Luckily for college students, smartphones have evolved into handheld computers. There isn't too much one could do on a laptop or desktop that would not be able to be completed on a smartphone. There is so much to do in college. It often takes multitasking and overlapping responsibilities to complete everything on time. With schoolwork as a number one priority, it is important to know ways to finish assignments on the go so it can be more convenient when necessary.

Here are a few essential apps to stay on top of school work from anywhere while on the go.

The University's App

If your school has its app, you should download it on day one. It will have tons of information about the school, easy access to your class schedule, and a direct link to the system used to manage your class assignments. This app will keep you informed on important dates and deadlines at your university. Allow push notifications so that the information will pop up on your phone. This way, even if you're not actively checking email, you will not miss critical updates. Campus life and alerts—like school closures and safety concerns—will be at your fingertips. This resource is also helpful to access when completing assignments

Google Drive/Google Docs

Google Drive is a part of Google Workspace and is a dedicated space to access all of your files from any device. In GoogleDrive, you can create folders and organize your work. This way, you know exactly where to look for assignments you could have already begun on the computer. Now that you're on your mobile device, the same file will be accessible, and you can pick up where you left off.

GoogleDrive can share files with others. In the case of a group project, you would receive notifications about updates as they happen—even if you do not have the file open. When you start a new document, Google Docs will open as a separate app. On that app, you can view and access all word documents you began in Google Drive. (NOTE: all functions of Google Drive, such as Google Slides and Google Spreadsheets, have their app. When you begin a new file on drive, you will be prompted to download the specific app.)

GroupMe

Though not an app to complete school work on, GroupMe is one of the best ways to keep in contact with peers and classmates. Inevitably, you'll run into questions about an assignment or need a reminder of a due date that can't wait until the next class meeting. GroupMe allows class group chats and quick access to others who do the same thing as you without giving people your phone number.

Someone has to initiate the idea of creating a class group chat — why can't it be you? Don't be shy. Most of the time, other students in the class want to have people they can phone for help but are too nervous to ask. Be the bold one. People will either decline or be all for it—either way, it's not personal.

Socratic

Socratic allows you to take pictures of questions or phrases and do a massive Google search instantly. The app shows the most relevant and clear options to give you a better understanding of the subject you're researching. Taking a photo instead of typing can save a lot of time if you're staring down a deadline. If you're doing work on the go you probably want to get it done as soon as possible. Seeing a direct answer instead of having to scroll through multiple links will save time.

Evernote

Evernote has numerous functions allowing you to stay organized and on top of your schedule while on the go. The best thing about Evernote is its ability to sync across devices. If you have the app on your laptop, you can take notes while in class and review them on your phone from anywhere. You can sync your calendar to easily access your schedule and create to-do lists in the app. With everything in one place, getting some stuff done on a car ride will be motivating instead of waiting for the laptop. You won't need to have many tabs open when you can use one app. Evernote also allows you to create a notebook for each class to maximize organization.

In addition to these essential apps, don't forget to use the phone's features when completing schoolwork. Smartphones have calculators, the internet's ability to sync your email, and voice memos to record lectures or meetings. The default apps will already be on your phone. Using them in conjunction with the other essential apps will lead to the successful completion of school assignments while on the go.