6 London apps you must download

4 December 2020

Read on to discover 6 of the most useful apps of students in London, for everything from events to discounts to public transport.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and London life

We understand that some of you may be studying remotely to begin with due to the coronavirus situation and therefore unable to arrive on campus and in London in January.

We hope that even if you can’t join us immediately, that these articles get you excited for when you are able to join us here in London and give you a flavour of the amazing things to come.

If you've got a smart phone in London, there are a few 'must-have' apps to help you find your way around, find out what's going on, and learn about London's best kept secrets. We've put together a list of some of the essential apps we'd recommend you download when you get here!

1. CityMapper London

Sometimes it's quickest to take the Tube, sometimes the bus is faster, and sometimes, walking beats all forms of public transport! This is where the genius CityMapper London app comes in. You are spoilt for choice in London for public transport. We have the Tube, the bus, the train, taxis, bikes, boats, even a cable car that will work with your oyster card! Just put in your location and destination, and it works out the fastest way for you to get there, combining all forms of public transport. It even has a 'rain-safe' option so you can work out the driest way to get somewhere if it's pouring with rain!

You can also use the offline tube map, check on the status of the Tube lines, check live bus times, see which carriage you should sit in to reduce transfer times, check uber cost estimates, and even find how long your journey would take you if you could teleport!

2. Time Out London

Time Out London is an excellent app for finding out what is happening in London. You can find out about restaurants, bars, gigs, museums, galleries, theatre, and ad-hoc events. You can also get information on deals and special offers. If you don't have a smart phone, Time Out also does a weekly free magazine which you can pick up at Tube station on Tuesdays!

3. Vouchercloud

Everybody loves a discount! Download Vouchercloud for discounts in a range of shops - just select the voucher you're after, and flash your phone screen when you pay!

4. Santander Cycles

Known to Londoners simply as "Boris Bikes" because of the city's former mayor Boris Johnson who introduced them, you can use the official app to help you find the nearest docking station with available bikes. Then, when you're done with your journey, Santander Cycles will tell you where there's an empty bay to park your ride. Easy! Insider tip: Use your citimapper app to find out the quiet backstreet route or the fastest route!

5. Cabwise

This app will allow you to find your nearest cab office for black cabs and minicabs (any taxi that is not a black cab). There are a number of other taxi apps to choose from: Hailo, Maaxi, and Uber being just a few. Whichever app you choose, make sure you only ever get into a minicab that you have pre-booked with a licensed cab firm, as other drivers may be unlicensed and uninsured.

6. UCL Guide for New Students January 2021

The Welcome to UCL app’s ‘Guide for New Students January 2021’ includes a range of handy features to help you get ready and organise your first few weeks. We’re currently adding a full list of induction and welcome events to the app over the coming weeks, so when it’s ready, you’ll have a comprehensive orientation schedule in the palm of your hand.