This article was published by the Great British Mag content team on 3 Jan 2022
Navigating the UK as an international student, though fun, can also be tricky sometimes. This is when technology can be your best friend, which is why we have put together a list of 10 must-have apps to make your life easier.
NHS Track and Trace
With Covid still very much present in the UK this is arguably the most important app of them all. Given most places like bars and restaurants ask you to ‘check in’ so you can be contacted if they have a Covid outbreak the NHS Track and Trace app allows you to do this with one tap, rather than having to do the laborious task of writing your contact details.
XE
XE is a currency converter app which helps you get the best exchange rate. As opposed to banks it will tell you the exact exchange rate in real-time for most of the world’s currencies.
Facebook messenger
This may come as an obvious one but just in case—create a Facebook account if you don’t have one and download Facebook messenger. This is what most people in the UK use as their main form of communication and you don’t want to be left out!
TOTUM
As a student in the UK, you will be able to get discounts for virtually anything. One of the best apps for this is TOTUM, which has over 300 discounts on many national brands as well as local ones. The app is completely free but you can also get a physical card for £14.99 that gives you more discounts worldwide and acts as your proof of age, name and status as an international student.
Google Translate
This one is a classic but that doesn’t make it less important. Every international student needs Google Translate in their phone for those pesky moments when you blank out on… you know… that thing… that you use for… *snaps fingers* you know that thing right? What was the word?! Argghh!
Grammarly
Grammarly is a plugin that you can add to your computer or download as an app on your phone that will check your grammar and spelling. The basic plan is completely free and it will come in very handy when you are writing essays or emails to make sure that your English is on point.
Supermarket app
No matter what supermarket you shop at, there is sure to be an app for it. Make sure you download it as it will be full of discounts and special promotions for you to save some money on your weekly shop.
University’s official app
Not all universities have one, but you should check whether yours has an app. It will probably come with useful things such as a map of the campus and points of interest as well as many other features that will come in handy during your studies.
World clock or time conversion app
There are many good options for this one, or maybe your phone comes with it included. Whatever the case, a time conversion app will tell you exactly what time it is back home so that you don’t have to waste time doing the math.
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