It's no secret that Instagram is my favourite app. I do spend quite a bit of time scrolling back and forth on my feed whether it be to gather inspiration for my blog posts or articles, or to find new beauty products that I would want to try, or even to escape small-talk in the real world. I would describe myself as a creative person, and I often switch up my Instagram stories to explore that creative side and embrace a change. This year, I was able to discover 3 apps that allowed me to create the perfect Instagram Stories that I love. 

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Image via vsco.co

This app is nothing new. In fact I had it installed a couple of years ago, but didn't quite see its utility. This year, I reinstalled it, and absolutely fell in love with the ease with which it allows me to edit a photo. The filters are also a plus point! The best part is that most of its features are free. Once I take a photo from the camera on my Iphone 6s, I adjust the exposure, saturation, white balance, and tone with this app. As for the filters, I mostly use them for my feed. Once I edit one picture, the app makes it really convenient to copy and paste the edits on to the newer ones.

Snow

Image via itunes.apple.com

 I love adding vintage effects on my photos. The first camera I requested from my dad was in fact a Pentax camera. Since I don't even own a Polaroid, I've always been on the hunt for an app that would allow vintage effects. I was using another app that created polaroid photos which developed by shaking the phone three or four times. The first few times were fun, and then it got really annoying.  That's when I found Snow. I absolutely love the polaroid effect with the burn on the side and the rainbow effect, the VHS video effect, and film roll effects. It has many other filters which I personally do not find useful including rather odd face altering/ shaping ones.

 

These apps will surely help you enhance your Instagram stories. I hope you found this post useful. Let me know if it did in a comment down below, or if you have any other recommendations for me.

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Here are some Instagram Story Templates for you to fill up and upload. Enjoy!

As a university student, I relied on multiple apps to get me through not just my studies but my personal life as well. While there are many apps out there, I thought I will list five that you must have as a university student.

Wunderlist

Evernote

Other than OneNote by Microsoft, the only note-taking app I used throughout university was Evernote. I found this so much more convenient to use on my phone. Dare I say, this is the best note-taking app I've come across. From taking brain dumps, to compiling my lecture notes, this was my go-to resource. If you're someone that recalls information through mental snapshots like me, this app is perfect as it allows you to incorporate images to your notes. You can find a detailed review of the app on pcmag. 

Anki

Flash cards make use of spaced repetition which enables the learners to test their memory within increasing gaps of time. While making flashcards can be fun and exciting, it is not practical to carry stacks of them in the handbag, and you definitely wouldn't have the space to use them in public transport. This is where Anki comes in. You can make umpteen number of flashcards, change layouts and arrange reviewing times to test yourself. The best part is that you can use it anywhere, anytime, and you can sync it to make them accessible on all of your devices.

Pacifica

This app doesn't even need an introduction on my blog, as I've already written about it. While I did not come across this during my undergrad years, this was critical for surviving my Masters. It is no wonder that university can add a lot of stress and anxiety to your life. From what seems like endless examinations, to having to manage anxiety during presentations, to managing social relationships, your resilience will constantly be put to test. This is why I recommend Pacifica. It has features for meditation and deep breathing to manage worry and anxiety, thought records based on Cognitive Behavioural Theory to identify unhelpful thoughts in order to set them right, and offers a supportive network of individuals going through more or less similar situations. 

Spendee

One of the most critical things about adult life or university life is managing your finances. You might be working while studying, and you need to ensure that your hard earned money will be spent on the right things. I know what you're thinking, look who's talking right? This app came to my rescue when I was spending every single cent on makeup and clothes. I'm not saying that I don't purchase any of this now, but I've learned to manage my finances so much better. It allowed me to see what I spent most on (oddly it was travelling), and allocate budgets.