We’ve put together some of the best free apps you can download now before you arrive in October, that can help make living in London and being a student that little bit easier.
1. Uber
Available on iOS, Android, Windows Phone and BlackBerry
The Uber app is a lifesaver on nights out when the buses just don’t seem to be appearing and you’re all out of cash. The app allows you to summon nearby Uber taxis which can take you home for a fraction of the cost of a black cab.
The app uses your debit card details and deducts the fare straight from your card, and there is an option to split fares through the app if you fancy sharing the ride home with some friends. Not sure if you can afford the trip? The app also gives you clear estimates for your journey before you book.
2. Imperial College Mobile
Available on iOS, Android and BlackBerry
The Imperial College Mobile app lets you register as a student using your college email address and password, and keeps you up to date with the latest news and events
You can use the app to view your Welcome Week schedule, access your course timetable, and even see what books are available to take out from the Imperial libraries.
3. GBK Loyalty App
Available on iOS and Android
Gourmet Burger Kitchen, or GBK, is a string of inexpensive burger bars that are great for when you need a quick and yummy bite to eat!
Simply present the app on your phone and your student discount card at the till when you buy your food, and enjoy 35% off your order between Sunday and Thursday. The nearest GBK to campus is on Old Brompton Road, about a five minute walk from South Kensington Tube station, and is a student favourite.
4. Citymapper
Available on iOS and Android
This app is an essential for any Londoner! It shows you the quickest route to get from A to B in the city using whatever combination of buses, tubes, bikes, or trains that you fancy. It can show you the nearest stops and stations, displays live tube updates and lets you know when the next bus is about to leave.
It even shows you how many Santander Cycles (or more popularly known as Boris bikes) are available in the nearby docking stations, and if there are any free spaces if you need to return your bike after a journey.
5. Amazon
Available on iOS, Android and Windows Phone
This app is even more worthwhile if you sign up for Amazon Prime student membership, which is free for the first six months. You get unlimited One-Day delivery on prime-eligible products, and can get them delivered straight to your halls or the Amazon lockers, located on the Sherfield Walkway, next to The Union Shop and Shop Extra.
6. An Online banking app
These are available from most UK banks, such as Natwest, HSBC, Santander, Barclays and TSB.
Now that you may be in control of your own finances for the very first time, downloading an app to keep track of your cash is probably a smart move. You can track your outgoings, maintenance loan or bursary payments and transfer cash on the go, which is ideal for a busy student!
7. Skyscanner
Available on iOS, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry
Skyscanner is a great app for all of you that travel frequently. It finds the cheapest flights available across many of the major airlines: just type in where you want to go and it does the rest.
It also features day to day price comparison charts so if you are flexible with your departure or return dates, you can save a few more pennies in the process.
8. Time Out – Discover your city travel guide
Available on iOS, Android
The Time Out app is the portable version of the Time Out Magazine, the free weekly guide to everything that is happening in London. The app suggests fresh ideas for going out, lets you book restaurant reservations and keeps you updated with the latest offers and openings going on across the city.
9. Viber
Available on iOS, Android, Windows Phone, BlackBerry, Nokia
Available for your phone or your desktop, Viber lets you make free calls and send messages to any device in any country. This app is great for calling home and keeping in touch with your parents if they are living outside of the UK.
