In today’s technologically advanced society, mobile phones have become a necessity for all to have. Your phone is your trusty tool that you can rely on to make your life easier, and this applies to international students as well.
Key Takeaways
- Apps like Google Maps and Uber provide reliable navigation and transportation solutions for exploring new cities.
- Using WhatsApp keeps you connected globally, while Adro helps you manage finances and build credit in the US.
- Duolingo helps you learn languages, and Uber Eats offers flexible food delivery options, useful to busy student lifestyles.
Having prior knowledge of what apps to download on your phone is crucial, as it will come in handy the moment you arrive in the US. This article will run down the most recommended US apps to use for international students that serve as a great headstart for your time in America.
Unit Converter
This app is important especially if you’re from a country where it uses the Metric System as units of measurement, since the US uses the Imperial Measurement System. Unit Converter is an app available on both iOS and Android platforms.
It allows you to easily convert a variety of units across various categories, making it an important app for anyone needing quick and accurate conversions.
Benefits
- Ease of Conversion: The app makes life easier when it comes to converting units, which is especially useful for international students who may encounter different measurement systems in the US.
- User-Friendly Interface: Made with simplicity in mind, the app features an intuitive interface that allows users to find and convert units quickly without any hassle.
- Wide Range of Units: Unit Converter supports conversions for a multitude of categories, including length, weight, volume, temperature, and currency. This comprehensive coverage ensures that users can rely on the app for various academic, culinary, and everyday needs.
- Accuracy and Precision: The app provides highly accurate conversions, which is crucial for academic purposes where precision is required.
Duolingo
Suppose you come from countries where English is not commonly used. Duolingo is a highly popular language-learning app that offers a wide range of languages through interactive lessons, making them into games.
The app is designed to make learning new languages fun and engaging, using techniques like rewards and levels to motivate users.
Benefits
- Language Practice: This app helps international students improve their English skills or learn other languages, which can be useful for academic and daily interactions while in the US.
- Gamified Learning: The app uses game-like elements such as points, streaks, and levels to motivate and engage users. This makes language learning fun. enjoyable, and less of a chore.
- Free Access: Duolingo provides a plethora of free language-learning resources, with optional premium features available. This makes it useful to students who may be on a budget.
- Flexible Learning: Students can easily fit language practice into their busy schedules with short, simplified lessons. The app also offers personalized learning paths based on the user's progress and goals. And if you seem to forget to open the app, there will be active notifications to remind you.
Similarities to Other Countries
To give you more context, Duolingo is like Hello English by CultureAlley, one of India's most popular learning apps that offers courses in English and various Indian languages. And similar to Duolingo, it also offers interactive lessons, offline support, grammar tips, and a wide range of exercises.
Uber
For your transportation needs, Uber is one of the most popular ride-sharing apps that connect users with competent drivers for convenient, reliable, and affordable transportation. It operates in numerous cities across the US, making it a necessary app for international students who need to go around their city easily.
Benefits
- Convenient Transportation: Uber provides a hassle-free way to get around, whether it's for daily commutes, trips to the grocery store, or late-night rides back from a concert or party. You can request a ride with just a few taps on your smartphone.
- Safety Features: The app includes several safety features such as real-time ride tracking, sharing trip details with your friends or family, and driver information and background checks.
- Multiple Payment Options: Uber offers various payment methods, including credit/debit cards, PayPal, and Uber Cash, making it easy for international students to pay for their rides without needing cash.
- Flexible Ride Choices: You can choose from different rides based on your needs and budget, from economical options like UberX to more luxurious ones like UberBLACK. This freedom of choice allows students to select the most suitable option.
Similarities to Other Countries
Each country has its popular Taxi app. In the Philippines, the most popular app is called Grab. Similar to Uber, you can use the app to book a car in no time at all. You can take your ride anywhere within its coverage areas while having the option to pay cashless or by cash.
Google Maps
Google Maps is the most reliable and used mapping service that offers detailed maps, real-time traffic situations, turn-by-turn navigation, and local business information about stores, restaurants, and more. It is a must-have app if you want to navigate around the US without getting lost.
Benefits
- Navigation: Google Maps provides precise, turn-by-turn directions for driving, walking, biking, and public transportation. This feature is invaluable if you’re unfamiliar with local routes.
- Local Discovery: The app helps users discover nearby restaurants, stores, attractions, and services, making it easier for international students to explore their new areas.
