Top Mobile Apps Every International Student in Australia, Canada, UK, USA Should Have

Moving abroad to study is an exciting adventure! As an international student from Nepal, having the right mobile apps on your smartphone can make your transition smoother, help you navigate your new city, manage finances, stay connected, and enhance your overall experience. This guide highlights essential apps for students in popular destinations like Australia, Canada, the UK, and the USA.

Many of these are also mentioned in our Pre-Departure Toolkit.

1. Navigation & Transport

• Google Maps / Apple Maps:
  • Why: Essential for walking, driving, and public transport directions. Offline map downloads are a lifesaver when you first arrive without local data.
  • Availability: Global.
• City-Specific Public Transport Apps:
  • Why: Most major cities have dedicated apps for real-time bus/train/tram schedules, route planning, and sometimes fare payment.
  • Examples: Opal Travel (Sydney), PTV (Melbourne), TfL Go (London), Transit or Citymapper (many North American & European cities), local transport authority apps.
  • Tip: Research the specific app for your study city before you travel.
• Ride-Sharing Apps:
  • Why: For convenient travel, especially when public transport isn't ideal.
  • Examples: Uber, Lyft (mainly North America), Ola (AUS/NZ/UK), Didi (AUS). Availability varies by city.

2. Communication

• WhatsApp / Viber / Messenger:
  • Why: Essential for staying in touch with family and friends back in Nepal and for communicating with new friends and classmates.
  • Availability: Global.
• Skype / Zoom / Google Meet:
  • Why: For video calls with family, online group study sessions, or virtual university events.
  • Availability: Global.
• University Communication App:
  • Why: Many universities use platforms like Blackboard, Canvas, Moodle, or Microsoft Teams for course materials, announcements, and communication with professors. Download your university's specific app.

3. Finance & Banking

• Your Home Bank's App (Nepal):
  • Why: To monitor your Nepali bank account, make necessary transfers (if any), and manage international transactions initially.
• Your New Local Bank's App:
  • Why: Once you open a bank account in your study country, its app will be crucial for managing local finances, paying bills, and transferring money.
• International Money Transfer Apps:
  • Why: For sending/receiving money internationally with potentially lower fees than traditional banks.
  • Examples: Wise (formerly TransferWise), Remitly, WorldRemit. Compare rates and fees.
• Budgeting Apps:
  • Why: To track your income and expenses, helping you manage your student budget.
  • Examples: Mint, YNAB (You Need A Budget), PocketGuard, or simple spreadsheet apps.

4. Productivity & Study

• Google Drive / Dropbox / OneDrive:
  • Why: Cloud storage for backing up assignments, notes, and important documents. Easy access across devices.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) / Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides):
  • Why: Essential for assignments and presentations. Many universities provide free access.
• Note-Taking Apps:
  • Why: For lectures, research, and organizing study materials.
  • Examples: Evernote, Notion, OneNote, GoodNotes (for iPad users).
• Grammarly / LanguageTool:
  • Why: To check grammar, spelling, and punctuation in your academic writing. Free versions are very helpful.
• Quizlet / Anki (Flashcard Apps):
  • Why: Excellent for memorizing vocabulary, concepts, and exam preparation.
• PDF Reader & Annotator:
  • Why: For reading academic papers and textbooks.
  • Examples: Adobe Acrobat Reader, Foxit PDF Reader.

5. Translation & Language Learning

• Google Translate:
  • Why: Useful for quick translations of words or phrases, especially when navigating a new environment or if English isn't the first language in some local communities. Offline language packs are available.
• Duolingo / Babbel (if interested in local languages):
  • Why: If you want to learn some basics of a local language (e.g., French in parts of Canada, Spanish in some US areas), these can be fun.

6. Safety & Wellbeing

• Emergency Services App (if available for your city/country):
  • Why: Some regions have apps for quick access to emergency services or safety alerts.
• University Security App:
  • Why: Many universities have their own campus safety apps with features like emergency contacts, safe walk requests, and campus alerts.
• Wellbeing Apps:
  • Why: For meditation, mindfulness, or mental health support.
  • Examples: Headspace, Calm. Universities often offer free access to such resources.

7. Food & Local Services

• Food Delivery Apps:
  • Why: For convenience when you don't have time to cook.
  • Examples: Uber Eats, DoorDash, Deliveroo, Just Eat, Menulog (varies by country/city).
• Local Deals & Discounts Apps:
  • Why: To save money on food, entertainment, and shopping.
  • Examples: Groupon, UNiDAYS (student-specific discounts).

Before You Download:

• Check Storage Space: Don't overload your phone unnecessarily.
• Read Reviews: Ensure the app is legitimate and well-regarded.
• Permissions: Be mindful of the permissions apps request.

PixarEdu's Advice

While these apps can be incredibly helpful, remember that technology is a tool. Balance screen time with real-world interactions and experiences. Our counselors at PixarEdu often discuss practical settlement tips during pre-departure briefings.

This list provides a great starting point for Nepalese students. As you settle in, you'll discover more local apps that cater to your specific needs and city