9 Apps We Take For Granted That Make Life So Much Easier

If you have a bus pass to get around campus, there’s no doubt you use this app pretty frequently. And even if you don’t, the TCAT bus is free for Cornell students on weekends at night. Whether you are trying to get home at 1:30 in the morning from Collegetown or across campus to your class in the Dairy Bar, the TCAT can (usually) save the day, and what better way to check the bus schedule than using this handy app?

Honestly, how did we survive Ithaca winters without Uber? If you’re too lazy to use Ride 14850 or you are not anywhere near a bus stop, have no fear. Uber will pick you up and drop you off with a door-to-door service. Never again do you have to wonder how you’ll get to the mall in case of an emergency or home after 2 a.m. when the TCAT stops operating for the night—Uber’s got you covered.

Why carry a credit card or worry about losing cash when you can link your money to your phone? Venmo is becoming a popular form of payment around campus, especially for occasions such as fundraisers or paying people back for food or gas. It’s easy because you literally only need your phone and wifi. And, as annoying as it is sometimes to remember to write a “reason” for expenditure in the app, at least this can help you keep track of what you paid for when you get your monthly credit card statement. Venmo simplifies the process of exchanging money, and it makes paying people back so much easier.

Although it’s a simple group-messenger app, GroupMe really comes in handy when you are a part of large organizations on campus, or even when you want to event-plan with people. GroupMe does not necessarily require you to have someone’s number, which can make it easier to find a person and add him/her to the group.

Single, but ready to meet people? Have no fear. There are dozens of dating apps out there, each with its own personality. Even if nothing comes of your conversations, it’s a good way to meet people who live in your geographical area, and you never know when you may meet these people in person. Dating apps make life easier because they take away the pressure of having to work in or live near an institution with people you wouldn’t mind dating.

Do you need toiletries? More popcorn for your dorm room? Themed clothing for an upcoming holiday? Especially if you don’t have a car on campus, Amazon can save the day. The mobile app makes everything accessible wherever you are, and you can order something and expect it to arrive within a week. Amazon makes life easy because you can get whatever you need delivered right to your door.

Personally, I’m a fan of the Google Calendar, but there are also other calendar apps, including the one that comes with your iPhone. Your portable calendar can help you schedule your life when you’re on-the-go, or when you want to save your laptop battery. If you simultaneously use your email and imessage apps along with your calendar, you’re on your way to planning your whole week with your phone alone.

Especially in Ithaca, the Weather App is crucial. The weather can change drastically on a daily and even an hourly basis, and if you are stuck inside for most of the day, it’s important to know how much to bundle up when you walk across campus. However, a word of caution: don’t rely too heavily on the Weather App; often, it does not know if it’s currently raining. Your best bet is to always carry an umbrella.

Spotify can broaden your musical horizons, as it allows you to share playlists with your friends and listen to any song at any time, all for a set student price per month. Talk about convenient! Whether you need a playlist for napping, studying, working out, or just for the background noise in your room, Spotify has you covered.