Best apps for studying abroad in Australia

So you’ve landed in Australia and are starting to figure out how to live like a local. Where do you get your groceries? How do you travel around? And most importantly, how do you control your spending in such a beautiful country with tons to do?

Thankfully, all you need is your smartphone and a collection of the top apps to help you live your best life studying in Australia!

Whether you need that sudden taxi ride to the latest concert downtown or need some reassurance during a stressful period, our list of curated apps has you covered.

Here are the best student apps in Australia you have to download.

7 essential apps to download if you’re studying in Australia

1. Communication apps

Studying abroad can get lonely, especially if you travelled alone to Australia. But that doesn’t have to stay that way.

Whether you are making friends in your classes or through college parties and events, you’d definitely want to stay in contact with them and maintain communication.

That’s why it pays to download two specific communication apps to your phone. Specifically, WhatsApp and Telegram.

Not only are the apps encrypted, protecting your privacy, but there are also a ton of functions you can use to keep in touch with family and friends.

You can form chat groups with your study mates, update your folks back home by sending pictures and video call your new friends, all through the apps.

2. Food delivery apps

When it’s grind time, the last thing on your mind is to spend hours cooking up a storm in the kitchen.

Thankfully, you don’t have to, with these food delivery apps that will likely be your new best friends.

The top delivery apps in Australia you’d want to download include Uber Eats and Menulog. You’ll be using them very often!

With Uber Eats, you’ll be able to sample a taste of Australia straight to your doorstep, regardless of whether you are based in Melbourne or Wollongong.

Menulog is also another popular food delivery app and is Australia’s widest-reaching food delivery service. Be sure to look out for some of their awesome periodic discounts to save on those dollars.

3. E-commerce apps

As a student, you are probably on a tight budget and eating out daily is nearly impossible without breaking the bank.

Yes, the food in restaurants and takeaways can be delicious, but with a little skill, time and a constant flow of groceries, you can unleash your inner chef while staying within budget.

This is where the Milkrun app comes in handy. Based in Sydney and Melbourne and expanding, the app allows you to shop online for your favorite groceries and even fresh produce direct from Australian farmers.

And if you need to buy supplies, books or even a new desk light, Amazon has you covered both on Android and iOS.

The biggest online retailer truly has everything you’ll need and yes, they definitely do deliver in Australia.

4. Services app

Living in Australia can be expensive, especially if you would like to enjoy the sights and sounds of your city.

Thankfully, with discipline and a little help from the Mint app, you’ll be able to plan your expenses more carefully and efficiently.

You can track your bills, manage how you spend and determine if you are overspending on your credit cards.

And if you want a super service app in Australia, be sure to download the Gumtree app. This ‘all-in-one’ app, will allow you to buy and sell items in the local marketplace as well as find part-time jobs as well.

You can save cash, make cash and sell your unwanted items for cash, a very useful tool, especially for an international student.

5. Fitness app

As a student, it’s very easy to neglect your fitness goals, however, a healthier mind comes from a healthy body as well.

This is why there are two apps that we recommend downloading: MyFitnessPal and Strava Training.

MyFitnessPal allows you to effectively track your meals and calories to help you control your intake. With access to the world’s largest fitness community, you’ll be spoilt for tips and motivations to help you reach your goals.

If you are a runner or looking to get into it, then Strava helps to track your running or cycling performance. It also connects you to a social network of friends and communities all eager to help each other out.

What’s more, there are a ton of other features such as Beacon, which allows you to share your real-time location with friends and family so they can ensure you get home safely.

6. Transportation app

Late for class and need a ride? Or maybe you want to tour the neighborhoods with your friends on wheels.

Whichever the case is, there are many taxi and ridesharing options available for students living in Australia.

Here are three of them: Uber, Ola and Didi.

All three services provide you with widespread transportation coverage across Australia’s dynamic and vibrant cities.

But a quick mention for Didi. The app doesn’t just allow you to book a taxi or rideshare, you can also access an on-demand delivery service.

This allows you to send and receive parcels. Extremely handy if you need to send a report or a present to a friend halfway across the city.

7. Mental health and well-being apps

As a student, it’s very easy to stay behind your books and study hard every single day. But late nights and feeling alone in a foreign environment can take their toll on your mental health.

Thankfully, there are resources out there to help calm you down, allowing you to better manage and survive stressful situations.

The Happify app is a popular mental wellness app that helps you to manage your moods by breaking old patterns and forming new habits. Created by certified experts and psychologists, this is one app you’ll want to download.

If you need immediate online therapy for the tough times - maybe it's a stressful exam period or a breakup - you’d want to download Talkspace.

There will be licensed providers ready to lend a listening ear and provide you with certified mental therapy. Best of all, the provider will be personalized to your needs.

Study abroad with IDP today

Need help preparing for your study abroad adventure in Australia? Or maybe you’re still deciding on your dream study destination.

Fret not, our education counsellors are here to help you select the right course and study destination for your career aspirations.

From understanding your unique situation to answering all your questions, our counsellors will help you make your best decision possible.

Take the next step with IDP today and get tailored advice from our team of education experts to help you reach your goals.

Simply book your free counselling session with us and let us know where you’d like to study.