These apps will not only make you feel productive but make you feel like a true Londoner – on top of your university and social life and know (or at least appear like you know) London like the back of your hand.
As students, we don’t quite have a routine day-to-day, instead we exist in the middle of a military zone. We are constantly tired, hungry, and bombarded with new compulsory readings and assessments we are required to complete within short notice.
We procrastinate and drink gallons of coffee thinking it will help us stay ahead of the game. Undoubtedly, we find ourselves prioritising our to-do list poorly – like choosing to clean our room instead of writing that much dreaded assignment – in an attempt to avoiding the unavoidable.
However, I have recommended ten student-friendly mobile apps that you must download – for finding secret clubs on a budget to finding your way around the big city.
Study apps
Moodle [Android/ iOS]
In a previous post of mine, How to Survive Exams, I have mentioned how essential Moodle is for students. With the Moodle app on your phone or desktop you can access everything offline – from PowerPoint presentations and library resources to timetable, grades and even your department’s common room. Only one click away from checking something quickly while on the tube or while running errands, Moodle will help you keep on top of everything university related.
StudyBlue [Android/iOS]
This revision app is perfect for people who are flash card and quiz fanatics or even for those of you who don’t have enough time to study and prepare for coursework or exams.
StudyBlue is an app that enables you to customise your study materials with images and audio. You could quiz yourself, track your progress and set study reminders. My favourite features are the sharing tool that allows you to share flashcards with your classmates and teachers, and the search tool which allows you to find existing materials on the web with one easy keyword search. Use this app while commuting or when you want to squeeze in that last five minutes of revisions before you sit your exam.
Make revision manageable with StudyBlue
Citationsy [iOS]
This app takes away the hustle and bustle of referencing and creating a bibliography. This free app will organise your citations into different colour-coded projects and export them in over 8,500 different styles. The only thing you have to do is scan your book’s barcode to generate a reference formatted in Harvard, Chicago, or any other style that your university demands.
Let Citationsy create your bibliography
Evernote [Android/ iOS/ Web]
This app is extremely useful if you would like to be more organised and capture and priorities projects, ideas, and to-do lists in one single place. With Evernote, you could document ideas in a variety of formats, including sketches, photos, and web clippings. You could use the camera to scan and organise paper documents, handwritten notes, and drawings, create to-do lists and reminders or let multiple participants work on different aspects for joint projects. The best thing is that you can sync your mobile app with your computer and tablet, enabling you to document ideas and your train of thoughts, wherever you are.
Organise your notes on Evernote
Travel apps
CityMapper [Android/ iOS/ Web]
CityMapper is one of the best and most used apps I have ever downloaded on my phone. Even if you are familiar with London, this app will still be useful for your day-to-day commute. The only thing you need to do is select the location where you are heading to and the app will automatically give you different options of travel – including waking, cycling, bus, tube, it will even suggest Uber. The app displays the cost for each option of travel and estimates how long it will take you. It is incredibly precise and easy to use.
Plan your journeys on CityMapper
Trainline [Android/ iOS]
Used on a regular basis, Trainline helps me plan my trips accurately to the very last second. With this app you won’t have to wait in queues ever again – just add your railcard for discounts, buy and use the mobile ticket on the go. You can see live departure and arrival times for trains to your chosen destination, view the platform number, and receive live updates on delays and alterations to your journey. You don’t need to use your data allowance to upload your ticket to go through the gates, and you can enjoy the perks of a regular ticket – you have the option to cancel, change or refund your ticket all via the app.
Check your train schedule on Trainline
Railcard [Android/ iOS]
I am a passionate traveller and with the help of the Trainline app planning a journey has never been easier. However, I started spending way too much on tickets until I found out about the 16-25 Railcard discount. For only £30 it’ll save you 30 per cent on rail fares throughout Great Britain for a whole year. After you purchase your card, download the app in order to be verified if needed.
Claim your rail fair discounts with Railcard
Promotions & offers
DUSK [Android/ iOS]
Every Friday and on weekends students face the same problem. Where do I go to drink? What will they offer? Shall I go for quality drinks or budget drinks? DUSK is your answer!
It suggests you all the pubs and clubs in close proximity to you that DUSK partners with. Therefore you can enjoy discounts up to 30 per cent of your purchase but also have a free alcoholic drink per night. This app will help you find hidden pubs, hipster clubs and challenges you to try drinks and cocktails you might have not had the gut to try. Just select a bar, follow the app’s directions to the bar, and voila! enjoy cheap drinks and an amazing atmosphere!
UNiDAYS [Android/ iOS]
This student app will help you with your student budget at all times. It gives you instant access to student discounts with a variety of brands, including ASOS, Apple, Nike, Schuh, New Look, and Urban Outfitters. To register you need to sign up using your university email address to verify you’re a student. It could save you up to 40 per cent of your purchase and makes shopping incredibly satisfying!
Save on your shopping with UNiDAYS
Burger King [Android/ iOS]
If you enjoy the occasional junk food then, Burger King is your joint. The burger chain offers many deals and vouchers on their app. Log in using your Facebook account details and grab six delicious chilli cheese bites for only £1.29. From 2 for 1 regular whopper meals to a £0.50 regular fries, just present your code and enjoy tasty food on the cheap.
