It doesn't take an app developer to see that opportunities abound on increasingly iPhone-saturated college campuses.And yet, after surveying several "best of" lists on the web, it seems with a few exceptions (namely those highlighted in a recent Apple ad), there's still a lot left to be desired in the field. The problem with many of the college-targeted programs I saw is that while they seem like they'd be useful for student life in theory (study schedules, exam prep tools), when it comes to practice they just don't seem worth the deck space: Why download a separate app for scheduling when I have iCalendar? Why use general study guides that might not cover the same materials as my course?

All of this rejecting of current offerings got me to thinking about what would be worth the effort. To that end, I called upon fellow quasi-recent college graduate and YAB member Libby Issendorf to help me come up with some ideas for what would make for a "must-have college app." Feel free to add your own suggestions in comments.

Course-specific apps While this could mean very different things for different classes (especially if an tech-savvy prof was to get involved) even the basic set up of an app that would allow all students in a course to sign up, access their syllabus/reading list/assignments and organize study sessions among themselves, would hold a lot of appeal.

Student deals. Another simple, but invaluable app that could include everything from drink specials to discounts on haircuts near campus. Updated in real time, bargain-hunting college kids would latch on in a big way.

Facebook. Yes, it already exists in application form, but it's so limited (and Libby points out has hardly any functionality) that it's barely worth the download. We were thinking if it was broken down into its parts: pics, status, EVENTS, students would be willing to download them all as separate apps. Obviously this wouldn't just appeal to college students, but it would be an especially great fit.

E-textbooks. Without opening the whole can of worms this presents for academic publishers, it goes without saying that many students would LOVE a search function and copy-and-paste for their readings.

For more coverage of the latest trends and developments in mobile technology for youth, check out the Ypulse Mobile Channel.

Categorized under: Mobile

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