Phone apps today make tasks as easy as a swipe of a finger. Whether you’re gearing up for college or wanting to better organize your Western life in general, here are some free apps to keep you afloat. All apps listed are available for iOS and Android.
- WWU Mobile
Great for: New and long-time students.
It might be an obvious app to start with, but WWU Mobile is an incredibly useful all-in-one student resource for navigating campus and getting information. The app is divided into 13 categories, each packed with essential info. This includes, but isn’t limited to news, event calendars, a map of campus, a faculty and staff directory, campus dining information and even Western’s social media feeds. The app also provides a list of emergency contacts you can call with a quick push of a button such as campus police, safety escorts and late-night student shuttles. Some information is a little sparse over the summer.
- Canvas
Great for: Mobile access to Canvas (of course), and last minute scrambling to get a paper turned in when you’re nowhere near a computer.
This one’s another barebones basic but great on the go. With so many classes using Canvas, the app version keeps everything in a neat mobile layout. You can access assignments, messages, your personal calendar and more. You might also notice a little pixel panda in a red cape. If you have nothing on your calendar for the day, it’ll say things like “Your calendar is as clean as a panda’s bottom.” While I didn’t need to know about a panda’s bottom, thanks anyway, little guy.
- WWU ClassFinder
Great for: Browsing classes, planning for next quarter, groaning at textbook prices
This app was a surprise I wish I found a lot sooner. You can use it to search classes by subject, GUR, days of the week, instructors and/or course number. It’s great for planning your quarters from anywhere. When you look up a class it lists the description, instructor (complete with their Rate My Professors score), location, time, credits, prerequisites, room available and CRN. It even lists required textbooks and bookstore prices. Upgrade for $0.99 and you can get schedule planning, which allows you create multiple schedules (nice for backup in case you’re on a waitlist) and export them to your calendar.
