Being an international student can be a thrilling yet challenging experience. With the right apps, however, you can navigate through your academic journey and daily life more smoothly. 

Shopping Discounts

1. Unidays

Unidays is a fantastic app for students looking to save money on their favourite brands. By simply signing up with your student email, you can access a plethora of discounts across various categories, including fashion, technology, and more. Whether you need new clothes for the semester or a laptop for your studies, Unidays has you covered.

Check out Jesselyn's student budgeting tips!

2. Student Beans

Similar to Unidays, Student Beans offers a wide range of student discounts. It’s easy to use and provides access to exclusive deals on electronics, travel, fashion, and food. With Student Beans, stretching your student budget becomes a lot easier.

Accommodation

3. SpareRoom

Finding affordable accommodation can be a daunting task, especially in a new country. SpareRoom is an excellent app that helps you find rooms and flatmates based on your preferences and budget. It’s a lifesaver for students looking for a place to stay close to their university.

4. Amber App

Amber App specialises in student accommodation, providing listings that cater specifically to students' needs. From private rooms to shared spaces, Amber App ensures you find a comfortable and affordable place to call home.

Hear from our students about accommodation at Queen's and in Belfast

Food Delivery

5. Just Eat

When you're too busy to cook, Just Eat comes to the rescue with a wide variety of affordable meal options delivered straight to your doorstep. It’s perfect for those late night study sessions when hunger strikes.

6. Uber Eats

Uber Eats offers quick delivery from a vast selection of restaurants. Whether you crave local cuisine or international dishes, Uber Eats has something for everyone, ensuring you never miss a meal.

Check out the best lunch spots around campus!

7. Fast Food Chains

Don't forget about popular fast food chains like Domino's, McDonald's and KFC, which often have their own apps with student-friendly deals and discounts.

University Apps

8. Canvas

Canvas is an essential app for managing your coursework. It provides access to class materials, assignments, grades, and allows communication with professors and classmates. Staying on top of your academic responsibilities has never been easier.

9. Queen's Digital App

If you’re attending Queen’s University, this app is a one-stop-shop for everything you need, from your digital ID card to campus news and events. It simplifies university life by keeping all essential information at your fingertips.

For upcoming events, also check out What's On at Queen's

10. Symplicity

Symplicity is a robust platform that connects students with career services, job listings, and internship opportunities. It's an invaluable resource for planning your professional future while still in school. It's tied up with the MyFuture, you can book career consulting, CV reviews etc in this app.

11. Microsoft Suite

 - MS Authenticator: Enhances security for your university accounts.
 - MS Teams: Facilitates group work and communication.
 - MS Outlook: Manages your emails and schedules.
 - OneDrive: Stores your documents and coursework securely in the cloud.

Laundry

12. Circuit Laundry

Many student accommodations use Circuit Laundry, an app that allows you to check machine availability, pay for laundry, and get notifications when your laundry is done. It makes doing laundry less of a chore.

Technology Apps

13. ChatGPT

For research, study help or even just answering general questions, ChatGPT is an excellent resource that provides information and support.

14. Google Drive

Google Drive offers ample storage space for your documents, making collaboration on projects easy and efficient.

Banking

15. Revolut/Monzo

These digital banks are tailored for students, providing easy money management, currency exchange, and budgeting tools right from your mobile phone. They’re perfect for international transactions and keeping track of your finances.

Check out our student guides to cost of living

16. Traditional Bank Apps

Your local bank apps (like HSBC) also offer mobile services that make managing your account and making payments convenient as you no need to carry physical cards but just use these apps for making payments.

Job-Related Apps

17. LinkedIn

Building a professional network is crucial, and LinkedIn helps you connect with potential employers, alumni, and industry professionals.

Check out Madhurya's beginners guide to using LinkedIn here.

18. NI Jobs, Reed.co.uk, Total Jobs

These job search platforms are great for finding part-time jobs, internships, and graduate positions.

19. Fishbowl and Blind

These apps provide insights into company cultures, salaries, and more through anonymous professional discussions.

Also by Madhurya: Curating the Ideal LinkedIn Profile

Travel

20. Google Maps

An essential tool for navigating your new city and finding the best routes to your university, accommodation, and more.

21. Translink

For those in the UK, especially Northern Ireland, Translink offers detailed public transport schedules, routes, and ticket purchasing options.

22. Ryanair and Trainline

These apps make booking flights and train tickets easy, often with student discounts available for budget-friendly travel.

23. Cab Apps

- Uber: A popular choice for quick and reliable rides, especially late at night or in unfamiliar areas.
- FonaCab: A local cab service in Belfast known for its reliability and ease of booking through the app/ via calls.
- Value Cabs: Another trusted local taxi service with a user-friendly app, perfect for getting around Belfast.

Find out more about getting to Belfast

Grocery Shopping

24. Lidl Plus

Lidl Plus offers discounts and rewards on your grocery shopping, helping you save on essentials.

25. M&S, Tesco Clubcard

These supermarket apps provide special offers and loyalty rewards, ensuring you get the best deals on your grocery shopping.

Social and Events

26. Eventbrite

Eventbrite is great for finding local events, workshops, and activities, helping you make the most of your social life.

With these apps, international students can streamline their daily tasks, save money, and make the most of their academic and social life. Whether you need a discount on a new laptop, a quick meal, or a way to find accommodation, these tools have got you covered. Welcome to your new adventure!

Find out more

Living in Belfast

Study MSc Business Analytics at Queen's

India: Admissions Guide

Madhurya Jagadeesh MSc Business Analytics | Postgraduate Student | India I am a dedicated Business and Data Analyst with a strong academic foundation and a history in various analytical roles. My educational journey includes a Master of Science in Business Analytics from Queen's University Belfast and a Bachelor of Engineering in Information Science & Engineering.