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The Ultimate College Cheat Sheet 📝
75
items College can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. This ultimate guide is packed with study hacks, must-have tools, and insider tips to help you navigate classes, campus life, and everything in between. From acing exams and managing your time ...
Sections
7
Study Smarter, Not Harder
Productivity & Time Management
Essential Supplies & Tech
Saving Money & Budgeting Hacks
Surviving Dorm & Apartment Life
Health, Wellness & Self-Care
Study Smarter, Not Harder
Learn the best strategies for taking notes, retaining information, and acing exams with proven study techniques and helpful online resources.
This technique forces your brain to retrieve information rather than passively reviewing notes. Instead of re-reading, try covering up your notes and recalling key points from memory. Flashcards (physical or digital) are a great tool for this method,...
Active Recall Study Strategy
Instead of cramming all at once, space out your study sessions over several days or weeks. This helps reinforce learning by allowing your brain to process and store information more effectively. Apps like Anki and Quizlet use this method by showing y...
Spaced Repetition
This study method involves working in 25-minute focused study sessions followed by a 5-minute break. After four Pomodoro sessions, take a longer break (15–30 minutes). It helps improve concentration and prevents burnout by breaking study time into ma...
The Pomodoro Technique
A structured system that divides your notes into three sections: a narrow left-hand column for cues and key questions, a wider right-hand column for detailed notes, and a summary section at the bottom. This method helps with organization and makes re...
Blank Cornell Notes Templates
This technique helps visual learners by organizing information into a diagram of connected ideas. Start with the main topic in the center, then branch out with related concepts, definitions, or examples. It’s especially useful for subjects like biolo...
Mind Map Create Steps To Study Smart
A completely free educational platform offering high-quality video lessons on subjects like math, science, economics, and history. It’s perfect for breaking down complex topics into easy-to-understand explanations. The practice exercises also help re...
Khan Academy
A popular flashcard app that helps with memorization using spaced repetition and interactive study games. You can create your own flashcards or use pre-made ones on topics ranging from vocabulary to medical terms. The "Learn" mode adapts to your prog...
Quizlet: Study Tools & Learning Resources
This is a must-have for research papers and academic sources. It searches through millions of peer-reviewed journals, books, and academic publications. It’s perfect for finding reliable and citable sources for essays and projects.
Google Scholar
This platform offers step-by-step solutions to textbook problems, expert Q&A, and study guides for a variety of subjects. It’s particularly helpful for math and science courses, where step-by-step explanations are essential for understanding comp...
Get Homework Help with Chegg Study
A powerful AI writing assistant that helps improve essays, reports, and emails. It corrects grammar mistakes, enhances clarity, and even provides plagiarism detection. The free version covers basic grammar and spelling, while the premium version offe...
Grammarly: Free AI Writing Assistance
A highly customizable all-in-one productivity app where you can take notes, organize assignments, track deadlines, and collaborate with classmates. You can create to-do lists, calendars, and even personal knowledge bases, making it a fantastic tool f...
Your connected workspace for wiki, docs & projects | Notion
A unique focus app that helps you stay off your phone while studying. You plant a virtual tree, and it grows while you remain focused. If you leave the app, the tree dies! Over time, you can grow an entire digital forest—and even plant real trees thr...
Forest
A powerful flashcard app that uses spaced repetition to help you memorize information more efficiently. It’s perfect for language learning, medical terms, formulas, and definitions. Unlike Quizlet, Anki allows for deeper customization, including imag...
Anki - powerful, intelligent flashcards
A powerful flashcard app that uses spaced repetition to help you memorize information more efficiently. It’s perfect for language learning, medical terms, formulas, and definitions. Unlike Quizlet, Anki allows for deeper customization, including imag...
Cite This For Me: Harvard, APA, MLA Reference Generator
Think of it as a supercharged calculator that provides step-by-step solutions to math, physics, chemistry, and engineering problems. It goes beyond simple calculations by explaining concepts, solving equations, and even generating graphs. It’s like h...
Wolfram|Alpha: Making the world’s knowledge computable
Productivity & Time Management
Master the art of balancing classes, work, and social life with time-saving hacks, productivity tools, and tips to beat procrastination.
