16 of the Best Apps for Students

Aug 14, 2014

Whether you’re a freshman, a super senior or heading to college, school is cool, right? Okay, it’s not when you’re overwhelmed, drowning in assignments, falling asleep in class and forgetting your flashcards. We want to help you out, so we rounded up helpful apps and online tools to keep your homework and classes in check — so go ahead and keep that Friday night date or dance, dabble in a new DIY project or spruce up that dorm room or the ‘rents basement. From digitizing your textbooks to helping you multi-task, check out 16 apps we give an A+ in back to school help! (Psst, parents! You’ll get extra credit if you share this list with your kids ;)

1. Kno: This app offers a digital version of many textbooks, which means you’ll save major time because that 1,000-page history book now has a search engine attached for super easy reference. Added features like a journal and digital flashcards make it a real winner. (Free on iOS and Android)

2. EpicWin: If you don’t get enough satisfaction from simply checking an item off your to-do list, this app can make every chore feel like, well, an epic win. The app puts a roleplay spin on mundane tasks so you can start destroying your homework in animated battles. ($2.99 on iOS)

3. Amazon Student: You already know you’re going to end up snagging your textbooks online, so why not plan ahead and sign up for this awesome student-focused service? You’ll get better-than-Prime benefits, and you might even be able to make a few bucks trading in your old stuff. (Free on iOS and Android)

4. Duolingo: When you tire of listening to your teacher or professor yammer on in French, open this language-learning game. You’ll be shocked at how addicting it is. The app features lessons in Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian and English. (Free on iOS and Android)

5. Google Now: It’s the tool that will instantly make you smarter in the classroom, more efficient at home and cooler at a party. Between the weather alerts, traffic updates and ability to keep up with your schedule, we still just love Google for always being there to answer our crazy questions. (Free on iOS and Android)

6. PCalc: Make that backpack a little lighter by leaving that scientific calculator at home. This app turns your phone into a fully-functional scientific calculator with a sleek design and all the features you need. ($4.99 on iOS)

7. iStudiez Pro: Because you would look a little crazy walking around campus with a personal assistant, just download this app, instead. It takes note of your classes and assignments and summarizes your schedule in a quick view of the day. It can also track your GPA so you can stay focused! ($2.99 on iOS)

8. Evernote: Take notes on any device and access them later from any device? Evernote is our dream come true. There are too many features to name, which is why this tool made our list of the most efficient note-taking apps. (Free on iOS and Android)

9. myHomework Student Planner: This tool crosses all platforms, making it incredibly convenient for use on the go. The ability to track upcoming assignments and get alerts for projects nearing their due dates makes it easy to chuck that paper planner. (Free on iOS and Android)

10. SimpleMind+: Mind mapping sounds pretty futuristic, but it’s really just a genius way to brainstorm and collect thoughts. This app walks you through thought structures so you can forever banish writer’s block. (Free on iOS and Android)

11. Diigo: Research can be overwhelming, but Diigo is here to help. The browser brings a better experience to your device with features like tabs, extra space for web content and tools to allow you to save a page and read it later, even if you’re offline. (Free on iOS and Android)

12. Noisli: Nobody said college would be quiet, and on top of that, your brain is going a mile a minute with everything on your to-do list. This desktop and mobile app drowns out the distractions by offering background noises to keep you focused, creative and productive. ($1.99 on iOS)

13. EasyBib: Gone are the days of staying up all night trying to figure out how to cite every reference in that report. This app makes citations a cinch. Scan a book barcode or type in the title and find accurate MLA, APA and Chicago Style citations. (Free on iOS and Android)

14. Dictionary: It never hurts to have access to a dictionary, so get smart and download this app. It works offline, so you’ll always have access to definitions and synonyms. Plus, the word of the day feature might just teach you something new. (Free on iOS and Android)

15. RescueTime: Balance is important, and this tool helps you achieve it. It runs on the background of your computer or Android device and tracks how you spend your time. You’ll get an easy-to-read report so you can know how to better manage your precious minutes. ($9/month)

16. Flashcards+: Nothing’s better for learning than good old-fashioned flashcards. Except maybe a flashcard app that lets you make your own deck in a snap, or browse the millions of decks made by other students who have used the app. (Free on iOS and Android)

How do you feel about going back to the classroom? Do you rely on technology to keep you on track?

