10 Apps to download before moving to London

London is one of the most popular educational destinations in the world, with over a hundred thousand students flocking to the city to study and explore the capital. Housing some of the most prestigious universities, the world is literally every student’s oyster when moving to London - there couldn’t be a more vibrant district to live in for the duration of your course, with an array of exciting things to do and see.

The flip side of moving to London of course, is making sure all of your arrears are in order and you know the essentials of living comfortably and safely. From understanding the occasionally complex transport system and making new friends to figuring out the best restaurants, cafes and bars all whilst creating a new life in an unfamiliar city - and that’s before you start your studying.

Still, never fear - Student Luxe are here. We understand that living in a new city can be daunting - let alone it being as busy as London - and so we’ve shared some of our favourite apps that we believe are essential to download before your move to London.

From apps that we use daily ourselves, to those we feel will benefit those who are exploring London for the first time -  we hope they help you to have a fun, easy student living experience in one of our favourite cities.

1) City Mapper

City Mapper is the essential app that long-time Londoners and student newcomers alike can’t live without. Combining all live travel information together, for buses, underground Tube, trains, ferries, tram and even cycling dock stations, it helps students get from A to B in the fastest way possible.

2) Uber

The go-to app for cabbing around London, Uber provides users with different types of car to travel in. From the more affordable UberXL, the Uber Comfort which provides extra legroom, Uber Black for a more luxurious ride, Uber Black SUV and even Uber WAV which is ideal for elderly or those with disabilities, you can even schedule a car in advance so there’s no need to worry if there isn’t a taxi around on that specific day or time.

3) Splitwise

When you’re a student busy making friends on your course and exploring the capital, it’s fun to partake in group activities available - which often means paying bills together. This in itself is not usually a problem, but sometimes it can often be time consuming to calculate who owes who what. Some expenses might not be accounted for when living in the moment, and chasing people for money can feel uncomfortable.

Enter Splitwise - an app that provides a simple solution to the issues above, allowing users to easily calculate the money owed per person, and keep track of what's been paid and what it is still owed. It’s especially useful when friends have installed this app, so they can track the activity in the app and can be sent casual reminders when payment is due.

4) Voice Map

For students looking to really immerse themselves within London life and learn about the history of their new home, there’s Voice Map, an app that allows users to delve into the past behind the landmarks without needing to join a busy tourist group. 

Students can stroll through the famous Royal Parks, or admire London’s plethora of varied architecture. We recommend listening to Ian Mckellan’s narrative on London’s celebrated West End, and having a wander around the prestigious Mayfair neighbourhood and listening to the stories behind the famous street names.

Whether you’re fascinated by music culture, are keen to hear about the life of a Londoner centuries ago - or even want to learn about some of the city’s classic alehouses and pubs - you’ve got your weekend plans sorted with this app!

5) TOTUM

TOTUM, formerly NUS Extra, provides students with over 350 discounts for various notable retailers. Unlike other student discount platforms, TOTUM offers students an annual membership which also includes a free Tastecard for a limited amount of time, so exclusive student deals can be used not just with big name brands but also with restaurants and cafés. 

From huge tech giants like Samsung and Apple to fashion retailers like UGG, ASOS and Kate Spade New York, travel providers and health and fitness companies, TOTUM offers students an economical way of shopping until they drop with the brands they love.

6) Visit London

For discovering the best in theatre, arts, food and drink, download the Visit London app which allows students, locals and tourists alike to explore the best of what the city has to offer. 

From off the beaten track restaurants, to lively London markets, free attractions and a regularly updated schedule of the best events the city has to offer that week, you’ll be able to experience London at its finest with the assistance of this app. We particularly like the Events Calendar, which highlights what’s going on and where!

7) Tube Map

The Underground system in London is practical, affordable and easy to navigate when you know where you’re going. However, if you’re unfamiliar with how different branches and tube lines work,  you may end up on completely the wrong side of the city - and then it’ll take you a further hour to turn back.

Students new to London will reap the benefits from downloading the Tube Map app, which provides users with a list of stations, a station finder, live status and a live departures board, making travelling around the city just that much easier.

8) Classpass

Exercise is an essential pillar for your health and with such a range of gyms and fitness centres in London, it can be difficult to know which one to choose.

A Classpass membership provides credits to be used for a range of fitness classes and wellness experiences, like massages, yoga and facials to enjoy. Ideal before or after a study class to let off steam and relax!

9) Headspace

Physical fitness and mental wellness go hand-in-hand when it comes to looking after your wellbeing. Whether it’s during a period of stress or simply for daily meditation purposes, the Headspace app can be a positive addition to both your phone and your lifestyle.

It offers an annual subscription that incorporates a mixture of breathing exercises, ‘Sleepscapes’ and mindfulness courses to provide anxiety relief and help users focus on the present moment.

10) Trainline

London allows you easy access to explore other cities in the UK and further afield - and the Trainline app can ensure students can arrive at their destination with ease.

The app allows users to download tickets straight to their phone, details live train times and receives information from more than 270 European operators to ensure the best price is on offer. It also lets you know about delays or disruptions, so you can adjust your journey in good time. They didn’t call it Europe’s leading train and coach app for no reason.