Apps for Students Living in London-Must Have!

Last Updated on June 17, 2025 by Jay Maran

London Life Just Got Smarter

Moving to London for studies is an exciting adventure, but it comes with its own challenges. Between the hustle of the city and the demands of student life, having the right tools can make all the difference. In this post, we dive deep into some of the best apps for students living in London. These aren’t just the run-of-the-mill apps everyone already talks about; we’re exploring some hidden gems and underrated tools that can help you manage your finances, boost your productivity, find accommodation, and even connect with like-minded individuals—all while saving you time and money.

When I first arrived in London, I quickly realized that navigating this vibrant city required more than just enthusiasm; it required smart decisions powered by the right digital tools. Whether you’re trying to send money back home without hefty fees, figure out the complex Tube system, or simply find that extra nudge to avoid endless scrolling on social media, these 10 apps for students have got you covered.

1. Revolut: Financial Freedom at Your Fingertips

When it comes to managing your money in a bustling city like London, staying on top of your finances is crucial. Revolut is a financial app that has quickly become a favourite app for students worldwide—and London is no exception. Designed with features that help you keep track of your spending, Revolut offers a “pocket” feature that lets you budget for different expenses, and it makes international money transfers a breeze without the high fees typically associated with banks.

Why Revolut Works for Students:

Pocket Features: Create separate budgets for rent, food, travel, and more, so you know exactly where your money is going.
International Transfers: Send money back home easily, with competitive exchange rates and no hidden fees.
Real-Time Spending Alerts: Get instant notifications to help you stay on track financially.
Security: Lock your card instantly through the app and protect yourself from fraud

2. Citymapper – Navigate London Like a Local

For any student in London, understanding the complexity of the city’s transport system is paramount. While many rely on Google Maps, Citymapper is one of the must have apps for students that offers a level of detail and local insight tailored specifically to urban commuters in cities like London. It provides comprehensive data on the Tube, buses, and even cycling routes, making sure you never miss a beat—especially during those early morning commutes.

What Sets Citymapper Apart:

Multi-Modal Navigation: Combines data from the Tube, buses, ferries, and even rental bikes so you always have the best route.
Real-Time Updates: Offers live transit alerts and estimated arrival times to help you avoid delays.
Accessibility Features: Detailed route planning that takes into account station accessibility, essential for students on the go.
Cost Comparison: Compare different modes of transport not just by time but also by cost, helping you make budget-friendly decisions.

👉 Supports all major London transit options, including Santander cycles, Thameslink, and the elusive night bus!

3. Bumble BFF: More Than Just a Dating App

While Bumble is widely known as a dating app, its BFF (Best Friends Forever) mode is a hidden gem that many students overlook. In a new city like London, forging genuine connections can be challenging. Bumble BFF allows you to expand your network, meet new people, and even find study partners—all without the pressure of dating.

How Bumble BFF Benefits Students:

Find Like-Minded Friends: Connect with individuals who share your interests or academic focus.
Networking Opportunities: Build a network that might lead to study groups, internships, or simply fun outings.
Safe & User-Friendly: Verified profiles and a clear separation from the dating mode make it a great tool for genuine friendship.
Local Event Integration: Some groups organize meetups and events that can help you integrate into student life in London.

4.Too Good To Go: Save Money and Reduce Food Waste

Eating out in London can be expensive, and as a student, every penny counts.Looking apps for students that save time and money? Too Good To Go does both brilliantly. This not only helps you save money but also contributes to reducing food waste—a win-win for your wallet and the environment and has been one of the favourite app for students.

Key Benefits of Too Good To Go:

Save Money: Access discounted meals from local eateries and avoid wasting your food budget.
Reduce Waste: Participate in a global movement to cut down on food waste by rescuing surplus food.
Easy-to-Use Interface: Browse nearby restaurants, view daily offers, and purchase meals within a few taps.
Eco-Friendly: Support sustainable practices while enjoying delicious food at a bargain.

5. SpareRoom: Your Gateway to Affordable Accommodation

Finding a decent place to live in London can be as daunting as mastering the Tube system. SpareRoom is an app designed to simplify the search for accommodation—be it a room in a shared flat or an entire studio apartment. What makes SpareRoom particularly valuable for students is its ability to serve both those already in London and prospective students yet to arrive.