12 New Balance Kids Styles To Help Your Littles Look Their Best

Whether the kiddo in your life needs new back to school swag or you're getting a jump on this year's holiday shopping, New Balance is the place to look! From stylish sneakers to comfy clothes, they've definitely got something your little one will love. We're happy to share an exclusive discount code you can use at checkout to save some $ on your next spree: use code BRITCO15 for 15% of kids' products plus free shipping!

We've sifted through the New Balance kids section for the coolest picks that'll ensure your kid looks and feels their best – here are our favorites!

Kids' Shoes

New Balance

2002 Sneaker

These athletic sneaks are designed to provide "essential cushioning" and shock absorption with ample support around the durable midsole and outsole. They're perfect for the kiddo that can't stay away from the playground since they stay on securely with a lace-up closure. Available in toddler & babies, little kid, and big kid sizes.

New Balance

9060 Sneaker

These stylish shoes are equally supportive and soft, all while boasting some eye-catching, tech-inspired details. Available in toddler & babies, little kid, and big kid sizes.

New Balance

480 Sneaker

For a more fashion-forward look, the 480's basketball-inspired silhouette can work on and off the court. The rubber outsole is impressively durable, providing a good amount of traction in every step. Available in little kid and big kid sizes.

New Balance

530 Sneaker

The New Balance 530s are truly iconic. The 2000's design is made to absorb any sort of impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance that runs throughout the entire shoe, so your kiddo will definitely feel comfortable wearing them as an everyday style! Available in toddler & babies, little kid, and big kid sizes.

New Balance

574 Sneaker

This "reliable" sneaker takes on road and trail shoe details in the lightweight EVA foam midsole cushioning and mesh paneling up top for added breathability. They currently come in 4 other colorways to suit your kiddo's personal style! Available in toddler & babies, little kid, and big kid sizes.

New Balance

990V6 Hook & Loop Sneaker

Designed for toddlers & babies as well as little kids, these velcro-able sneakers provide a nice and easy on-and-off option for busy bees. The leather upper has reflective details for an unmissable look, plus the shoe is appropriately padded throughout for unmatched comfort.

New Balance

327 New-B Hook & Loop Sneaker

These lil' sneakers boast a "generous" toe box and instep that's designed specifically to support any first-walker's needs. The outer layers are durable, so they'll stand up nicely to daily wear. Available in toddler & babies, little kid, and big kid sizes.

Kids' Clothing

New Balance

BB Global Crew

This 80% cotton and 20% polyester crewneck pullover is fitted with a brushed-back fleece material for a "soft and cozy feel." It makes the perfect fall and winter layer for your kiddo to bring to school on chilly days!

New Balance

CDL Floral Shoe Graphic T-Shirt

We want this adorable graphic tee for ourselves! The bold pink and yellow design will give your little one's look some serious street cred, since it features the iconic New Balance logo. Wears well with any NB sneaker!

New Balance

Brush Back Circle Floral Graphic Crew

This girly crewneck is also designed with a super-soft brushed-back fleece to keep 'em undeniably comfy and cozy.

New Balance

French Terry Small Logo Short

These soft shorts designed with an adjustable drawstring and side pockets are the ultimate school day uniform!

New Balance

Queue Tee

Another stylish graphic tee option, this pick available in kids' sizes XS-XL pairs seamlessly with anything from jeans to gym shorts.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

12 "Wacky" Daylight Saving Facts (& How to Make the Transition Easier)

Only two states in the United States don't observe daylight saving time, observing standard time year-round: Arizona and Hawaii. After all, they argue, these states already get plenty of sun. The other 48 states – AKA the rest of us – will spring forward our clocks by one hour on Sunday, March 9, at least for now. It's been reported that it's on the table for abolishing. While it's my favorite time of year (who doesn't love the longer days?), it comes with some not so good health news. Let's get into what you can expect this daylight saving time!

