TikTok Hacks for Students
TikTok has taught us all many things; some useful, most not. This week, we took a look at all the student hacks available on TikTok, and were impressed by the options available! We found all of these TikToks at @stuniiapp, which has an Instagram account of the same name.
To Get Free Textbooks
If you sign up and make a free account at z-lib.org (Z-Library) then you can download your books for free! It works well, but it does not have every book you may need. Regardless, this site is a favourite and a lifesaver for students on a budget who don’t mind using the e-book version of their textbooks.
To Answer Any Math Problem
This hack couldn’t be simpler! First, download the Microsoft Math Solver in the App Store, on Google Play, or open this link. Then, take a picture of the math problem (or fill out the template on the website) and watch the app work it out for you step-by-step. This hack is incredibly useful if you learn by seeing the process and answers first.
To Turn a PowerPoint into Notes
If you download a PowerPoint and need to take notes on it, let your computer do the work. First, download the PowerPoint, then click “File,” then “Print”. In the pop-up, click the dropdown bar next to “Layout,” and click “Outline.” Now your PowerPoint has turned into listed notes that you can refer back to easily! *Instructions may vary based on your operating system.
To Turn Your Written Notes into a PDF or Word Document
First, download the Microsoft Office Lens app. Then, take a picture of your notes, crop it, and let the app do the rest! This is great for those of you that like to handwrite notes to enhance memorization but want to maintain the convenience of having notes on your computer.
To Check Yourself for Plagiarism
If you go to copyleaks.com and paste your work into the text box provided, they will check your work for you. Better safe than sorry!
How to Shorten Your Essay for the Word Count
If you go to summarizing.biz and choose the number of words you want your essay summarized into and paste your assignment, they will automatically do the work for you! The website summarizes your work to fit perfectly into the count you need. Remember to read it over before you submit it, though–as much as technology can do incredible work with algorithms, it can’t always perfectly mimic the flow necessary in a paper.
How to Find References for your Essay
This one is so easy that I’m surprised I never thought of it. First, Google your essay topic. Second, click on the Wikipedia result for your search. Scroll down to the Wikipedia “Reference List” then use those to get a solid start on your assignment! The only down side is that some of these sources may not be reputable or follow University standards. Remember to double check the sources to make sure they provide reputable support for your papers!
For an Essay Template (in any topic)
Just go to TemplateLab.com and search “essay.” Download whichever template catches your eye and essentially fill in the blanks! While this isn’t suitable for final papers or major assignments, it may be useful for short, repetitively-styled responses. Remember to format based on class requirements!
How to Unblock Yourself from Seeing an Article
If you don’t have access to a full article then copy the DOI and paste it into sci-hub.st. The website will unlock the article so that you are free to read as you please. This works on all sorts of papers in any field, from physics to children’s literature, so be sure to check it out if you’re ever suck behind a paywall and are willing to skirt the edges of the law for quality research!
*Please note: The Argus does not condone the illegal use of research. Please remember to properly cite your sources. Research should be accessible, but also properly credited.
How to Take Zoom Notes… Without Typing
I saved the best for last. If you go to Google Docs, click “Tools,” then select “Voice Typing,” your computer will type everything it hears in the document. So, if you do this during a Zoom lecture, the whole thing will be put into notes for you. It may not work perfectly, but hey- it’s a start!
Have you found a student hack that makes studying more accessible, or that makes working online a bit easier? Let us know in the comments!