Studying abroad in a new country and city is exciting! But it does come with a few challenges. Whether it’s navigating your new home for the year, managing a tight budget while adjusting to new currencies, or planning your weekend travel, you can often find yourself juggling multiple tasks. Luckily, there are a couple of apps out there that can help with that. They are user-friendly, free to use, and can make your life easier!
In this blog post, I’ll be sharing some essential apps that have made my time studying abroad in London much easier. Hopefully, you’ll find them helpful too!
🗺️For Navigation: Citymapper
If you’re studying in a city like London, with an extensive public transport network, mastering the ins and outs of all the transport options and schedules is a must. Citymapper is a highly rated app for getting around and was recommended to me by several Londoners. The app provides real-time updates on public transport, walking routes, and cycling options. Whether you’re on the Tube or taking the bus, Citymapper will tell you exactly how to get to your destination, including walking distances and transit times. It will also give you an estimate of how much the journey will cost.
📌Why It’s Essential📌
- Ideal for navigating London’s complex transit system but works in other global cities.
- Helps you save time and avoid confusion in unfamiliar places.
⭐️Tip⭐️
- Use the “price comparison” feature to choose the most budget-friendly route.
- Save your most frequented places.
- Select the audio feature so you can listen to navigation directions while walking so you don’t need to have your phone out. It even tells you when to get off while on the tube!
🚘For Transportation: Bolt
If you’re running late, transporting luggage, or travelling when public transport is not an easy option, Bolt is a ride-hailing app that offers quick and affordable transportation in many cities. It includes multiple options for vehicles in different price ranges.
📌Why It’s Essential📌
- Reliable alternative to public transport, especially late at night or in unfamiliar areas.
- While Uber may have wider coverage, Bolt allows drivers to set their own prices so you can potentially pay less and receive fewer cancellations.
⭐️Tip⭐️
- You can reserve a Bolt ride up to 90 days in advance, so if you have an important event or flight to catch, take advantage of this feature!
✈️For Travel Planning
- Omio:
If you’re planning trips over the weekend or during holiday breaks, Omio is an all-in-one travel planning app that combines options for trains, buses, flights, and ferries. It compares prices, travel times, and offers a variety of booking options so you can filter and choose what best fits your budget and schedule. If you want to compare options and plan your route ahead of time, this is an app you don’t want to overlook!
📌Why It’s Essential📌
- Perfect for weekend getaways or trips across Europe during study breaks.
- You can plan according to budget and can book from multiple vendors all within one website.
⭐️Tip⭐️
- Use it to compare travel options like trains over flights.
- Expedia
Expedia is another app that allows you to book everything from flights and hotels to rental cars and vacation packages. It’s especially handy for booking trips in advance, and it offers good deals if you bundle your flights and hotel.
📌Why It’s Essential📌
- A one-stop app for all travel arrangements, making last-minute trips stress-free.
⭐️Tip⭐️
- Browse the “Things to Do” tab to see what sort of activities you can do.
💰For Currency: XE Currency
If you’re travelling to a new country with a different currency, staying on track of how much you’re spending with a new conversion rate can prove to be a challenge. Additionally, if you are paying people back in a different currency, it can also be a hassle to find what the equivalent amount is. XE Currency is an app that offers real-time currency conversion for over 130 currencies. It also offers competitive rates for international money transfers.
📌Why It’s Essential:📌
- Keeps you informed of currency fluctuations, so you can budget effectively.
⭐️Tip⭐️
- Bookmark your most-used conversions for quick access, whether you’re shopping or planning a trip.
🧭For Exploring the UK: National Trust
Want to explore more of the UK beyond the typical tourist spots? The National Trust app provides information on over 500 historic sites, natural wonders, and cultural landmarks across the country.
📌Why It’s Essential📌
- Great for those interested in history and nature lovers looking to explore areas beyond the usual London attractions.
- You’ll get to discover hidden gems and dive deeper into the local culture.
⭐️Tip⭐️
- Keep an eye out for student discounts or free entry days to enjoy!
From getting around the city to planning your next adventure, these tools will help you stay organised, save money, and make the most out of your time abroad. Enjoy!
