Everyone has reached that point in his or her college career when it’s 40 minutes into class, you’ve lost track of what the professor is saying and you’ve given up on taking notes. Instead you’re on your phone, then class is suddenly over and you’ve missed a thing or two that’s going to be on the midterm.
But zoning out in lectures could soon be a thing of the past. Since downloading the app Pocket Points—an app created by two college students, designed to incentivize the classroom experience—I no longer use my phone in class. Better yet, I’m not even tempted to.
Instead of stalking food Instagram accounts on my phone, I’m day dreaming about the free food I can get using my Pocket Points. That’s right, you earn free points by not checking your phone in class, and then can use the points toward free food in and around your college campus. Go ahead, cry tears of joy.
GIF courtesy of giphy.com
Need this in your life? Here’s how:
Step 1: Download Pocket Points from the App Store and register with your school.
GIF courtesy of giphy.com
The app has programmed boundaries using “geo-fencing,” so it knows the difference between being in class and being in bed, which is where we would all rather be.
Step 2: Open the app at the start of class and “lock your phone.”
Photo by Anna Bianculli
A message will pop up on the lock screen saying “you’re earning points,” and then you know you’re in business. The app also works in libraries, study areas, lecture halls, etc. Unfortunately, it does NOT work in dorm rooms, dining halls or the gym.
Step 3: Go to a participating food place, open up Pocket Points and redeem your “gift.”
GIF courtesy of giphy.com
Each gift has a certain number of points needed in order to cash it in for free food. Better yet, you can compete with your friends to see who has the most points.
Places where you can redeem your points include: Ben & Jerry’s, Subway, Chick-fil-a, Smoothie King and other local eateries in and around your campus. Check our the Pocket Points website for a full list of participating merchants.
Photo courtesy of pocketpoints.com
Yes, it is as easy as that. And Tuesdays are “2x’s Tuesdays” meaning you get double the points—which means double the free food.
GIF courtesy of giphy.com
#SpoonTip: You cannot actually live off of Pocket Points, so please keep your meal plan.