Essential apps to navigate life in London like a pro

London's busy energy can feel overwhelming at first, but there are some helpful apps that can make the transition smoother. 

Smart ways to get around 🚇 🚌 🚲

• Citymapper (Android) (iPhone)  works offline and gives you real-time updates and direct route instructions for tubes and buses.
• Google Maps (Android) (iPhone) allows you to navigate in real-time, download maps for offline use, share your live location and save places to visit. 
• Uber (Android) (iPhone) is a reliable way to get a car home if public transport isn't running. Plus, since you pay through the app with your card, there’s no need to carry cash.
• Santander Cycle (Android) (iPhone) gives you the location of nearby bike docking stations and check bike availability. 
• Trainline (Android) (iPhone) makes it easy to book train and coach tickets across the UK. It gives you real-time travel updates and lets you use e-tickets, so there’s no need to print anything.
• TfL Go (Android) (iPhone) provides real-time updates, journey planning, and accessibility info to help you navigate London’s public transport easily and comfortably.

Things to do 🎊🍴💂

• TodayTix (Android) (iPhone) helps you find and buy last minute or discounted tickets for theatre shows, musicals, comedy, and other live events in London.
• Visit London - Official Guide (Android) (iPhone) lets you discover things to do, places to eat, and must-see attractions, with maps, recommendations, and handy tips. 
• Open Table (Android) (iPhone) lets you book restaurant tables in advance across London, see real-time availability, browse menus and read reviews. 
• TheFork (Android) (iPhone) lets you reserve restaurant tables and offers exclusive discounts and special offers. 

Helpful 🤝

• Where's My Droid or Find My iPhone will help you locate a misplaced phone.
• MyUAL (Andrioid) (iPhone) provides core digital services such as print credit and top-up, college maps, library info, UAL news, Moodle and timetables. 

Discounts 🤑

• UNiDAYS (Android) (iPhone) and Student Beans (Android) (iPhone) give you access to exclusive discounts and deals on popular brands - just by verifying your student status.
• Too Good To Go (Android) (iPhone) lets you buy discounted “surprise bags” of leftover food from local cafés, restaurants, and shops to help reduce food waste.

Health and fitness 🧑‍⚕️🏃

• Strava (Android) (iPhone) is a fitness app that tracks your runs, rides, and walks using GPS, helping you stay active, monitor your progress, and connect with friends. 
• NHS app (Android) (iPhone) lets you book GP appointments, order repeat prescriptions, view your medical records, and access health advice.