Top apps for international students
If you’ve spent some time travelling, you’ll know how useful your smartphone can be when it comes to things like converting currency, booking accommodation and finding your way around. There are mobile applications (‘apps’) available for any problem you may face. Read on as we list some of the best apps for international students in Australia.
- Free Wi-fi Finder: Whether you’re looking for a quiet space to study or just wanting to chat to friends and family back home, Free Wi-Fi Finder can help you find nearby locations offering free wi-fi access. The app allows you to filter results based on location type, such as cafés and libraries, and save your favourite locations for future reference. Availability: iPhone/iPad/Android — free.
- Google Translate: The Google Translate app features translations between 80 different languages. It allows you to directly translate speech and handwriting, listen to words spoken out loud, view dictionary results for words or phrases and save your favourite translations for quick access when you’re offline. Availability: iPhone/iPad/Android — free.
- Lost on Campus: If you’re having trouble finding your way around your campus, the Lost on Campus app can help. It features detailed maps of university campuses around Australia, showing you where to find lecture theatres and classrooms, and even coffee shops, vending machines and toilets . You can also read comments from other users so you can see which café serves the best lunch, where you should buy your morning coffee or where the quietest study spaces are located. Availability: iPhone/iPad/Android — free.
- Macquarie Aussie Slang Dictionary: Australians, or ‘Aussies’, tend to use a lot of slang terms. This means that even if you speak fluent English, you may still have some trouble keeping up with conversation when talking to Australians. The Macquarie Aussie Slang Dictionary features more than 2600 definitions of Australian slang words and phrases. Availability iPhone/iPad/Android — AU$1.29.
- My Weekly Budget: If you’re keeping to a tight budget during your time in Australia or saving up to travel during semester breaks, My Weekly Budget can help you keep track of your spending. The app lets you set a budget target for the week and track your day-to-day spending to make sure you stay within your set budget. Availability: iPhone/iPad — AU$1.29, Android — AU$0.99.
- Realestate.com.au: If you’re planning to live in rental accommodation during your time in Australia, the realestate.com.au app can help you find a suitable place to live. It allows you to browse through rental properties in locations of interest, based on the price you would like to pay. You can also view property photos, read detailed descriptions and find contact details for real estate agents. Availability: iPhone/iPad/Android — free.
- TransitTimes+: Students in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney can access public transport schedules, maps, journey planners and service alerts through the TransitTimes app. The app also lets you check the balance of your electronic smartcard, such as Victoria’s Myki or Adelaide’s Metrocard, or search for directions to nearby locations. Availability: iPhone/iPad — AU$3.79, Android — AU$2.99. Students in Victoria and Perth can also access public transport information through the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) and Transperth apps.
- University apps: Check to be sure, but you’ll find that many universities in Australia have their own app. They might allow you to view campus maps, check your timetable or student email, get in touch with academic staff, find out what’s happening on campus or even access library and course material. Usually free.
- Viber: This is a great app for keeping in touch with friends and family back home. It allows you to send messages, photos and videos, and even call other users. It can be used over wi-fi or 3G/4G. Availability: iPhone/iPad/ Android — free.
- XE Currency: This app features live rates for all world currencies and a currency converter to help you quickly compare Australian prices to the currency of your home country. Availability: iPhone/iPad/Android — free.
