1. The Spartan App
If you’re a Spartan and you don’t have this app already, I am really unsure how you managed to find your way around this campus, let alone the dining hall menus. For those unfortunate souls who don’t know what this app does: It allows you to find buildings on campus while being synced to your GPS, it gives a list of all dining hall menus, it gives the most popular restaurants off-campus and deals each week, it has a map of all of the Cata Bus stops on and off campus, it features upcoming nearby events, and it even provides a list and location of all of the fraternities and sororities on campus, in case you’re like me and get lost every tailgating season. So do yourself a favor and join the Spartan Nation with this app; you won’t regret it.
2. Companion
This app was originally created by a couple of University of Michigan students, so I know it may seem unpromising. However, this app is great for maneuvering this large campus at night while still feeling safe. Companion works by tracking you through your GPS as you walk home. Once you arrive at the destination you set, the app will alert whomever you set as your “companion” – such as your roommates, friends, parents, boyfriend or girlfriend, priest, etc. – that you’re home safe. Furthermore, if you are feeling in danger, all you have to do is double tap the screen to alert your friends or authorities in the area. It’s like new and improved pepper spray, but free!
3. Venmo
You can’t avoid it; in college you spend money like you’re a part of the Monopoly board game. Venmo makes this even easier to do. By connecting your bank account through this app, you are able to immediately transfer money to your friends and family when you need to borrow or lend a little. Now when you take a spontaneous trip to Conrad’s, you can still get the #1 without the cash commitment. If it’s all electronic, are you really spending it?
4. Uber
This is a necessity. With Uber, all you have to do is sync your bank account, and then request a cab. The rest is all taken care of electronically and transfers straight from your account. BE CAREFUL though, your Monopoly money only lasts so long, and you won’t be able to collect $200 if you never pass go (AKA: Graduate college because you have to pay for tuition somehow).
5. AmpMe
Picture this: You’re at an outrageous party in East Lansing, and suddenly, the music cuts out; it looks like the speakers blew. AmpMe allows you and all of your friends to sync your phones and stream the same song for everyone to enjoy. Each person just needs to download the app and enter a code to put the party back on track. Who’s ready for a keg stand?!
6. Hooked Deals
I wasn’t even aware of this app until a few days ago, and it has already changed my life. This app will allow you to enter your current location, and it creates a database of all of the restaurant and bar deals near you and how long your availability window is. The best part is that all of the deals are short term, so the app is continuously reloading, and you’ll learn about BOGO deals that you didn’t know existed at your favorite restaurants. Disclosure: The freshman 15 is a possibility at ALL class levels.