Top 5 Google Tools for College Students

Google is a part of our daily lives.  It’s mentioned everyday and when you’re looking for something, you go there.  In this article, you will discover the top 5 Google tools and services that college students use.

Top 5 Google Tools and Services for College Students

1. Google Docs

Google Docs is Google’s online word processor.  If you have a Google account you can access this tool from anywhere around the world, as long as you have Internet connection.  This is special because you do not have to use your computer for it.  College students think that Google Docs is useful because they can access it if they spend a lot of time in libraries or computer labs.  You can import and export Word documents, as well as saving them in a PDF format.  But the best feature has to be collaboration.  Yes, you can send links to people.  Once they open up your document they can edit your document (if you allow them to) and save it.  Multiple people can edit the document…AT THE SAME TIME!  While one or more people are editing your document, you’ll be able to see all the changes in real-time.  But Google Docs isn’t used for just documents, you can choose to create spreadsheets and presentations as well.

Though Google Docs doesn’t have the exact interface as Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, it is still a useful product.  So if you plan on sharing documents, don’t send e-mail attachments, use Google Docs!  To watch a video with more information about Google Docs, click here.

Average User Rating:  7.3/10, VERY GOOD
My Rating:  7.5

2.  Blogger

Blogger is what it sounds like.  A personal blog for you.  College students use it to write posts and keep their friends and family up-to-date on college life.  Creating a blog takes only three short steps.  Once you’ve created your blog you can publish your thoughts, receive feedback, post videos and pictures, and edit it mobile.  Click here to take a tour.

Average User Rating:  8.0/10, EXCELLENT
My Rating:  7.0

3.  Gmail

Why use the tacky e-mail system that the university gives you?  Gmail is free and offers you over 6522 MB of storage.  You can also chat with your friends in your e-mail’s inbox while checking your e-mail.  Find e-mails faster with a search queue instead of creating specific folders for messages.

Average User Rating:  9.7/10, SPECTACULAR
My Rating:  9.9

4.  Maps

Google Maps is very useful and has been innovated in such a way that makes it much better than before.  On the weekend, college students just want to relax after a hard week of classes.  After they do their homework, they sleep (or the party animals go out and party).  Let’s say a student wants a pizza.  They can go on their computer and get on Google Maps.  They’ll type in “Pizza” in the search queue and many balloons will pop up on the local map.  What makes Google Maps so powerful is that it is so much more than a conventional map.  They can read reviews and comments on specific pizza parlors, find coupons and discounts, and so much more.  As well as finding information not related to maps, new features have been added for planned trips.  You can change your route to your desired destination.  But most importantly, you can plan transit trips.  Here is a video about the “Transit Trips” feature.

Average User Rating:  10/10, PERFECT
My Rating:  10.0

5.  Calendar

Google Calendar is a great way to share events with people.  College students use it to organize their events, study/homework time, and to keep their family informed about their schedule.  You can manage multiple calendars and can control who sees it and who doesn’t.

Average User Rating:  10/10, PERFECT
My Rating:  6.2