- Real-Time Traffic: Google Maps offers real-time traffic conditions and alternative routes, helping you to avoid traffic jams and reach your destinations more efficiently.
- Public Transit Information: The app includes detailed schedules and routes for public transportation, allowing students to plan their journeys using buses, trains, and subways.
- Offline Maps: Users can download maps for offline use, which is useful in areas with limited internet connectivity.
Similarities to Other Countries
Some countries are unable to access Google Maps due to their country’s restrictions, including China. Their most popular navigation app is Baidu Maps, known for its convenient user experience and comprehensive features. It also has identical features to Google Maps, such as a Street View mode, walking routes, and public transportation recommendations.
Adro
Adro is an app designed to help international students and workers seamlessly create their US banking account even before they step foot into the country. This is a convenient app that allows you to create an account outside of the US without the requirement of an SSN. By using this app, it allows you to build your financial status right from the get-go.
Benefits
- Simple Checking Account Creation: Adro streamlines the process of opening an account, requiring only your passport, student email address (or even SSN or ITIN if you already have one), residential address, and phone number.
- Credit Card: The app also provides you the opportunity to apply for a credit card after you’ve opened either a checking or savings account, or both. You can also enjoy the peace of mind of having no annual fees and no international transaction fees.
- Building Good Credit Scores Early: Adro’s ability to let you open a credit card account, will allow you to establish and build a good credit score early on in your life in the US. This will help you in the long run to enjoy insurance discounts, higher credit limits, lower interest rates, and more.
- Secure and Reliable: The app uses advanced security measures to protect users' personal and financial information. Adro is also FDIC-insured up to $250,000, providing you with peace of mind in case of a worst-case scenario.
Similarities to Other Countries
Digital banking has nowadays become popular among people, especially younger users who wish to establish themselves financially at an early age. In the Philippines, GoTyme is one of the most popular banking apps people use.
With this app, you can seamlessly create an account by entering your basic information and sending a picture of your ID. The app also allows you to transfer money to different banks, create your physical card and lets you publish bank statements and certificates for your transactions.
Uber Eats
To satisfy your food cravings, check out Uber Eats. This is a food delivery app that brings a variety of meals from local restaurants directly to your doorstep. It's an extension of Uber's transportation service, making it easy and convenient to order food anytime, anywhere.
Benefits
- Variety of Options: Uber Eats partners with a wide range of restaurants, offering a diverse selection of delicious cuisines to satisfy any craving.
- Convenient Ordering: The app allows you to browse menus, place orders, and pay from your smartphone. It's perfect for busy students who need a quick and easy meal solution.
- Real-Time Tracking: Users can track their order in real-time, from the moment it's prepared to when it's delivered. This feature ensures that students know exactly when to expect their food.
- Flexible Delivery: With options for delivery at any time of day, including late-night hours, Uber Eats caters to a flexible delivery time.
Similarities to Other Countries
Every country has its go-to app when it comes to food delivery. You can find something similar with Uber Eats in India when using the app called Zomato. This app allows users to connect with some of the best restaurants in their area. You can bring their best-selling dishes right to your doorstep with its quick and dependable delivery service.
WhatsApp is one of the most widely used messaging apps that offers free text, voice, and video communication over the internet. It is available on both iOS and Android platforms, making it accessible to a broad audience.
Benefits
- Global Communication: WhatsApp allows international students to stay connected with family and friends from around the world without incurring high international calling or texting fees.
- Multimedia Sharing: You can easily share photos, videos, documents, and voice messages, enhancing the communication experience and making it more dynamic.
- Group Chats: The app also supports group chats, which are useful for coordinating with classmates, joining study groups, or keeping in touch with multiple friends and family members at once.
- End-to-end Encryption: WhatsApp uses end-to-end encryption to ensure that messages, calls, and shared media are secure and private.
- Status Updates: Students can share status updates with their contacts, allowing a quick way to update everyone on their activities or share important information.
In conclusion, these apps are essential whenever you arrive. These most recommended US apps offer whatever you need for your entire stay in the US, from transportation, food, learning new languages, and communication. By using these apps properly, you can seamlessly integrate yourself with your new environment, allowing you to live a life with no worries. Always take advantage of the potential of smartphones nowadays, as they make our lives easier, especially for someone who is moving to the US.
