Lost On Campus is Australia’s biggest campus mapping app. For me, I went from a school in South Carolina with 10,000 students to UNSW, which had 50,000 students. So when I stepped on campus for the first time, I was a little overwhelmed and most definitely got lost. Lost On Campus was a lifesaver for me and really helped me get around what I considered a complicated campus. The application shows you step-by-step directions how to get to your class and lets you know how long it’s going to take to get there. It’s perfect for when you’re first learning your new campus and need to not just get to your classes on time, but find them in the first place! As an added bonus, the app also has ratings for the food and coffee shops on campus.
2. Viber
I’m sure many of you have heard of this communication app, but it’s definitely an important one to mention! Viber allows you to call, text, and share pictures for free with anyone else that has the app using WiFi or 3G. Sometimes the service isn’t all that great, but it’s a great (and free) way to connect with your friends at home, your friends abroad in other countries, and family members.
3. TripIt
TripIt is the ultimate travel organizer when you are abroad. You forward your trip confirmation emails to TripIt’s email address and the app automatically creates a travel itinerary for you. In the app you can customize your plans with notes, recommendations others have given you, or photos to help you remember things like hotel room numbers and receipts. The app also lets you share your trip with others such as your friends and parents. Its an easy way to get your friends involved in your plans and your parents to know exactly what you’re doing so they don’t have to worry.
As fun as abroad is, don’t forget the real purpose for you being there: school! The Class Timetable app is really helpful to keep yourself organized. You can keep track of what time your classes are, on what days, and where the classrooms are, as well as add events to your weekly schedule simply and conveniently. With this app you you’ll make sure you never miss a thing and keep yourself organized.
5. Yelp
Yelp is really helpful whenever you’re in need of finding a local business, whether it’s a restaurant, movie theatre, ice cream shop, entertainment source, hotel, etc. You are able to customize what you are looking for with buttons explaining how far you’re willing to travel, the price you’re willing to pay, and specific features that you are looking for. It’s a great way to discover new places. There are also multiple customer reviews about every place, so you can learn a little bit more before you head there.
Savannah Cassidy is a TEAN Alum and Global Ambassador at the College of Charleston. She studied abroad in Australia with TEAN.
