Living in a new country leads to having to find out about new cultures, new places, new way of living and so much more, all by yourself. If you are an international student, moving to the UK feels like moving to a new world where no one can really guide you and you have to figure stuff out for yourself. In situations like this, anybody would be willing to receive basically any help from people in order to make their lives easier. Believe me, it is understandable and natural for every one of us. So, one of the best ways of getting some extra guidance and some extra clarity about living in the UK is by using apps.
1. Evernote
Evernote is a easy note-taking app that allows you to organise your thoughts, lecture notes, and study materials in one place. With its easy-to-use interface, you can create notebooks for different subjects, tag notes for quick access, and even scan handwritten notes. Evernote’s cloud synchronization ensures that your notes are accessible across all your devices, making it a perfect tool for staying organized and productive.
2. Microsoft Office 365
Most UK universities offer free access to Microsoft Office 365 for their students. This suite includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote, essential tools for writing essays, creating presentations, and managing data. The integration with OneDrive ensures that your documents are saved securely in the cloud and can be accessed from anywhere. Additionally, Microsoft Teams, included in Office 365, is excellent for group projects and communication.
3. Google Calendar
Google Calendar is an essential app for managing your schedule. It allows you to create events, set reminders, and sync with your university timetable. You can also create multiple calendars for different aspects of your life, such as academics, extracurricular activities, and personal appointments. The sharing feature is great for coordinating study groups and planning social events with friends.
4. Duolingo
If you’re looking to learn a new language or improve your existing language skills, Duolingo is a fantastic app to have. With its gamified approach to language learning, Duolingo makes studying fun and engaging. The app offers a wide range of languages and adapts to your learning pace, making it suitable for beginners and advanced learners alike.
5. Forest
Staying focused and avoiding distractions can be challenging, especially with the constant buzz of social media. Forest is an innovative app that helps you stay concentrated by gamifying the process. When you need to focus, you plant a virtual tree that grows as you work. If you leave the app to check your phone, the tree dies. Over time, you can grow a whole forest, representing your productivity. It’s a simple yet effective way to boost your study sessions.
6. City mapper
Navigating a new city can be overwhelming, but City mapper makes it a breeze. This app provides detailed public transport information, including buses, trains, and trams, along with walking and cycling routes. It offers real-time updates, route options, and even the estimated cost of travel. Whether you’re commuting to campus or exploring the city, City mapper is your go-to app for getting around.
7. Spotify
Music can be a great companion during study sessions or downtime. Spotify offers a vast library of music, podcasts, and curated playlists to suit every mood. You can create your own playlists, discover new artists, and even find study-specific playlists designed to enhance focus and concentration. The offline mode is especially handy for listening without using your data.
8. Strava
Staying active is crucial for maintaining physical and mental health. Strava is a fitness app that tracks your running, cycling, and other workouts using GPS. It provides detailed analytics, social features, and the ability to join challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, Strava can help you stay motivated and connect with a community of fitness enthusiasts.
9. UniDays
As a student, you’re entitled to various discounts and offers, and UniDays is the app to help you access them. UniDays partners with numerous brands to provide exclusive student discounts on clothing, technology, food, and more. Simply sign up with your university email and enjoy savings on your everyday purchases.
10. Monzo
Managing your finances is a vital skill for university life, and Monzo makes it easier. Monzo is a digital bank that offers a user-friendly app to help you budget, track spending, and save money. It provides real-time notifications for transactions, insights into your spending habits, and features like bill splitting and saving pots. With Monzo, you can keep your finances in check and avoid unexpected surprises.
These apps are designed to enhance your university experience, helping you stay organized, focused, and connected. By leveraging these digital tools, you can streamline your academic workload, explore new interests, and make the most of your time at university. Happy studying!
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