This method involves scheduling specific blocks of time for different tasks throughout your day. By assigning study sessions, classes, and breaks to certain time slots, you eliminate distractions and stay on track. Apps like Google Calendar and Notio...
Time Blocking Method: Easy Roadmap To Get More Tasks Done
A simple yet effective prioritization tool that divides tasks into four categories:
1️⃣ Urgent & Important – Do these tasks immediately (e.g., assignments due today).
2️⃣ Important but Not Urgent – Schedule these for later (e.g., studying for an ...
Eisenhower Matrix Printable
If a task takes less than 2 minutes, do it immediately instead of adding it to your to-do list. This method prevents small tasks from piling up, making your workflow smoother.
The 2-Minute Rule: A Simple Hack to Get More Done
A technique that encourages tackling the biggest, most difficult task first thing in the morning. This prevents procrastination and gives a sense of accomplishment early in the day.
Eat the Frog Technique
A technique that encourages tackling the biggest, most difficult task first thing in the morning. This prevents procrastination and gives a sense of accomplishment early in the day.
Paretos Principle
A must-have for time blocking, scheduling classes, and setting reminders for deadlines. Sync it with your phone so you never miss an assignment, meeting, or study session. The color-coded events help visually organize your day.
Shareable Online Calendar and Scheduling - Google Calendar
A minimalist task management app that helps you create to-do lists, set deadlines, and prioritize tasks. It’s great for tracking assignments, personal errands, and work shifts in one place.
Todoist | A To-Do List to Organize Your Work & Life
A visual project management tool that uses boards, lists, and cards to help organize tasks. It’s great for group projects, semester planning, and breaking large tasks into manageable steps.
Manage Your Team’s Projects From Anywhere | Trello
A smart AI-powered planner that automatically schedules tasks into your daily calendar based on urgency, deadlines, and your availability. It helps eliminate decision fatigue by prioritizing your work for you.
Motion
A time-tracking app that monitors how much time you spend on different activities (social media, studying, Netflix, etc.). It provides detailed reports to help you identify time-wasters and improve productivity.
RescueTime
A website and app blocker that helps eliminate distractions like YouTube, social media, and gaming when you need to focus. Perfect for deep study sessions.
Cold Turkey Blocker
📖 "Atomic Habits" by James Clear – This book teaches how to build small, effective habits that improve productivity over time. Perfect for students who struggle with consistency.
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
📖 "The 5 AM Club" by Robin Sharma – Focuses on how waking up early and establishing morning routines can boost focus, productivity, and success.
The 5AM Club: Own Your Morning. Elevate Your Life.
📖 "Deep Work" by Cal Newport – Explains how to improve concentration and eliminate distractions so you can study more efficiently.
Deep Work: Rules For Focused Success In A Distracted World
📖 "Getting Things Done" by David Allen – A classic productivity guide that teaches how to organize tasks, manage time, and reduce stress through better planning.
Getting Things Done: The Art Of Stress-free Productivity
📖 "Essentialism" by Greg McKeown – Helps students focus on what truly matters by cutting out unnecessary distractions and commitments.
Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit Of Less
Essential Supplies & Tech
Discover must-have school supplies, budget-friendly tech, and the best apps to stay organized, take better notes, and simplify your workload.
A game-changer for studying in noisy environments like dorms, libraries, or coffee shops. Brands like Sony WH-1000XM5, Bose QuietComfort, or budget-friendly options like Anker Soundcore Life Q30 help block distractions and improve focus.
Noise Cancelling Headphones
If you spend hours staring at a screen, blue light glasses help reduce eye strain, headaches, and fatigue. Look for ones with UV protection and an anti-glare coating.
Blue Light Glasses for Women /Men
Staying organized is key in college! A physical planner like the Passion Planner or Happy Planner is great for writing down deadlines and tracking daily tasks, while digital planners like Google Calendar or Notion offer more flexibility.
Passion Planner | 2025 Weekly and Daily Planners
Great for color-coding notes, marking key points in textbooks, and writing quick reminders. Look for pastel highlighters (easier on the eyes) and transparent sticky notes for annotating books without marking them.