Advantages of Using SpareRoom:

Comprehensive Listings: Browse verified room and flat shares with detailed descriptions and photos.
Filter by Budget and Location: Easily narrow down options based on your desired neighbourhood and rental budget.
For Prospective Students: Find “coming soon” listings and connect with current tenants to get insider information.
User Reviews: Read experiences and ratings from previous tenants to ensure a good match.

6. Notion: Your Digital Organization Hub

There are plenty of apps for students out there, but Notion really makes a difference when it comes to organising coursework. Whether you’re juggling assignments, coordinating group projects, or simply planning your week, Notion adapts to your needs.

Notion’s Top Features for Students:

Customizable Templates: Use pre-made templates for class notes, project timelines, and daily planners.
Collaboration: Share pages and projects with classmates for group assignments.
Integration: Sync with calendars, to-do lists, and other productivity tools.
All-in-One Workspace: Reduce the chaos by keeping all your notes, tasks, and documents in a single organised area.

7. Canva: Design Your Way to Academic Success

Presentation skills can often set you apart, However Canva is one of the most practical apps for students looking to create sleek presentations on the go. With its intuitive design interface, Canva empowers you to produce professional-grade content without needing advanced design skills.

Canva’s Best Features for Students:

Drag-and-Drop Editor: Create stunning visuals with ease using thousands of templates.
Customization Options: Tailor colors, fonts, and layouts to match your coursework or personal brand.
Collaboration Tools: Work with classmates in real time on group projects or presentations.
Access to Free Assets: Utilize a vast library of free icons, photos, and graphics to enhance your designs.

8. One Sec: Minimizing Distractions for Maximum Focus

In an age where social media is just a tap away, maintaining focus can be a major challenge. One Sec is one unique app that increases the friction required to access distracting apps, encouraging you to stay on task. This innovative approach is especially beneficial for students who find themselves frequently caught up in mindless scrolling.

How One Sec Boosts Productivity:

Increased Access Time: Introduces a short delay when opening distracting apps, giving you time to reconsider and refocus.
Customizable Settings: Adjust the delay for each app based on your personal habits.
Improved Self-Awareness: Helps you become more mindful of your usage patterns and reduce overall screen time.
Enhances Concentration: The extra seconds can be the difference between staying productive and getting sidetracked.

9. Forest: Grow Your Focus, One Tree at a Time

Imagine a world where your productivity literally grows into a forest. Among the top-rated apps for students, Forest stands out for helping them stay focused and beat procrastination. Furthermore, Forest partners with real-world tree-planting organizations to help you make a tangible impact on the environment.

Key Benefits of Using Forest:

Gamification of Focus: Grow a digital tree during your focus sessions and watch your virtual forest flourish.
Environmental Impact: Earn the chance to plant real trees as you reach focus milestones.
Break the Cycle of Distraction: Set focus timers to keep your work sessions uninterrupted.
Visual Progress: A beautiful visual reminder of your productivity that also contributes to a greener planet.

10. Zotero: Organize Your Research with Ease

For students engaged in research, managing sources and citations can be a daunting task. Zotero is a free tool that streamlines this process by allowing you to collect, organize, and cite research sources effortlessly. In addition, Zotero integrates with browsers and word processors to ensure you stay on top of your academic assignments.

Why Zotero is a Game-Changer:

Efficient Source Management: Save articles, book chapters, and web pages in one convenient place.
Automatic Citation: Generate bibliographies and citations in various formats without hassle.
Collaboration: Share your research libraries with fellow students or research groups.
Seamless Integration: Works with Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice for easy citation insertion.

Bringing It All Together: Enhancing Student Life with the Right Tools

Navigating the complexities of student life in London demands not only enthusiasm but also the right digital tools. The apps for students listed above are more than just utilities; they’re catalysts for a smoother, smarter, and more sustainable lifestyle. Whether it’s Revolut keeping your finances in check, Citymapper saving you precious time on your commute, or Forest turning your focus into a digital ecosystem, each app plays a pivotal role in creating an efficient daily routine.

For many students, these hidden gems become indispensable allies in managing budget constraints, academic pressures, and the challenge of building a social life in one of the world’s busiest cities. By integrating these apps into your daily workflow, you’re not just surviving London—you’re thriving in it.

Making Lives Easier in London