Uni Prep 2: Check Your Tech

The Kitchen Essentials Set is packed, you’ve checked out the local area, and you’ve even started planning your first food shop – but is your tech ready?

University marks a new level of independence, which makes it a great time to refresh your devices and apps to keep everything you need close at hand.

From study aids and scanning apps to discount finders and budgeting tools, here are our top tips for getting your tech uni-ready.

Study Smarter

• Get in the zone with Forest, Pomofocus, Freedom or other distraction-blocking tech. Some tasks can be tedious, but when you’ve just got to get it done, it can help to block distractions so that you can stay focused.

• Keeping track of references and compiling a bibliography is a job that no one should ever do manually. Zotero and Mendeley are both free, while RefMe can use your phone to scan a book's barcode and create a citation.

• Scanning apps like Adobe Scan are great if you are given printed documents and need to digitise them before they get lost, or if you want to capture everything from a whiteboard when there is no time to copy it all.

• And obviously, Booost and Luna will help you get organised and, when exams roll around, revise efficiently and effectively.

Everyday Uni Essentials

• A Password Manager – uni systems will force you to use secure passwords, so take 5 minutes to download a password manager and you will only ever have to remember one password again. At Booost Education, we use NordPass, but others are available.

• Citymapper – this is essential if you are studying in a city and will need to use public transport to get around. You can see the different travel options, select your preferred way of getting around, and choose routes that are step free, require less walking, or are simpler to follow.

• Worried about oversleeping and missing a lecture? With Alarmy, you'll need to complete tasks – like solving a math problem or taking a photo of a specific object – to turn off the alarm.

Money Made Simple

• Make the most of your uni email address by downloading student discount apps like UNiDAYS, Student Beans, and TOTUM to save money on just about everything.

• A budgeting app to track your spending can make the difference between having enough money to do the weekly shop at the end of term, or having to survive on budget cornflakes with water for a couple of days. Emma offers a free plan with most of the tools needed, while bank accounts like Monzo include similar features.

• Save money on your food bill and reduce food waste using the Too Good To Go app – a brilliant combination of doing social good while helping out your finances.

Extras Worth Trying

• Time’s precious at uni, but with Punkt you can describe your day in one sentence to make journaling easy, helping you reflect on what’s going well and what’s been more challenging.

• A Soft Murmur lets you tune out unwanted sounds by generating background noise to help you relax or focus. So if you’re trying to study in noisy uni accommodation, a pair of noise-cancelling headphones and this app will be a game-changer.

• Count down to the fun, build the anticipation and, most importantly, don’t forget the next big day with Days.

A little prep goes a long way. With the right apps and tools, you’ll step into uni life feeling more organised, independent, and ready for whatever comes your way. And remember, if you need extra guidance, your university’s student services team is always there to help.

This is part of our four-part Uni Prep blog series, designed to help neurodivergent and disabled students feel confident and supported as they start university.

Explore the full series

Part 1: DSA Demystified
Part 2: Check Your Tech
Part 3: Fix Your Finances
Part 4: Start Uni Strong