Studying abroad is an incredible adventure—but it also comes with its challenges. From budgeting and getting your student visa to figuring out whether to major in computer science or economics. In order to stay happy and productive, international students need smart tools to simplify daily life. That’s why we’ve put together this list of essential apps to make your transition to college abroad smoother.
Whether you’re managing your money, booking activities, finding jobs, or just getting from point A to B, here are the best apps every international student should download in 2025:
Before you think about travel apps, social platforms, or productivity tools, there’s one thing you need to get right first: your finances. Between dealing with different currencies, opening local accounts, and transferring funds internationally, managing your finances as an international student can get complicated fast. Without the right tools, it’s easy to lose track of your spending—or worse, pay excessive fees just to access your own money.
Without the right tools, you might face:
High costs and transfer fees when sending money from home.
Trouble paying for basic expenses like public transport or groceries.
Difficulty tracking your budget in a foreign currency.
Unexpected costs that catch you off guard.
💡 The simplest solution? Set up your finances before you arrive.
DolarApp is one of the easiest ways to do that. With a few taps, you can:
Get your US and Europe account details remotely and start managing your money before you travel.
Fund your account in your home currency and save in USDc or EURc or pay whenever you need at the best cost.
Pay with a virtual or physical card abroad, without worrying about hidden fees.
Keep track of your spending in real time and even split expenses with your friends so you stay on budget.
For international students who want a hassle-free way to handle their finances, DolarApp makes it easy to spend and save while studying abroad. Instead of stressing over setting up a local account or paying surprise fees, you’ll arrive with your money ready to go—so you can focus on settling into campus life.
Finding part-time work, internships, or on-campus jobs can be tough when you’re new to a country. Handshake connects international students with local employers, campus recruiters, and remote job opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or your first professional role, Handshake helps build your career while you study.
Don’t want to own a car abroad? Zipcar lets you rent a car by the hour or day, perfect for weekend trips, moving between apartments, or running errands. Many universities have Zipcar stations right on campus, making it easy for international students to get around without the hassle of car ownership.
Balancing classes, assignments, and extracurricular activities abroad can get chaotic. Notion helps international students stay organized with customizable notes, to-do lists, calendars, and project trackers—all in one place. It’s perfect for managing your academic life and personal goals while adjusting to a new environment.
Living on a student budget? Too Good To Go lets you buy unsold food from local restaurants, bakeries, and supermarkets at a discount. It’s an easy way to stretch your food budget, try new places in your city, and help reduce food waste—all at the same time.
Getting lost in a new city is part of the adventure, but sometimes you just need to get to class on time. Moovit helps international students navigate buses, trains, and subways with real-time schedules and step-by-step directions, making public transport less stressful.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a trip home for the holidays, Skyscanner finds the best flight deals from hundreds of airlines. For international students juggling school breaks and budgets, it’s a must-have app for affordable travel planning.
Building your network abroad is key to finding internships and job opportunities. LinkedIn helps international students connect with classmates, professors, and industry professionals, showcase their skills, and explore companies hiring in their new country.
Being a student comes with perks. UNiDAYS gives international students access to exclusive discounts on tech, fashion, food delivery, software subscriptions, and more. It’s an easy way to save money on essentials and treat yourself while studying abroad.
Too busy (or tired) to cook? Doordash connects you to your favorite local restaurants and delivers right to your dorm or apartment. It’s a lifesaver during exam season, late study nights, or rainy weekends when going out just isn’t an option.
Studying abroad comes with plenty of exciting opportunities—and a few challenges. The right apps can help you manage your money, stay productive, navigate your new city, and build your future career. Start by setting up your finances with DolarApp, then explore tools for transportation, food, studying, and job hunting to make your life abroad easier and more enjoyable.
The world has borders. Your finances don’t have to.
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