Mobile Apps to Help You Succeed

Your smartphone or tablet can be used for so much more than tweeting and playing Ruzzle. If you are looking for a way to study on-the-go, try out some mobile apps available for education and studying purposes. Check out our list of some of the must-have apps for college students.

There are so many more apps than can be listed on a blog—do a search on your app store or the internet to find more.



IUP Mobile

Get access to information about IUP quickly with this new app. You have the ability to look up contact information and read about news and upcoming events. Log in with your Banner ID to check grades, see your class schedule, and contact your advisor.

Reading 

Apps like Kindle allow you to download your textbooks on the go. Instead of carrying your textbook around to the library, you can buy the eBook version to save money and weight in your book bag.

Flashcards

Apps like StudyBlue allow you to memorize key terms for a test by making flashcards online. Share you flashcards with others in the class or find sets from people in class before you. Set a reminder through the app to maintain your study schedule.

 

Dictionary 

Dictionary apps like the Merriam-Webster Dictionary app allow you to look up definitions and find synonyms. This can be helpful when writing papers and taking spelling or vocabulary tests.

 

Storage

Apps like Dropbox allow you to store documents in the cloud or online. You can access your files on your laptop, IUP computer, or smartphone. Never have to worry about losing your flash drive and files or having your computer crash.

Citing Sources 

EasyBib and other citation generators allow you to build and manage your cited works for APA, MLA, and Chicago style. You can scan the barcode of a book to create a citation and then email a list of your works cited to yourself.

Note Taking

Evernote allows you to record voice memos, create to-do lists, and take notes. Access your information and class notes on the go.

What other apps do you use for studying? Comment below!

Spring Break TO-DO List

Spring Break is finally here! You have been working like a crazy person all semester and now you finally have a chance to breathe! Don’t have any big plans to go on vacation? Then make the most out of your spring break. Here is your TO-DO list for a RELAXING and PRODUCTIVE spring break!

SLEEP: You’ve been working hard all semester this is your time to relax. Sleep in or take a nap, just don’t spend the entire week sleeping.

PAMPER YOURSELF: Take a bubble bath, get a mani/pedi, or a massage.

SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY: Let’s face it, no matter how much they drive you crazy you missed them while you were gone

MAKE SOME MONEY: Contact your boss from your summer job and tell them your home. Chances are someone wants the day off.

GET AHEAD: You know what assignments you have coming up. Bring some work with you and get ahead so the rest of the semester is a breeze.

PALN AHEAD: Get your resume together and look for a summer job. Maybe something related to your major…

MAKE VACATION PLANS: You couldn’t get away for spring break, so now is the perfect time to make plans for this summer.

READ A BOOK: With everything you have going on at school you rarely get the chance to read a book for fun. Take this opportunity to read one of the books that sound great but you never got around to.

TAKE A DAY TRIP: There are so many places that you can go for the day! Look it up and go with an old friend.

 EXERCISE: You always say you’re going to go to the gym, now is your chance to actually go.

CATCH UP WITH OLD FRIENDS: With everything you have going on at school it is easy to lose touch with your friends from high school. You’re all at home for the week with nothing to do, now is the perfect time to catch up!

Registration Fall 2013

Registration for the Fall 2013 semester starts the first week of April (3 weeks!) Here is some information on how to register for classes.

First, check your registation status. Log on to URSA, Select student services, registration, and check your registration status. 

Next, meet with your advisor! Many advisors will have a schedule posted outside their office for students to sign up. If your advisor doesn’t, send them an e-mail asking to set up a meeting. DON’T MISS THIS APPOINTMENT!

If you don’t know who your advisor is, log on to URSA, click on students services, academic records, and view your advisor.

When you meet with your advisor they will tell you what classes to take, when you register, and your pin number.

On the day you register for classes, log into URSA and follow the steps listed below:

1.        Select “Student Services"

2.        Select “Registration.”

3.        Select “Look-up Classes to Add” and select the term for which you want to register; then select the gray box “Submit.”

4.        Click advanced search.

5.         Select a subject and select the INDIANA campus.

6.         The remaining items can be used to narrow your search.

7.         Scroll down the page and select “Class Search.”

8.        To register for a class, check the box in front of the CRN and select “Register” at the bottom of the classes that are listed.

9.         Enter your pin number (given to you by your advisor).

10.    Repeat the process for each class.

If you have any questions feel free to stop by the ASM office!

Have a great week!

Preparing for Midterms

We’re already entering the month of March, and on the sixth week of classes! This means that midterms will soon be creeping up on us, so we’ve compiled a list of the most helpful ways to prepare for them.

1.       Find a peaceful study space. Your room is full of distractions, so try something new. Both Ruddock and Maple East have study lounges that could be very useful for this. The second and third floors of the library are also designated as quiet areas, so the distractions are very limited.

2.       Be healthy. Sitting for hours, studying your life away, is not recommended to get great grades. You need to move around every once in a while and grab a bite to eat. By exercising, your nerves will be calmed and your attention span will grow. Nothing crazy is necessary, but just a few simple yoga poses, or some sit ups will do. Brain food is also very encouraged while studying. Choose healthy options, like fruit or tea, rather than cookies and coffee. The healthier options will still boost your energy level and make you more alert.

3.       Create a playlist. Although some students need complete silence while studying, others may benefit from soft music in the background. Instead of the radio’s top 40, create your own playlist of calm and peaceful music. This may help avoid distractions caused by music that’s more familiar to you.

4.       Take advantage of your campus’s resources! The Writing Center is an amazing resource that our campus provides, with tutors available to discuss writing assignments. Their information is listed below. The library also is full of areas to help you study. Not only do they have quiet areas, but also sections designated for group study. They provide computers and printers, and there’s also a coffee shop on the first floor.

Helpful resources:

The Writing Center
Eicher Hall
Monday-Thursday: 9am-5pm, 6pm-9pm
Friday: 9am-3pm

The Library
Sunday: 1pm-12:45am
Monday-Thursday: 7:45am-12:45am
Friday: 7:45am-7pm
Saturday: 11am-5pm

If you have any questions at all about resources, studying, or just college in general, feel free to visit your ASM’s! We look forward to meeting you!