I tried really hard before I ventured overseas to prepare my phone, but really you don't realise things you need until you're in that situation! These are the apps I used frequently.
1. ISIC Student Card
Let's start with probably the most useful and important for a student. If you don't already, get an ISIC card! It is the only internationally recognised card and is the way you can gain sweet deals with many companies, but most importantly in my case (Coronavirus sending me home and all) I got to score student deals with STA Travel and got reduced flights when I had 4 days to leave England.2. First Bus
This app was good for purchasing tickets really quick on your phone with ApplePay as you ran to catch a bus, and also works out what times you need to leave and walk to take a bus, kind of like google maps. You also have the option of buying a student ticket for a month or semester (I luckily didn't do) but in Leeds, a student ticket is 1.20 pounds flat. I wouldn't trust the buses to arrive on time, but yet on the main road you would have 3 different buses to pick from, so I never waited more than 10 minutes.3. Trainline
Trains in England cost a kidney compared to the price in Australia. I found a lot of the time that trains would be upwards of 35 pounds which I was absolutely not going to spend for an hour's trip. The trainline app helps find off-peak trips, which usually only cost around 7-13 pounds. Was a lifesaver when I missed my train! Must download this one kiddos.4. WhatsApp
When someone tells you that Europe has an obsession with WhatsApp, believe them. You have a better chance of using this over messenger. My flatmates preferred using this app over connecting on Facebook and we would have group chats and be able to call and text via wifi. A lot of English people also use it, but mainly it's the best form of communication with any other internationals you meet.5. Wetherspoon
I was so late to this. But it is a MUST. Spoons are the best place to get some cheap grog and a good warm meal, though some Brits will argue the food quality. (I never had a bad time) You use the app to order for your table, and it is just beautiful. Imagine a litre of a cocktail coming out 3 minutes after you ordered it from the comfort of your booth, exquisite.6. Amber Cars (maybe Leeds specific)
Amber Cars is a taxi service that operates in Leeds (not sure of other locations). God, this app helped so much when Uber hiked up pricing. A life-saving moment was when a trip that usually cost 5-7 pound was hiked up to 20 pounds on Uber. Amber didn't change their rate and it was the cheaper option. When I attended UoL they had an agreement with the taxi service too! If you need a lift home at night, give them your student ID and it's free. I'm pretty sure you would just collect your ID the next day from uni but I never used this option (silly me).7. Circuit
If you want to wash your clothes, you need this. It's what most English universities have in terms of digital balances for washing and drying systems. Also has a countdown on your stuff, just don't leave it too long otherwise people will happily throw your clothes (wet or dry) onto a lounge or table nearby.8. Outlook
I primarily use Gmail, but my university used Outlook for their email service. Quick and easy to get to, simples.9. Fatsoma
This is a ticketing system, mainly for clubs and parties happening. I used this app heaps to secure tickets for nightclubs as they weren't big on entry fees on the door. A lot of the club nights sell out as well so it was the quickest way to secure tickets for you and mates for a good night out. If you're in Leeds, I can 100% promise you will use this app a lot. It keeps your tickets on hand too!Along with these apps, of course, we have Uber and UberEats!
An important note is that the App Store isn't very flexible with some app downloads. A lot of us got stuck with our medical centre having an app for bookings. With the pandemic surging, of course, we weren't allowed in without booking. Having an Australian account, I wasn't able to download the app. You can get around it by calling, but it was really frustrating having to repeat yourself every time you were scolded for not using an app. I didn't come across any other apps with this issue, but definitely keep it in mind when heading abroad.
Blog Post by Maigan Webster
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