Annotation Kit
A must-have for visual learners! A whiteboard helps map out study plans, write quick reminders, or brainstorm ideas, while a corkboard is great for pinning schedules, motivational quotes, and important dates.
Dry Erase Board
If you spend hours studying, a comfortable chair with lumbar support helps prevent back pain. A laptop stand improves posture and reduces neck strain, making long study sessions more comfortable.
Ergonomic Office Desk Chair
A reliable device is essential for college! If you need power and performance, consider the MacBook Air (M2) or Dell XPS 13. If you prefer a budget-friendly option, the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex or iPad with Magic Keyboard works great for note-taking.
MacBook Air with M2 chip
A Bluetooth keyboard and mouse improve efficiency and comfort, especially if you use a laptop for long periods. Look for mechanical keyboards for a better typing experience or quiet ergonomic options if you study in shared spaces.
Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard
Perfect for digital note-taking, annotating PDFs, and sketching out diagrams. Apps like GoodNotes, Notability, and OneNote make handwriting feel just like paper.
Apple iPad
A lifesaver for students on the go! A high-capacity power bank like the Anker PowerCore ensures your phone, tablet, or laptop doesn’t die in the middle of a class or study session.
Portable Charger
Studying late? A good desk lamp with warm and cool light settings reduces eye strain and creates the perfect workspace.
Honeywell Desk Lamp
Backing up your files is crucial! A 1TB external hard drive (WD My Passport, Samsung T7 SSD) or cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud) ensures you never lose important work.
iCloud+ plans and pricing - Apple Support (CA)
If your laptop lacks ports, a USB-C hub is a must for connecting flash drives, charging devices, or using an external monitor.
Multiport USB Adapter
Keep your workspace tidy with cable organizers and a power strip with surge protection to prevent overloads when charging multiple devices.
10Ft Power Bar Surge Protector
Ideal for working from your bed or couch, a lap desk with a built-in mouse pad and phone holder makes studying more comfortable.
CloudTrip Portable Lap Desk with Cushion
Saving Money & Budgeting Hacks
Cut costs with smart budgeting strategies, student discounts, affordable meal ideas, and side hustles to make extra cash while in school.
Many stores, restaurants, and online services offer student discounts if you show your student ID. Websites like UNiDAYS, Student Beans, and SPC (Student Price Card) give access to exclusive student deals on tech, clothing, food, and subscriptions.
💰 Use Student Discounts Everywhere
New textbooks are crazy expensive! Save money by renting from Chegg, Amazon, or your campus bookstore. You can also buy secondhand books from AbeBooks, ThriftBooks, or Facebook Marketplace, and even access free digital versions from Z-Library or Open...
💰 Buy Used or Rent Textbooks
Apple offers exclusive discounts for college students, teachers, and school staff through its Apple Education Store. With this discount, students can save up to $200 on MacBooks, iPads, and accessories like the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard. Plus, ...
Education Pricing and Student Discounts
Amazon Prime Student is a must-have for college students, offering a 6-month free trial (compared to the standard 30-day trial) and a 50% discount on Prime membership after the trial ends. With Prime Student, you get free two-day shipping on textbook...
Amazing Student Discount
Instead of paying for multiple subscriptions, share costs with roommates or friends. Services like Spotify, Netflix, and Apple Music offer student discounts and family plans that help cut costs.
💰 Split Streaming Services with Friends
Dining out adds up fast! Save money by meal prepping and using budget-friendly recipes from sites like Budget Bytes or Tasty. A small investment in a mini rice cooker, air fryer, or slow cooker can help you make easy, cheap meals in your dorm or apar...
💰 Limit Eating Out & Learn Quick Meals
Many colleges offer free gym access, tutoring, mental health counseling, and even free printing or transportation. Before spending money, check what services your school provides!
💰 Take Advantage of Campus Resources
A free budgeting app that connects to your bank accounts and automatically tracks your spending. It helps categorize expenses, set savings goals, and alerts you when bills are due.
