real, but it’s not inevitable. Just keep track of what you’re eating, and make time in your day to exercise!


7.“They won’t let you get away with this in college.”

Many teachers in high school tell students that things like eating in class or not asking to go to the bathroom are unacceptable in college. This in untrue, as professors understand that you are an adult, and as long as you are respectful they won’t mind if you have a snack or get up without asking.


8.There are no rules.

College does have rules, and they are to keep you safe, and make the campus a healthy environment to live in.


9.There are all the rules.

10. “You’ll never have to take___ class again.”

Many schools have core curriculum or general education classes that require students to explore other majors and departments outside their own. Chances are you will have to take another class in a major that’s not your own.


11. All your classes will be huge lectures.

Not necessarily. Here at UML, our student to professor ratio is 18:1, meaning the majority of your classes will have only about twenty students. However, it all depends on the class. Some, like Chemistry and Physics, will be large lectures, but they’re capped at 300 students. And even with larger classes, you can still connect with professors during their office hours. You will have the chance to get to know your professors, just like you knew your teachers in high school.

12. Everything will be like the movies.

Unfortunately, life isn’t like the movies, but that’s okay! Most movies perceive college as a huge party scene where somehow no one ever goes to class or does homework, but is always studying for “the big exam.” This is not true!

13. Everyone is judging you.

One of the best things about college is that no one will judge you for being you. Want to nap in the hallway? Sure! Most students will be wishing they were you. In college, just be yourself, everyone is too busy worrying about themselves.

14. You’ll be too busy to have any fun.

Not true! Some days workloads might be heavy, but there’s always time to take a break and enjoy life. Just make sure you don’t get too deep in your work and pencil in some you time!

15. “____ is just like the stereotype.”

In college, no one fits into a certain stereotype. Though you may see your typical athletes or sorority girls, these people have depth, and are not just who you see on the outside. You don’t have to fit into a certain stereotype either. That’s the great thing about college, everyone is their true self.

16. Your parents will never call you.

Parents will call! They do actually miss you, and are genuinely concerned about your new, independent life.

17. They put laxatives in the food.

If anyone tells you this, don’t believe them.

18. Your parents can fix any problem.

Since you are an adult now, you have to solve your problems on your own. This means that you have to personally email a professor if you have trouble in class. It also means making your own appointments if you feel sick or hurt. Your parents can give you advice on what to do, but you have to follow through with the action.

19. Your professors won’t know who you are.

As stated earlier, most college classes have about twenty to thirty students. You can always speak with your professor during their office hours so they can learn more about you. Most professors want to get to know you, that way they can help you succeed in their course.

20. You have to know exactly what you want to do with your life.

College is a time to find yourself. It’s okay to not know what you want. Don’t panic.

Our first 20/20 Video is up!  Enjoy!