United Kingdom · Pre-Departure
10 Best Apps to Download Before Flying to the UK
Moving from Kerala to the UK for your studies? Prepare your phone before you fly: transport, money, rooms, healthcare, jobs, discounts and a way to meet other students.
Quick answer: best apps to download before flying to the UK
The 10 best apps are Unimate, Google Maps, Citymapper (or TfL Go in London), Trainline, Wise or Revolut, Rightmove or SpareRoom, the NHS App, WhatsApp, Student Beans or UNiDAYS, and LinkedIn or Indeed. Together they cover transport, money, accommodation, healthcare, communication, discounts, jobs and student life.
- Download before you fly: Unimate, Google Maps, Citymapper, Trainline, a money app, WhatsApp
- Set up after arrival: NHS App (needs a GP registration), student discount apps, job apps
- UK emergency number: 999 (112 also works). Save it before you fly.
Planning to fly from Kerala to the UK for higher studies? Between finding your accommodation, travelling from the airport, managing pounds, contacting your university and meeting new people, the first few days can feel overwhelming. That is why it is worth preparing your phone before you fly.
At Guide to Heights, we believe pre-departure preparation goes beyond the visa and the flight booking. The right digital tools make your first week in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow or any other UK student city far more comfortable.
What this guide covers
Why these apps matter for UK students
Your first days in the UK involve many small but important tasks: reaching your accommodation after a long flight, understanding local transport, converting rupees to pounds, registering with a doctor and calling home. Having the essentials ready before departure means you are not searching for everything on airport wifi with jetlag and two suitcases.
One rule throughout: apps are practical tools, not substitutes for official information. For visa conditions, healthcare and government requirements, always verify through official UK sources.
Unimate: find resources and students on your route
Settling into a new country involves much more than getting to university. Unimate is designed as a central resource hub for international students, covering accommodation, part-time jobs, banking, healthcare, local services, food, events and communities. It also includes search, bookmarking, reviews and ratings.
Explore Unimate before you land
Moving from Kochi to London can feel lonely, especially if it is your first time flying alone. Unimate lets you explore resources for your city before you arrive, and connect with other students heading to the same place.
Unimate is an independent student platform, not owned or operated by Guide to Heights. It does not replace official university, government, healthcare or financial services. Review its terms and privacy policy before signing up.
Google Maps: find your way around
Google Maps is the app you will use most. Find your university, accommodation, supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants and train stations, and compare walking, bus and train routes.
Before flying, save your accommodation and university locations and download offline maps of your city. This helps when you land tired and your UK SIM is not yet active.
Citymapper: understand UK public transport
If you are moving to a major city, Citymapper makes buses, trains, underground services and walking routes easier to plan. London students can also use the official TfL Go app for live transport information, journey planning and disruption updates.
Trainline: travel between UK cities
Trainline helps you check train journeys and ticket options. A student in Birmingham, for example, may want to visit Manchester or London during a university break.
Wise or Revolut: manage money in pounds
Wise and Revolut may help with international money management, currency exchange and payments, depending on your account and eligibility. Many students also open a UK bank account after arrival.
Rightmove or SpareRoom: research accommodation
Accommodation is one of the biggest worries for UK-bound students. Rightmove and SpareRoom let you research properties and rooms, and you can start comparing areas and approximate rents before you travel.
NHS App: understand UK healthcare
The NHS App gives eligible users access to NHS services in England, including appointments, prescriptions and health information. Most services require you to be registered with a GP in England, so you will usually set it up after arrival.
The app is mainly for England. If you are going to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, check the relevant local healthcare information. Official guidance is on NHS UK.
WhatsApp: stay connected
You probably already have it, but it becomes even more useful abroad. University groups, accommodation groups, classmates and student societies often use WhatsApp, and it keeps you close to your parents and family in Kerala.
Student Beans or UNiDAYS: save on student life
Student life is expensive, especially when budgeting in a new currency. Student Beans and UNiDAYS let eligible students explore discounts from participating brands. Before buying, check whether a student discount exists, and review current terms in the app because offers and eligibility change.
