A free Notion alternative? A Xiaohongshu but in english? Discover how these 5 apps will make your life so much easier!
Student life at SMU is a whirlwind: Classes, extracurriculars, part-time jobs, and not to mention squeezing in much needed pockets of downtime.
Amidst this chaos, it’s easy to feel scattered and overwhelmed. The good news? You can streamline your entire routine with something you already use daily (and are probably using right now) – your mobile phone!
Having these 5 apps in your pocket, you’ll be organised, focused, stylish and financially savvy — plus you’ll even have the time to discover your next favourite café. With everything right at your fingertips, you will have more time to focus on what truly matters — like making the most of your university experience.
Stay on Top of Your Schedule with XTiles
If your Google Calendar is overflowing and your to-do list feels more stressful than helpful, try XTiles!
It’s a simple yet powerful tool that lets you visually organise anything — from managing your class schedule, to juggling group project tasks, and even curating that mood board for post-finals travel plans.
I found the interface easy to get a hang of, and the intuitive drag-and-drop system lets me set things up in a jiffy without getting bogged down in complex formatting. XTiles enables you to transform your digital clutter into a manageable space, helping you get your life together!
Key Features:
Customisable boards and to-do lists
Drag-and-drop interface for easy organisation
Aesthetic layout template to streamline your workflow
Make Focusing Fun with Forest
When finals season comes around and it’s time to ‘lock-in’ for the study grind, Forest is my go-to app to stay focused (and sane).
Start a study session, and a tree of your choice will grow while you work.
But if you stray into distractions like swiping into TikTok, your brand-new tree withers instantly — giving you a nudge to stay on track.
It’s a fun way to spice up your study sessions, especially if you’re someone like me who needs a little visual stimulation and motivation to stay productive. Watching your little pocket forest thrive over time can feel surprisingly rewarding, and it offers a tangible way for you to track your progress as you tackle your revision.
Key features:
Functional study timer
Adorable tree collectibles for a touch of fun
Gamified reward system that encourages you to stay productive
Stay Stylish with Whering
Struggling to pick an outfit for school minutes before you have to leave even with a closet full of clothes is an experience that I know all too well.
That’s why I love Whering — an app that can turn your wardrobe into a digital closet straight out of Dress to Impress.
Simply upload photos of your clothes, or import images from their extensive online catalogue, and start mixing and matching. You can create lookbooks, get personalised outfit suggestions, and even have the app plan your outfits for you (handy for avoiding that overworn Nike hoodie).
Plus, you can follow friends to swap styling ideas! Whether you need to look sharp for a presentation or just want to avoid another "what do I wear?" panic, Whering’s features can make getting dressed come with a little less stress.
Key features:
Personalised outfit planner
Weekly wardrobe tracker to manage your looks
Access to style catalogues for fresh outfit ideas
Take Control of Your Finances with You Need a Budget (YNAB)
Planning my finances often feels like a mountainous challenge, but using YNAB has made it much more straightforward and interactive.
Instead of dumping everything into a static spreadsheet or relying on a “set it and forget it” finance tracker, YNAB encourages you to actively engage with your money. Every dollar is a assigned a “job”, so you know exactly where all your hard-earned income is going.
Personally, I’ve found it useful for creating actionable budgeting plans, like setting expense targets for each month. Plus, you can connect with YNAB’s online community for resources and support.
Give it a try if you want to stay on top of your financial game and spend with more purpose!
Key features:
Actionable budgeting suggestions
Personalised money management reminders
Access to a supportive online community for advice and motivation
Discover and Unwind with Lemon8
Looking for a cozy café to study or a chill brunch spot to hit with friends after class? Lemon8 is my one-stop app for all things fun.
You can scroll through the real-time feed to find localised recommendations on food, lifestyle, shopping, leisure activities and more — all from fellow youths.
Think of it as a blend of Instagram and 小红书 (Xiaohongshu), but uniquely tailored to the local palette.
Personally, I love the user recommendations which are often accompanied by hyper-specific reviews (that I never knew I needed). You can also share your own suggestions on favourite places others should check out.
With Lemon8, your next after class escapade is just a tap away!
Key Features:
Location-based recommendations
A catalogue to hidden gems and trendy spots across the country
Share and post your own unique finds
For most of us, our phones are already an irreplaceable sidekick in our everyday life, so why not use these apps to level up?
From organising your schedule to planning your outfits, these 5 apps can supercharge your routine and keep you feeling like you have it all under control.
So, why wait? Try out these digital tools for a week and see if it elevates your student life!
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