12 Best Back-to-School Apps for College Students in 2025

These days, college life is so much easier with the right apps. These 12 must-have apps include study tools, budgeting trackers, and one top-rated app that actually lets you earn gift cards from shopping or gaming, no extra effort required!

🏆 1. Fetch 

Use it for: Earning gift cards from both in-store and online shopping you’re already doing

Fetch is a free rewards app that helps college students earn points for in-store and online purchases they’re already making, from groceries to dorm essentials. 

🧾 Snap your receipts

Scan your receipts from stores like Walmart, Target, CVS, local grocery chains, and everywhere else to earn points. You can also link your email account, Amazon, and Walmart accounts to earn points on eReceipts. The points you earn can then be redeemed for free gift cards to help you save money on campus.

🛍️ Shop through Fetch Shop

Fetch Shop lets you earn bonus points for ordering online from stores like Target, Walmart, Sephora, Best Buy, and so many others. Get the browser extension to earn even when shopping on your laptop.

Why students love Fetch

• Earn gift cards for food, rideshares, and class supplies
• Double-dip with existing student discounts
• Passive earning = smarter spending

📲 Download Fetch to start earning rewards on everyday shopping.

📚 2. Notion

Use it for: Organizing your life, class notes, and everything in between

Notion helps you build a custom digital dashboard for college life: syllabi, study trackers, group projects, all in one place. It’s flexible enough for both Type-A planners and creative chaos-types.

🧠 3. Quizlet

Use it for: Fast flashcards and test prep on the go

Whether you build your own decks or search millions of study sets, Quizlet is perfect for cramming between classes (or while waiting for your microwave mac and cheese).

📅 4. Google Calendar

Use it for: Structuring your week with alerts and color-coded reminders

Google Calendar helps students manage class times, assignment deadlines, and extracurriculars. You can also sync it across devices.

💰 5. Mint

Use it for: Adulting your finances (without needing a finance degree)

Track your income, spending, and savings goals in one place. Great for figuring out where your money is going (spoiler: snacks) and building better habits.

💸 6. Splitwise

Use it for: Splitting rent and pizza without spreadsheet wars

No more awkward group texts. Splitwise lets you and your roommates track IOUs and split shared bills like pros. No one can “forget” to pay up anymore.

📝 7. Grammarly

Use it for: Writing A+ essays (even at 2 a.m.)

Grammar, clarity, and tone suggestions help you turn in cleaner papers and send more polished emails to professors. Because “per my last email” hits differently when it’s typo-free.

🎮 8. Fetch Play

Use it for: Getting gift cards for playing mobile games

Fetch isn’t just for shopping: it also pays you to game. With Fetch Play, you can earn points by playing mobile games. No spending necessary. Just play, complete tasks, and get rewarded.

• Play during study breaks or downtime
• Games include casual, puzzle, and strategy games
• No payment info required

Try Fetch Play and get rewarded for having fun!

📓 9. GoodNotes / Notability

Use it for: Taking handwritten digital notes on iPads

These apps mimic pen-and-paper note-taking but with digital benefits like PDF markup and cloud syncing. Perfect for lecture-heavy majors.

📖 10. Libby

Use it for: Free access to digital textbooks and audiobooks

Libby connects with local and university libraries to provide free study materials. All you need is a valid library card or .edu login.

☁️ 11. Google Drive

Use it for: Cloud backups and group collaboration

Store assignments, share class notes, and collaborate on presentations in real-time with Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

🧘 12. Headspace 

Use it for: Meditation, sleep help, and mindfulness

The student-discounted Headspace plan includes guided meditations, stress relief content, and sleep exercises, ideal for balancing academic stress.

🎓 College life is better with the right apps

These 12 apps simplify college life by helping you stay productive, save money, and even earn rewards, but Fetch is the only app on this list that rewards you with gift cards simply for doing what you’re already doing: shopping and gaming.

📲 Get Fetch now and start earning rewards without changing your routine.