Useful apps
On this page, we have collated a selection of apps that students may find useful to use to aid them in their studies.
Study Support Apps and Software Features
There are a variety of apps and features built into your phone that can support you with your studies at Heriot-Watt.
- Microsoft To Do: This is a task management app that allows you to create task lists, set tasks with different priorities, and set reminders for each task based on when they need to be completed by. There is also a ‘My Day’ list which acts as your daily task list. Microsoft To Do is part of the Microsoft 365 suite, which means you can access it for free as a Heriot-Watt student. The app can be downloaded for Android or iOS.
- Notion: This is a platform that provides a workspace for users for organisation and planning, as well as notetaking and collaboration with other users. Notion allows you to keep all your notes organised in one place, ensures all your deadlines are added into your calendar, and acts as a place to gather and store research for your assignments. Notion has many template workspaces for different uses, such as for studying, which can make the process of organising your notes a lot easier as you are given a structure to work with. There is a free version of Notion which has some limitations but is still fairly feature-packed. There are also paid subscriptions available. You can download the app for free for Android and iOS. Notion is also available via a web browser, or as a desktop app for Windows and MacOS, and your workspace synchronises across all your devices.
Wellbeing Apps and Software Features
There are a number of apps and features built into your phone that can help you manage your wellbeing during your studies at Heriot-Watt.
- Smiling Mind: This is a free app developed by psychologists to teach mindfulness techniques. As a student, you can use it to learn exercises that reduce stress, improve focus, and boost emotional well-being, especially during challenging academic periods. The app can be downloaded for Android and iOS.
- Insight Timer: This app offers a free tier with a large library of guided meditations on stress, sleep, focus, and more. Led by mindfulness experts, these meditations range from minutes to longer sessions. As a student, you can use the app to manage anxiety, improve focus during study sessions, and wind down before bed. The paid subscription unlocks additional features like custom courses and exclusive meditations, but the core functionality to enhance wellbeing is available for free. You can download the app for Android or iOS.