If you’re living in the UK as a student—or even if you’re here under a different immigration status—having the right tools on your phone can make everyday life much easier. From managing coursework to navigating public transport and handling your finances, the best apps for students can save you time, reduce stress, and help you settle in more comfortably.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up the must‑have apps that will make your UK experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Google Maps
Google Maps is an absolute lifesaver for students living in the UK. Whether you need train tickets, bus timings, or the fastest walking route to your destination, Google Maps provides accurate, real‑time directions for almost everything. It tells you exactly which bus to take, where to catch it, and even guides you step‑by‑step to the nearest bus stop or train station — making it one of the best apps for students navigating a new city.
If you’re an iPhone user, Apple Maps is a reliable alternative with similar features, offering smooth navigation and travel updates across the UK.
UniDAYS/StudentBeans
To access exclusive student discounts in the UK, you’ll need to sign up using your school or university email address. Once you’re verified, you can enjoy thousands of savings across the country — whether you’re shopping for food, groceries, clothing, tech, or everyday essentials.
Two of the best apps for students looking to save money are Student Beans and UNiDAYS. Both platforms offer instant discount codes, special offers, and deals from popular brands, making them essential for any student wanting to stretch their budget further.
TooGoodToGo
TooGoodToGo is one of the most useful apps for students who want to save money on food while also helping reduce waste. The app lets you buy surplus food from nearby restaurants, cafés, and grocery stores at incredibly low prices — often up to 70% cheaper than the original cost.
These deals appear when items are close to their “best before” dates, but still perfectly good to eat. It’s an easy, sustainable way to enjoy quality meals on a student budget, making TooGoodToGo a must‑have for anyone looking to cut down daily expenses.
Olio
Olio is another fantastic app for students in the UK who want to save money and reduce food waste at the same time. The app connects you with people, local households, and nearby businesses that are giving away surplus food for free — everything from fresh produce to bakery items and packaged goods that would otherwise go to waste. It’s simple to use, eco‑friendly, and perfect for students trying to manage their budget. With Olio, you can pick up quality food at no cost while also contributing to a more sustainable community, making it one of the best apps for students who care about both savings and the environment.
Vinted
If you’re looking to buy affordable items in the UK, Vinted is one of the best places to start. You can find almost anything on the platform — from clothing and accessories to homeware, electronics, and more. It’s also perfect for students who want to declutter, as you can easily sell your own items and make quick cash.
Vinted works as a simple, peer‑to‑peer marketplace that connects you with buyers and sellers nearby, making it a convenient and budget‑friendly option for anyone looking to shop sustainably while saving money.
Transportation (FirstBus)
Transportation apps vary from city to city across the UK, so it’s important to download the one that works in your local area. These apps make it much easier to plan journeys, track buses in real time, and purchase tickets directly from your phone. For example, in the South West of England, FirstBus is the go‑to app. It helps you locate your bus, check live arrival times, buy single or day tickets, and even access discounted bundle packages — making it especially useful for students relying on public transport.
Superstore apps
Some of the most popular supermarkets in the UK — including Lidl, Tesco, Morrisons, and Aldi — have their own mobile apps designed to help you save money every time you shop. These apps regularly share exclusive offers, digital coupons, rewards, and personalised discounts, making them essential for students trying to manage their weekly grocery budget.
The Lidl Plus app gives you access to all current offers and rewards. After every shop, you receive a digital scratch card that can unlock discounts — sometimes up to 15% off selected products. It’s a fun and easy way to save while staying updated on their best deals.
Similarly, the Tesco Clubcard app offers discounts on hundreds of items across the store, often giving you Clubcard‑exclusive lower prices. Morrisons also provides personalised deals and even offers cashback through its loyalty programme. Using these supermarket apps is one of the smartest ways for students to cut down on grocery costs while enjoying regular savings.
NextDoor Neighbours
Nextdoor is like a neighbourhood‑focused version of Facebook, designed to help you connect with people living close to you. Through the app, you can share local information, discover community events, find recommendations, and even come across job or volunteering opportunities nearby.
For students new to an area, Nextdoor is a great way to feel part of the community, stay updated, and build helpful local connections — making it one of the best apps for students settling into life in the UK.
**I personally had a great experience using Nextdoor. Through the app, I connected with a local business owner who was looking for help with her online presence. After a quick chat, I ended up securing a project — and I’m now building her website. It’s a perfect example of how powerful community connections can be, especially for students looking for opportunities close to home.
Banking Applications
The UK is almost completely cashless, and you’ll rarely come across places that require physical money. Whether you’re paying for groceries, transport, coffee, or everyday essentials, card and contactless payments are the norm. That’s why it’s essential to have your banking apps fully set up and to connect your debit or credit cards to Apple Pay or Google Pay. This allows you to make quick tap‑to‑pay transactions anywhere — making life much easier for students adjusting to the UK’s digital‑first payment system.
LinkedIn/Indeed
LinkedIn and Indeed are two of the most popular job‑searching platforms in the UK, followed closely by Reed, Totaljobs, and even Padlet for certain roles. Installing these apps and checking them regularly can help you stay updated on new part‑time, full‑time, and internship opportunities.
If you’re a student, your university will also have its own careers portal with an online job board specifically aimed at students and recent graduates. This is often one of the best places to find part‑time work, on‑campus roles, placement years, and graduate jobs tailored to your field of study.
Most universities also organise job fairs throughout the year. Don’t miss these events — they’re a great chance to meet employers, ask questions, and build connections. Make sure to share your CV or LinkedIn profile with recruiters and follow up afterwards, as these interactions can lead to internships, part‑time work, or even graduate‑level opportunities in the future.
I personally use all the apps mentioned above, and each one has helped me in different ways — whether it’s saving money, finding opportunities, navigating the UK, or staying connected. These apps have genuinely made my life easier as a student, and I’m confident they’ll do the same for you.
