Paper, pencil and textbooks used to be the standard school supply list for most students, but not anymore. In 2012, students are inundated with the basics along with all kinds of gadgets, from the fun to the necessary.

One gadget that has become more of a tool than a toy is the smartphone. Whether students use it to organize study sessions, as a planner or as a game to escape the stress of studying, there is probably some function for everyone.

So what are some apps that students should try out?

1. EverNote: Taking notes on ruled paper doesn’t have to be the standard anymore, thanks to EverNote. With this app, students can take notes or photos, or record audio messages for later to backtrack on the finer points of a lecture. There is the occasional professor who goes through material faster than a student can write, so rather than copy down a board, why not take a photo or record audio about what to study later?

2. myHomework: This app helps a student organize upcoming assignments and keep track of due dates. The app will notify you when due dates are getting closer. On top of that, it also has a function that stores when and where classes are, which would be handy for students new to campus.

3. GroupChat: This application would be for those pesky study groups or group project assignments that sometimes happen. Create an SMS text group where one text is sent to multiple recipients and all replies are sent to everyone. The best part is, even if a phone isn’t capable of downloading apps, the replies can still be sent as long as that phone number is put on the group list.

4. Flashcard Machine: Studying is made a little easier with Flashcard Machine. Browse the Flashcard Machine database for cards already created, or create your own for upcoming exams or quizzes. Along with that, students can have their mobile devices quiz them.

5. WiFi Finder: This app finds free WiFi spots near a person’s location. This could come in handy for those who have a quick assignment to turn in on Canvas, those looking for a quiet spot to do an assignment, or those who have a limited data plan on their phone and don’t want to use up all of their time for the month.