Classes are just around the corner and everyone’s starting to get organized for the new semester. Since we’re all on our phones all the time anyway, it may be useful to learn some ways our phones can actually be helpful in our school life.

Here are six free apps that will help you stay on top of your academic and social life this year.

QTap

Created by Queen’s students for Queen’s students, QTap displays helpful Queen’s related information such as class schedules, hours for campus buildings, emergency contacts and more to help students stay informed as well as organized. This app stores all this separate information in one place and will come in handy for the year ahead.

SeQure

SeQure is a Queen’s student safety app with links to the campus security emergency line, AMS Walkhome and other university services dedicated to making sure Queen’s students feel secure in and around campus. Whether it’s on your walk home from the library late one night or you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation, the SeQure app is available to make you feel safe and keep you in touch with these services.

Amey’s Taxi

The Amey’s taxi app allows you to book cabs online and see their location on a map to track their whereabouts prior to their arrival. Similar to Uber, this app also gives you a fare estimate before you book the cab. However, unlike the ride share company, there’s no surge pricing so you won’t get gouged trying to get home from the hub on a busy Saturday night. Instead of trying to call a cab in the middle of a loud party, just tap a couple buttons on your phone with the app.

Scanner App – PDF Document Scan

Everyone knows that one prof who hasn’t figured out how to use an overhead projector yet – let alone OnQ – and instead gives out loads of paper handouts you always end up losing. Use this app to scan these loose sheets (and even recognize text) quickly so you don’t end up misplacing the syllabus.

Map My Run

If you like to stay in shape but are intimidated by the gym rats and varsity crowds at the ARC, running outdoors is an easy and free way to keep fit. Especially if you’re new to Kingston, this app is a huge help. You can plan out the length, distance and elevation of your run instead of running in circles for an undetermined number of kilometres and ending up sweaty and lost north of princess. 

Course Hero

Course Hero is a massive online database of course notes, flashcards, study guides and homework help. The app stores old exams and syllabi from previous courses and even online tutors for almost every subject. They also have Queen’s specific content so you don’t find yourself reading a PSYCH 100 exam from a different university that has nothing to do with what you learned.

Whether this is your first year at Queen’s, you’re heading into your last year or any other year in between, free up some space on your phone and download these apps to ensure the best school year possible.