Here are 12 wacky facts you may not know about daylight saving time.

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1. Most of us are saying it wrong.

The correct term is actually "daylight saving time" — singular, not plural. Despite common usage, "saving" is used as an adjective describing the act of conserving daylight, not a plural noun.

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2. The time change has been linked to more hospital visits.

The American Heart Association found that the time change showed an increase in cases of heart attack and stroke. A scientific study found a rise in cases of Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), a condition that resulted in irregular heartbeats with symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, and fatigue. The increase was more prevalent among women and occurred only during the spring daylight saving time shift, not with the fall clock change.

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3. There are more car accidents during this time.

Losing an hour of sleep can also impact your road safety. A study found that the spring daylight saving time transition increases the risk of fatal traffic accidents in the U.S. by 6 percent.

Andrea Piacquadio

4. DST can increase your cortisol and stress levels.

Losing sleep and disrupting your body’s natural rhythm can do more than just leave you feeling groggy — it can actually spike your cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress. Research shows that sleep deprivation and circadian misalignment can trigger an increase in cortisol, along with inflammatory markers and cytokine imbalances. Since cortisol and inflammatory proteins are released in response to stress, chronic elevations could contribute to long-term health issues.

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5. We're at higher risk of depression.

Many people report mood disturbances during this time, but for those with bipolar disorder, the effects can be particularly destabilizing. For instance, a 2020 study found that the change impacts mood disorders, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. An Australian study revealed a significant increase in male suicide rates in the weeks following the start of daylight saving time, compared to both the weeks after the return to standard time and the rest of the year.

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6. Benjamin Franklin first suggested the concept.

He didn’t technically invent daylight saving time (as some have reported), but he did conceive the idea a century before it was credited to George Vernon Hudson, a New Zealand artist who formally proposed it in an 1895 paper. Benjamin Franklin observed that if people in France adjusted their schedules to sleep when it was dark and wake with the sunrise, they could save hundreds of francs on candles — making artificial lighting less necessary.

Andy Feliciotti

7. There's already buzz to make DST permanent.

The Sunshine Protection Act is a proposed U.S. law aiming to make daylight saving time permanent, eliminating the need to change clocks twice a year.

Anna Shvets

8. Farmers actually fought against it.

Contrary to popular belief, farmers have never supported daylight saving time. In fact, they opposed its implementation and, in 1919, an agricultural lobby even pushed for its repeal.

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9. We may actually consume more energy because of it.

While many believe daylight saving time conserves energy, research suggests it may actually do the opposite. A University of California-Santa Barbara study indicated that daylight saving time might increase consumption. A 2017 study in the International Association for Energy Economics Journal further supports this idea, noting that longer daylight hours can lead to more air conditioning in summer and heating in cooler months.

Federico Respini

10. Daylight saving time was extended in 2007.

First started in Germany, the U.S. adopted daylight saving time in 1918 and standardized it across the country with the passage of the 1966 Uniform Time Act, which gave the federal government oversight over the time change. It originally called for the last Sunday in April to the last Sunday in October. President George W. Bush’s Energy Policy Act of 2005 extended it from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November, starting in 2007.

Bhargava Marripati

11. About 70 countries observe daylight saving time.

Countries like Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and those in the European Union observe daylight saving time either nationwide or in select regions. Meanwhile, most African and Asian nations — including India, China, and Japan — opt out of the time change entirely.

Kaylah Matthews

12. You can beat the clock.

Despite the health risks and safety concerns of daylight saving time, you can take steps to combat fatigue and adjust within a week. Here are B+C's 5 Best Ways to Beat Daylight Saving Time Fatigue.