📊 Mint
A powerful budgeting tool that teaches you how to plan for every dollar and break free from living paycheck to paycheck. It’s great for students looking to develop long-term financial habits.
📊 YNAB (You Need a Budget)
A simple app that shows how much "spendable money" you have after bills and essentials, helping prevent overspending.
📊 PocketGuard
Perfect for students splitting rent, groceries, or shared expenses with roommates. It keeps track of who owes what and prevents awkward money disputes.
📊 Splitwise
Surviving Dorm & Apartment Life
Get dorm room essentials, organization hacks, and tips on dealing with roommates, cooking cheap meals, and keeping your space clean.
Dorm beds are hard and uncomfortable. A 3-inch memory foam mattress topper (like the Linenspa Gel Infused Memory Foam Topper) can instantly upgrade your bed and help you sleep better.
Gel Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Dorm cooking is limited, but small appliances like the Dash Mini Waffle Maker and a compact air fryer (like the Ninja Mini Air Fryer) let you cook fast, easy, and affordable meals without needing a full kitchen.
Ninja Mini Air Fryer with Non-Stick Basket & Crisper Plate
Instead of spending money on bottled water, a Brita Slim Water Pitcher fits perfectly in a mini fridge and filters out tap water impurities, keeping you hydrated all day.
Brita® Slim Water Filtration Pitcher
Small dorms = zero storage. Foldable bins (like the Sorbus Foldable Storage Bins) can store extra clothes, books, or snacks and slide under your bed or on closet shelves.
Sorbus Foldable Storage Bins
Dorms have limited outlets. The Anker Power Strip with USB Ports has multiple outlets and fast-charging USB ports, so you can charge your phone, laptop, and desk lamp all at once.
Anker 321 Power Strip
Health, Wellness & Self-Care
Stay on top of your physical and mental health with quick meals, fitness tips, stress management techniques, and better sleep habits.
No time to cook? Mealime creates custom meal plans based on your dietary needs and generates a grocery list. It’s perfect for easy, healthy, and affordable meals.
Mealime - Meal Planning App for Healthy Eating - Get it for Free Today!
No gym membership? The Nike Training Club App offers free guided workouts that range from 5 to 45 minutes, with everything from yoga to strength training.
Nike Training Club App. Home Workouts & More.
Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be expensive! Bubble Skincare’s Fresh Start Gel Cleanser and Level Up Balancing Moisturizer are dermatologist-approved, affordable, and perfect for stressed-out student skin.
Bubble | Face The Day
Scrolling TikTok at night? The Loftie Smart Alarm Clock helps you ditch your phone before bed by providing gentle wake-up alarms, white noise, and guided breathing exercises to improve sleep.
Loftie Clock
Don’t wait until you’re sick! A mini first aid kit (like the Be Smart Get Prepared 100-Piece Kit) should have cold medicine, Advil, allergy meds, band-aids, and electrolyte packets (like Liquid I.V.) to bounce back fast when you’re feeling under the ...
Mini First Aid Kit
If college stress is overwhelming, the Finch App helps you track moods, set self-care goals, and check in on your mental health daily. It’s a great way to stay grounded.
Finch - Your New Self Care Best Friend
Social Life & Networking
Make the most of your college experience by building friendships, joining clubs, and networking for future career opportunities.
Find friends in your area with similar interests.
Find New Friends With Bumble For Friends App | Bumble
Discover local events and clubs related to hobbies, career fields, or fitness.
Meetup | Find Local Groups, Events, and Activities Near You
A friendship-only app for making connections without dating pressure.
Patook - make platonic friends for Android - Download
A friendship-only app for making connections without dating pressure.
Discord - Group Chat That’s All Fun & Games
Need an internship? Handshake is used by top employers and colleges to list student-friendly jobs and networking events.
Handshake - Employment and Internships
Colleges host club fairs where you can meet sports teams, cultural groups, and student organizations. Even if you’re shy, joining a club instantly connects you with new people.
Club Fair
If speaking in class or networking makes you nervous, check out Toastmasters International, a group that helps you improve public speaking skills in a friendly environment.
Toastmasters