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8 apps to help you through the boredom of self-isolation

Lara Billington
Content Marketing Executive

Is self-isolation finally getting to you? 

Have you already baked banana bread, downloaded, deleted then re-downloaded House Party and shaved your head? If you're running out of things to do in self-isolation, here's some apps that might keep you occupied for a little while longer. 

 

1. Duolingo 

  • Cost: Free 
  • Download on: iOS, Android

duolingo

If you want to be able to come out the other side of self-isolation and say you did something productive, why not learn a new language? Duolingo offer courses in a bunch of languages, whether you want to learn Spanish or Hungarian. Lessons are adapted to suit your learning style and you can earn rewards and unlock levels to help you stay motivated.

Who knows, by the time you get around to going on that cancelled holiday to France, you might know how to order a bottle of wine in French? 

 

 

2. Uni-Dating 

  • Cost: Free
  • Download on: iOS, Android 

unidating

Singletons, your love life doesn't have to dry up just because we're in isolation. In fact, if you're that person who talks to 10 people at once but never goes on a date, now you've got a legit excuse not to meet up with anyone.

Uni-Dating matches you with other students at your uni or ones close by, perfect for those of you who're still living in uni accommodation. You might want to set up a new flame in time for the end of lock down, or maybe you just want someone to chat do during this weird time. 

 

 

3. Couch to 5k 

  • Cost: Free
  • Download on: iOS, Android 

couch25k

If you're one of the very few people who's not taken up running over the past two weeks, Couch to 5k is a great place to start if you want to. You run three times a week, working your way up over the weeks until you can run 5k in 30 minutes. You can be coached by trainer Laura or pick a celebrity coach, which includes the likes of Sarah Millican, Jo Whiley and ex-Olympic sprinter, Michael Johnson

As well as getting your quota of outdoor exercise in, running is a good way to clear you head if you're feeling stressed or anxious. 

 


4. Big Oven Recipes and Meal Planner

  • Cost: Free
  • Download on: iOS, Android

bigover12

If you've decided to put a bit more effort into your meals now you've got some extra time, BigOven is an app that might interest you. It offers a simple way to find food inspiration, plan meals and store and share recipes you find online, in cookbooks and make yourself. You can also find recipe inspiration, plan meals, create grocery lists and use up leftovers by finding recipes with the ingredients you already have. 

 

 

5.  Youper

  • Cost: Free 
  • Download on: iOS, Android 

yopier

It's a crazy time at the moment and your head might be all over the shop. If it is, 'emotional health assistant' app Youper might help you out. Created by a team of doctors, scientists and engineers, Youper uses artificial intelligence to personalise mindfulness and therapy techniques that suit how you're feeling and what you need. You can track your mood and monitor your emotional wellbeing to better understand you can improve it. 

 

 

6. Udemy

  • Cost: Prices depend on the course
  • Download on: iOS, Android 

udemy2

There's no better time than right now to work on upskilling yourself, especially if you plan to start applying for jobs in the near future. Udemy is a website and app offering hundreds of online courses in everything from Photography to Ethical Hacking. You can find full 40 hour courses for as little as £12.99 and at the end, you'll receive a certificate of completion to add to your CV. 

 

 

7. Netflix Party 

  • Cost: Free with a Netflix account 
  • Download on: Chrome

netflixparty

Now Netflix Party isn't technically an app but it deserves a mention anyway. Install it through Google Chrome's web store, open Netflix, choose a film and you can synchronise it with friends so you can watch together. It also has a group chat feature so you can talk about what you're watching as the video plays - ideal if you need someone to listen to your running commentary over an episode of Tiger King. 

 

 

8. Audible 

  • Cost: Free 30 day trial (plus you can get 50% off subscriptions with Student Beans) 
  • Download on: iOS, Android 

audible

If you like the idea of reading but never have the patience or attention to get through a whole book, Audible is a handy alternative. It has a library full of thousands of books which you can download and listen to on their app. It also means you can listen to a book whilst doing other things like exercising, sitting on the sofa, wandering around your house, staring into the abyss - you know, things people do in lock down.