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13 Of The Best Bento Box Lunch Ideas For Kids

Even when you're thinking “inside the box," a bento box lunch for your kiddos is meant to be cute and a little silly. Whether you have trouble with lunchtime creativity or not, you can find a way to make lunchbox ideas fun way by including little one's favorite treats along with healthy snacks.

From edible animals to cool cutouts, these 13 bento box ideas will give you some inspiration on where to start in making the coolest packed lunches ever.

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Stick To The Basics

The fun thing about a bento box is that you can literally cut up anything into cute shapes and the kids won’t care that it’s not fancy, prepackaged food. Make a list of their favorite carbs, fruits, veggies and proteins and then pick a couple from each category for a perfectly balanced meal that takes almost no prep time.

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Cutout Shapes

If you think putting together a bento box is a lot of work, then you just need to pick up some cookie cutters. Kids go crazy for food in fun shapes, and you might even get them to try something new if it’s disguised as a flower.

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Halloween is just around the corner! We love this spooky cute idea.

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For winter time, try this adorable snow-capped mountain lunch -- swap Vegemite for a nut butter or any favorite sandwich filling.

Kitchen Fun With My Three Sons

Monkey Bento

Mix things up by making a sandwich out of English muffins instead of bread. Continue the monkey theme with a banana and some cheeky crackers.

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Piglet Bagel

Satisfy their sweet tooth with this special strawberry cream cheese bagel spread and lots of fresh fruit sides.

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Try this cute cloud and rainbow bento for sandwich and fruit lovers. Shop the cloud and rainbow cookie cutters here!

Kitchen Fun With My Three Sons

Owl Bento

Um, will someone please come pack our lunch for us? These owls are almost too cute to eat, but your kids won’t have a problem devouring them.

Kitchen Fun With My Three Sons

Waffle Mouse

PB&J with waffles is obviously the coolest new sandwich on the block. Who doesn’t love breakfast for lunch?

She Knows

Teddy Bear Bento

You can use any nut butter to hold this adorable teddy bear together, and the chocolate chip details double as dessert. Fill the other side with snacks like yogurt, pretzels, cheese cubes and fresh fruit.

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Watermelon is still in season and are perfect bento treats. Try these tiny finger foods for tiny fingers!

Bento School Lunches

Minion Lunch

You can draw right on the banana peel and make the rest of the minion pieces with grape fruit leather, cheese and candy googly eyes. (via Foodtastic Mom)

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We love the tooth-picked turkey slices here -- make it a club "sandwich" with bacon, tomato, and romaine lettuce!

Tag us with your cute bento creations on Instagram and subscribe to our email newsletter for more back-to-school content.

Header image via Shuttershock

This post has been updated.

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You Probably Just Missed The First Clip Of 'The Bear' Season 4

TV viewers are feasting thanks to Hulu. Not only are we getting five seasons of Only Murders in the Building in five years, but we've also gotten a new season of The Bear every year since 2022.

If you watched the Oscars, you were probably tuned into the best dressed stars and Emma Stone's great BFF moment (and maybe even caught moments between Hollywood's new It couple Andrew Garfield & Monica Barbaro) but there's one thing you might have missed: the first footage of Ayo Edebiri in The Bear season 4!

Here's a breakdown of that clip from The Bear season 4 starring Ayo Edebiri and Ebon Moss Bachrach.

@rottentomatoes Ayo Edebiri in our first look at #TheBear Season 4. #rottentomatoes #tv #tvshow #tvtok #firstlook #hulu #fx #teaser #ayoedebiri #jeremyallenwhite ♬ original sound - Rotten Tomatoes

A commercial during the Oscars surprised us with a new clip from The Bear season 4. It's pretty straightforward, but it finally addresses something I've known from the very beginning: the staff of The Bear restaurant are a family, y'all!!

"Sometimes I feel like your work family is part of your family family," Sydney says, while clips Richie, Marcus, Luca, and Sydney's dad play in the background. After all that drama at the end of season 3, not to mention the fact that Sydney accidentally stumbled upon a new job opportunity, this definitely looks like a job interview to me.

