Useful Apps and Tools for PhD Students

Forest - (iOS and Android/Mac and Chrome Extension). Small cost. Beat addiction to your phone by planting a virtual seed and watching it grow into a tree.

Focusmate - (web). Three free sessions a week with paid option for more. Book a 50-minute co-working session online, where you say hi, tell each other what you are working on then work. Or, try Study 1 on 1 on Discord.

Freedom - (iOS and Android/Mac and Windows/web). Free trial then various pricing options. Lets you block websites, apps or the whole internet on multiple devices so you don't get distracted.

StayFocusd - (Chrome extension). Free. Allows you to block or limit your access to distracting websites.

Strict Workflow - (Chrome extension). Free. Pomodoro timer which encourages working in 25-minute bursts and blocks distracting websites.

Jiffy Reader - (Chrome extension.) Free. Bionic reading creates focus points by bolding letters in the text. This guides your eyes and speeds up your reading.

Just Read - (Chrome extension.) Free with paid add-on. Declutter a web page, delete unwanted sections and customise font size and background colour for easier reading.

Noisli - (Web.) Free with paid add-ons. Play background sounds to help you focus. Includes a simple timer.

Weaver Highlighter - (Chrome extension.) Free. Highlight and annotate pdfs and webpages and organise pages into folders and subfolders.

coach.me - (iOS and Android/web). Free with paid add-ons. Habit-tracking app with targets and reminders to help you turn behaviours into habits. Track your progress and tap into community support.

habitica - (iOS and Android). Free goal-setting app for those who enjoy RPGs (Role Playing Games). Take on challenges, gain points and level up.

stickK - (Web.) Free. Define your goal and agree on a Commitment Contract. You can pledge to pay money to a charity, anti-charity, friend or foe if you don't meet your goal.

ASK Assignment Calculator - (Web.) Free. Helps you create a schedule based on your start and hand-in date.

Pacemaker Planner - (Web.) Free with paid add-ons. Helps you plan how much you need to write and sets a schedule which suits the way you like to work

Be Okay - (iOS and Android). Free. Helps you relax and control your breathing during a panic attack. Simple.

Finch - (iOS and Android). Freemium. A pet app which helps you feel more positive and encourages you to look after yourself with its self-care exercises.

MindShift CBT App - (iOS and Android). Free. Self-help anxiety relief which uses CBT tools and strategies to help reduce worry, stress and panic.

SleepTown - (iOS and Android). Small cost. Set sleep goals and, if you meet them, you will be rewarded with a new building for your town.

Calm Harm - (iOS and Android). Free. Helps you resist or manage the urge to self harm.

I Am Sober - (iOS and Android). Free. Helps you quit any addiction. Tracking and community support.