As an international student, adjusting to life in the UK can be exciting yet overwhelming. From managing finances and finding the best transport routes to staying connected with friends and balancing studies, there’s a lot to juggle. Luckily, technology makes the transition smoother! Here’s a list of 10 must-have apps that can make life in the UK more convenient, efficient, and enjoyable.
1. City mapper
Why You Need It: Navigating new cities can be challenging, especially in a place with complex transport systems like London. City mapper offers real-time updates on buses, trains, trams, and even bike routes, making it easy to get around.
Features:
- Real-time route planner for major UK cities (including London, Manchester, Birmingham).
- Integration with bus, train, tram, and bike services.
- Step-by-step navigation and live wait times.
Cost: Free (in-app purchases for additional features)
2. Revolute or Monzo
Why You Need It: Setting up a bank account is essential, but traditional bank processes can be lengthy. Apps like Revolute and Monzo simplify banking with digital accounts, allowing you to manage finances, transfer money internationally, and save without fees.
Features:
- Fee-free international money transfers.
- Budgeting tools that help categorize and track spending.
- Instant notifications for transactions, giving you control over your spending.
Cost: Free basic account; premium options available
3. UNiDAYS
Why You Need It: Student discounts are available nearly everywhere in the UK, from clothing and tech to food and entertainment. UNiDAYS provides access to discounts from top brands, helping you save on essentials.
Features:
- Verified student discounts for brands like Apple, Nike, ASOS, and Spotify.
- Flash sales and extra deals exclusive to members.
Cost: Free
4. Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
Why You Need It: Whether it’s for group projects, assignments, or presentations, having a reliable suite of productivity tools is essential. Microsoft Office and Google Workspace both offer online and offline options for document creation, storage, and collaboration.
Features:
- Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive (Microsoft) or Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive (Google).
- Collaboration features that allow group editing and sharing.
- Cloud storage to access documents from any device.
Cost: Free (with a .edu email) or student discounts available for full access.
5. Duolingo
Why You Need It: For non-native English speakers, Duolingo can be a fun way to improve language skills. The app offers short, daily lessons in English (and other languages), helping you adjust to conversations and academic life in the UK.
Features:
- Bite-sized language lessons for all levels.
- Fun, gamified learning experience.
- Track progress and set personalized goals.
Cost: Free; Premium version available for ad-free learning
6. TransferWise (Wise)
Why You Need It: For international students, transferring money from home can be costly due to high fees and exchange rates. Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers a low-cost, transparent way to transfer money internationally.
Features:
- Real-time, transparent exchange rates.
- Low fees and instant transfers in many cases.
- Multi-currency accounts for easy management.
Cost: Free to download, with small fees for international transfers
7. NHS App
Why You Need It: Health is a priority, and as an international student, it’s crucial to access healthcare easily. The NHS App is the UK’s official health service app, allowing you to book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions, and access health information.
Features:
- Book and manage GP appointments online.
- Order repeat prescriptions and access your medical records.
- Get advice on health conditions and treatments.
Cost: Free
8. TOTUM
Why You Need It: Like UNiDAYS, TOTUM offers access to exclusive student discounts but also includes an ISIC (International Student Identity Card) option, which allows you to access deals not only in the UK but also internationally.
Features:
- Thousands of discounts on food, travel, and retail.
- ISIC card included for extra international student discounts.
- In-app location-based deals and alerts.
Cost: Free with paid upgrade options for ISIC card access
9. Splitwise
Why You Need It: Living with roommates means sharing costs on utilities, groceries, and outings. Splitwise makes it easy to track shared expenses, ensuring everyone pays their fair share without the hassle.
Features:
- Split expenses evenly or by percentage.
- Group expense tracking with reminders and balances.
- Integration with Venmo or PayPal for easy paybacks.
Cost: Free; Premium version available for more features
10. Headspace or Calm
Why You Need It: Balancing studies, work, and social life in a new country can be stressful. Headspace and Calm offer guided meditation, breathing exercises, and sleep aids to help manage stress and maintain mental well-being.
Features:
- Meditation and relaxation techniques for stress and focus.
- Sleep stories and music for better rest.
- Daily reminders and mental health support features.
Cost: Free basic access; Premium subscriptions available for full content
2 Comments
Your information is very helpful for new students.
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