Image courtesy of Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

By Guest Blogger Taylor Jennings

With the evolution of technology and the promotion of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), more students now utilize tablets and smartphones freely during their classes. The same devices provide them with a myriad of applications, not only for education but also for social and health/physical success.

Some phones, such as the very popular iPhone 5, come with pre-installed productivity applications and features that any user can fully maximize. In addition, the App Store has nearly a million choices, which is more than enough for anyone to find a download for what they need.

To get you started, we have provided a list with the top applications that can assist you on your first day in college. Some of these apps are free.

ShopSavvy

Use this app to scan the bar code on an outfit you like and see if you can get it for cheaper elsewhere. ShopSavvy also allows you to buy online, shop locally and get great deals from other sellers.

Duolingo

Ace that Spanish/French/German/Italian/Portuguese class with this app, which teaches you a second language alongside English. Duolingo includes both gaming and learning in a single application, making it easier to absorb lessons.

Mixologist

To perfect your bartending hobby, this application comes with easy-to-read categories and easy-to-follow recipes for a range of cocktails. This will come in handy when you want to host your own house party.

Chegg

Why buy your books when you can rent pre-owned ones? Chegg offers you a list of secondhand books for rent, which can save you up to 80 percent. The shipping is also free for borrowers in the United States.

Circle of 6

Choose six of your closest loved ones to be part of your circle. If you’re in an uncomfortable situation, a quick tap sends them a pre-programmed SMS alert and your exact location using a GPS.

Evernote

Never lose track of that number and idea again. Create text notes and augment them with audio, video and photos using this simple but powerful note-taking app. Organize your notes with tags and sync them across all your devices too.

cab4me

Cab4me provides you with the nearest taxi in the area and informs them of your location for easy pick up. It has a long list of taxi companies on their database, so we’re certain that you’ll find your trusted brand here.

Mint.com

Manage your finances easily with this app. Set, track and adjust your budget and spending with a colorful interface. It provides you with a graph of where your common expenses went and tips on how you can manage them easily.

Find My iPhone

Never lose your iPhone and iPad again with the help of the Find My iPhone app. Sign up for an online account and receive GPS coordinates of your Apple products. It provides you with the exact locations of your device as well as the last activities of your phone.

AroundMe

Studying in a new city? Use this app to find a neat list of all the establishments and businesses in your area. It will provide you with the map, best route and contact number of the nearest ATM, bar, restaurant or movie theater nearby.

Mobile applications can definitely make college life easier – just make sure to customize your smart device to your needs to fully maximize its potential as a learning and social tool. Do you have other tips you want to share? Tell us more about it in the comments!

Taylor Jennings is a freelance writer who’s interested in technology, startup businesses and pop culture. He spends most of his free time travelling and tinkering with gadgets. Feel free to follow him on Twitter.