Maybe Sydney does go through with the interview for a new restaurant, but when she learns they don't approach staff life the same way, she realizes that, despite its (many) flaws, The Bear is her true family. We haven't even gotten a full episode and I'm making myself emotional!

One question I've had from the very beginning of the series is whether we'll see Sydney and Carmy couple up. And actors Ayo Edebiri and Jeremy Allen White finallyaddressed the rumorsduring season 3's press conference.

“There was no talk in the rooms about any romantic implications,” Jeremy said. “[Carmy's] not the best communicator, but he will often make a sort of grand gesture like that to try and communicate to Syd or the kitchen or whomever."

“He’s got a lot going on in his mind all the time, and people aren’t always aware of exactly what’s going on," he continued. "You’ll see, obviously, how that affects Carmen and Syd’s relationship, but I think Carmen’s trying to welcome her in a little bit was the point of the partnership agreement.”

“Carmy is somebody that I think she’s really looked up to, but now is sort of in the thick of doing business with,” Ayo added. “It’s, I think, a lot more chaotic than she might have idealized before they really started working together.”

Check out The 8 Best TV Shows To Watch On Hulu This Month for more amazing shows to stream once you've rewatched all of The Bear.

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7 Spring 2025 Beauty Trends To Glow All Season

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Spring 2025 beauty is all about bold yet wearable, polished yet playful looks. From the return of the lip liner to fresh, nature-inspired nail and eye colors, this season’s trends blend nostalgia with modern minimalism. Expect soft, dramatic eyes, skincare-infused makeup, and lip liner that enhances without overpowering. These trends are all about embracing your natural features in an elevated, beautiful way so you glow, and look your best, all season.

Here are spring 2025 beauty trends to try this season.

City Lips® Defining Liner

Liner Revival

The lip liner trend for spring 2025 embraces bold definition with a fresh, modern twist. This season, it's about pairing rosy nudes with soft, lighter lip colors and rich, warm tones with deep browns and cherry reds for a sculpted, high-impact look. City Lips Defining Liner is our favorite new lip liner. It prevents color fading, smudging, and feathering, so you can keep your look intact all day or night! It’s available in two pretty shades: Blush, a soft, rosy nude that pairs beautifully with pink hues and lighter lip colors, and Willow, a rich, warm-toned nude that complements brown tones and deeper shades.

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Multitasking Makeup

The trend toward skincare-infused makeup is making your beauty routine work harder with nourishing ingredients. City Lips Defining Liner features vitamin E, helping to keep the lip line smooth while subtly enhancing its shape for a fuller, more defined look. For the ultimate plump and polish, pair the pigmented liner with City Lips Plumping Gloss — a duo that gives you a naturally voluminous pout, plus extra hydration.

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Pastel Pop

From butter yellow to sage green, this season’s nail trends are embracing soft, yet statement-making hues that bring a fresh pop of color. Alongside these chic shades, almond-shaped nails are offering a sleek, elegant look that flatters your mani aesthetic.

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'90s Nostalgia

A softer, smudged take on the classic cat-eye is making waves, with eyeliner staging a bold comeback in full, effortless sweeps. Blue eyeshadow is also back and better. Expect a nod to cool-toned, ’90s grunge eyes, a trend that lends itself to easy, minimalist lines, like a single, clean swipe of liner, proving that less can truly be more.

Claire Craig | Dupe

Lobs, Bobs & Natural Manes

Haircut season is in full swing, and lighter, fuss-free bobs at all above-shoulder lengths, plus natural curls, are making their way in and out of salons for spring. We couldn't be happier for the low-maintenance 'dos!

Katie Mansfield | Dupe

Satin Skin

This understated look highlights healthy, natural skin with a soft-matte finish — radiant, yet never flat or overly glossy.

City Beauty

Glossy lips, instead, shine this season. Upgrade your lip routine this spring with City Beauty’s new City Lips Defining Liner and lip glosses for a refreshed look.

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