There’s almost an app for everything out there, which is kind of helpful, but also quite overwhelming too!
We’ve put together 17 free and useful apps for international students in Australia that we highly recommend.
Recommended Free and Useful Apps
1. Google Translate
A lifesaver – translate between 103 languages by speech, typing the text or taking a photograph and using your finger to swipe the text for the translation.
You can use this handy app offline (when there’s no internet connection) and you can even save your favourite translations for when you need them again!
2. Whatsapp
Forget about data roaming and crazy phone charges, Whatsapp is a reliable messaging service that allows you to call anyone around the world for free (note, some data service charges may apply).
3. SafeZone
Your safety is important to us. CQUniversity has implemented SafeZone – a user-friendly, mobile app designed to facilitate instant communication between CQUniversity, its staff and students in the event of a critical emergency incident, or if they feel their personal safety is being compromised.
Read our five reasons to stay safe with SafeZone on the CQUniLife blog.
4. Duolingo
Looking to increase your English skills or even learn another language? Duilingo makes it fun through bite-sized lessons where you can practice listening and speaking.
5. Citymapper Sydney / Melbourne
Never get lost in a city again and travel like a local with Citymapper, which is available in Sydney and Melbourne.
Simply plug in where you are currently located (or where you will be) and where you want to go and get all the travel options in real time — whether by foot, public transport, cycling or motor vehicle.
6. Spotify
Music, anytime, anywhere. Listen to your favourites or discover new bands with thousands of songs and artists within the Spotify catalogue.
And great news – students get Spotify membership at half price, not bad, hey!
7. XE Currency
Don’t cringe at the checkout, the XE Currency app provides all the world currencies and a converter so you can compare the Australian prices to your own home country.
This is a great app to download before you arrive too, so you’ll know when is the best time to exchange your money to ensure you get the best rate.
8. Meetup
When you’re in a new city it’s so much fun meeting new people with like-minded interests! Kite-flying groups, walking groups, healthy eating groups, students living in the same city, gamers – whatever your niche there’s a group out there calling you to come along and meet up with them.
A great way to get involved and make new friends!
9. Lost on Campus
Find your way around CQUniversity super easy with this Lost on Campus app.
Find every tutorial room, lab, lecture theatre, coffee shop, car park, bus stop, sports field, toilet, even your nearest vending machine and free microwaves. Plus campus “secret locations”.
10. Circle of 6
Staying safe is one of our utmost priorities. Choose six of your close family and/or friends through the Circle of 6 app you can use it as a tool to look out for each other when you’re on campus or when you’re out for the night.
Two taps lets your circle know where you are and how they can help. A simple yet effective tool that should be on your phone.
11. Studiosity
This is one for current CQUniversity students who need academic assistance after business hours.
Studiosity gives you access to academic support when you don’t have access to your lecturer or on-campus academic assistance. Find out more.
12. Realestate.com.au
Find a suitable rental property during your time in Australia based on location and price.
Remember photos can sometimes be deceiving, so it’s always a good idea to read the descriptions, ask questions and contact the real estate agent to find a time to view the property.
Want to know more about finding accommodation in Australia? Read our tips on the CQUniLife blog.
13. Insight Timer
This guided meditation app is perfect when it comes to those stressful nights while studying or preparing for exams.
Chose from thousands of meditations that are categorised to make it easy to find the best one for you — we highly recommend the ones tailored to sleep and stress.
14. Dictionary.com
Confused by a word and it’s meaning? It happens – especially with all that Aussie slang!
Dictionary.com is the most comprehensive dictionary app for dependable definitions at your fingertips, as well as pronunciations, it even works offline.
A great way to learn new words and expand your vocabulary.
15. Evernote
Evernote builds the bridge between digital and analogue, which is great when you enjoy taking handwritten notes in your lectures and have them digitised automatically to your desktop and/or iPad.
You can add to-do’s, photos, images, web pages or audio… and it’s all instantly searchable. Did a friend miss a class? Share your notes with them too so they don’t miss out on the day’s lessons.
What about referencing? We hear you. Our Academic Learning Centre (ALC) has put together some tips to help you out on the CQUniLife blog.
16. Map My Fitness
It’s important to stay active, fit and healthy, especially during your studies when you can get really bogged down in your notes and readings.
Taking a break from the books and digital technology will allow you to come back refreshed and ready to tackle it all over again.
Why not schedule in a walk with a friend, to hold yourselves accountable, join a walking group on MeetUp (mentioned above) or walk to campus?
The Map My Fitness app will track your fitness so you can track your workouts with just your phone, or your Garmin or Apple watch. You can also create challenges for yourself and your friends.
As an international student, you will have Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of your studies.
17. Splitwise
You know that awkward part of the day/night when the table bill comes and you’re sitting with your friends trying to work out who owes what? We’ve all been there!
Splitwise is the best way to share bills and IOUs and make sure that everyone gets paid back.
Perfect for your home bills, weekends away and all those random moments in between.
We hope you enjoyed these free and useful mobile app recommendations – there are thousands of apps out there and new ones coming out all the time.
Tell us your favourite ones in the comments below to share them with your fellow students who might also find them useful!
Need some help with your time management? Read our 7 tips on the CQUniLife blog.