LinkedIn or Indeed: explore careers and part-time work
LinkedIn and Indeed help you build a professional profile, follow companies and explore vacancies.
Quick comparison
| App | Best for | Before flying | After arrival |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unimate | Student resources and settling in | Yes | Yes |
| Google Maps | Navigation | Yes | Yes |
| Citymapper / TfL Go | Public transport | Yes | Yes |
| Trainline | Train travel | Yes | Yes |
| Wise / Revolut | Money management | Yes | Yes |
| Rightmove / SpareRoom | Accommodation | Yes | Yes |
| NHS App | Healthcare | Optional | Yes |
| Communication | Yes | Yes | |
| Student Beans / UNiDAYS | Discounts | Optional | Yes |
| LinkedIn / Indeed | Careers | Optional | Yes |
Pre-departure
Before you fly: your UK app checklist
- Download Google Maps and save offline maps
- Install Citymapper (and TfL Go for London)
- Save your accommodation address
- Set up Wise or Revolut if eligible
- Create your Unimate profile
- Check each app is available in your region
- Use a personal email for important accounts
- Check which apps need a UK phone number
- Keep passport, CAS and visa details secure
- Review privacy and notification settings
- Save university emergency and international support contacts
- Save UK emergency number 999
Never share banking passwords, OTPs or sensitive documents with strangers. Check GOV.UK for current Student visa requirements, and see UCAS for guidance on life in the UK, accommodation, finances and student support.
Getting ready
How Guide to Heights helps you prepare for the UK
Apps are one small part of the journey. Guide to Heights is a British Council-recognised (#49805) consultancy with offices in Kochi, the UAE and Melbourne, working with 500+ university partners. We support students with:
- UK university and course selection
- Application support and Student visa documentation guidance
- Accommodation guidance and pre-departure preparation
- PTE and IELTS classes, preparation support and available test vouchers
Still deciding where or what to study? Explore our UK study abroad counselling and UK universities for Indian students resources.
Start your UK admission call today
Tell us your marks, budget and goals. We will map the course, university and realistic pathway before you pay anyone anything. The first consultation is free with no obligation.
Questions students ask us
Frequently asked questions
Which apps should international students download before flying to the UK?
Start with Unimate, Google Maps, Citymapper, Trainline, a suitable money app, an accommodation platform and WhatsApp. Add the NHS App, student discount apps and job-search apps based on your needs.
Is Unimate useful for international students moving to the UK?
Unimate is designed as a resource hub for international students. It helps students explore accommodation information, local services, healthcare resources, food, events, communities and job-related resources. It is an independent platform and does not replace official services.
Which app is best for UK public transport?
It depends on your city. Google Maps and Citymapper work well for general journey planning. London students can also use the official TfL Go app for live transport information and journey planning.
Which money app should Indian students use in the UK?
There is no single best option. Compare Wise, Revolut and suitable UK bank accounts on fees, exchange rates, eligibility and your own needs, and check the latest terms before you choose.
Can I use the NHS App as soon as I land?
Usually not fully. The NHS App is mainly for England and most services need registration with a GP. Register with a GP after arrival, and check local healthcare guidance if you study in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Should I download UK apps before getting a UK SIM?
Yes, where possible. Having essential apps ready saves time after landing. Some services may need a UK number, address or identity verification before every feature works.
Can I work part-time in the UK on a Student visa?
Eligible degree-level students at qualifying sponsors can generally work up to 20 hours per week during term time, but limits depend on your course, sponsor and visa conditions. Check GOV.UK and your visa documents before accepting any job.
What is the emergency number in the UK?
Call 999 (or 112) for police, fire, ambulance or coastguard in an emergency. Save it in your phone before you travel.
Official sources
- GOV.UK: Student visa requirements and conditions
- NHS UK: official healthcare information
- UCAS: guidance on preparing for UK student life
Read next
About the author
Abin Mathew Varghese
Founder & Director, Guide to Heights
Abin studied and worked in Melbourne, completing an MBA and a Master's in IT at Deakin University, before returning to Kochi to build Guide to Heights. With over a decade of counselling experience, he guides students from Kerala and the GCC towards the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Malta and Germany.
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