These days, there is an app for just about anything. From checking your bank balance to playing Solitaire on the go.
But which apps are regarded as the most essential for students by students? MatieMedia found out which apps are an integral part of so-called student life in Stellenbosch.
Uber and WhatsApp are the most popular apps among the students interviewed
With just a quick look at the busy Rooiplein, one can observe that most students crossing the Plein have their heads bowed over their smartphones, using different apps to manage almost all aspects of their lives.
When asked about important apps for students, Ingrid Goosen (20) highlighted the importance of using apps that could assist with budgeting and financial matters.
This BCom Financial Management student explains that “[you need] financial management apps [to show you] how to budget your finances.”
She also suggests that there should be an app that “has your student card in it so that you don’t have to show your student card at a club. Everyone loses their student cards at a club.”
Ingrid Goosen highlights the importance of financial management apps. PHOTO: Jana Greyling
Pernall Majoos (18), a BAcc student, likes to have easy access to all the programs he needs for his academic work on his phone.
“First of all [you will need] WhatsApp. You also need Adobe to make PDF’s and to share them. Then you need Inetkey, SunLearn, Word, and PowerPoint for easy access on your phone.”
Pernall Majoos uses apps to stay up to date with his academic work. PHOTO: Jana Greyling
Sinvuyo Magwebu (23) who is currently doing her Masters degree in Plant Pathology, explains that one of the most important apps for her is a cloud app so that she always has enough storage space on her phone.
She also mentions that “apart from the social media apps, Uber is important to have, as well as Google Maps to get to other places or to use when you get lost. [And also] the Newsfeed app to keep updated with recent news stories.”
Sinvuyo Magwebu relies on Uber and Google Maps to find her way around Stellenbosch. PHOTO: Jana Greyling
Jacquelize Stimie (22), a fourth year LLB Law student, mentions quite a few apps that she classifies as must-haves for students.
“For me the most important apps to have are WhatsApp, so that you can let your friends know when you are not coming to class and they should take notes for you and Uber for when you are late for class or if you simply are too lazy to walk all the way from the Law Faculty to Academia.”
Apart from mentioning WhatsApp and Uber, Stimie also emphasizes the importance of having a security app installed on your smartphone.
“[You should download] Namola which is a security app that you can use when you are in trouble – any kind of trouble – to send out your location. The help that you need is then immediately sent to your location.”
Jacquelize Stimie uses apps such as Namola, Pinterest and Uber. PHOTO: Jana Greyling
Stimie also adds that she sometimes uses the app “OrderIn to get food delivered when I am writing a lot of tests or just too lazy to cook for myself. I think this is a very important app to have on your phone.”
“Then, last but not least, Pinterest. Pinterest is important for when you need cute outfit ideas but also to make it through long and boring lectures,” Stimie concludes.
These students use a wide range of different apps for a variety of purposes. But all seem to agree that apps – no matter the nature of the apps – are essential in navigating the Stellies student life successfully.