Whether you intend to study abroad or are already enrolled at a foreign university, life as an international student is a huge adventure. Who isn’t excited about the idea of studying abroad? The invaluable global experience, the relating (and sometimes overwhelming) culture shock, travelling and living abroad is an exciting experience! Still, it’s not a walk in the park.

Settling in a new country can be challenging due to struggles like being homesick, finances, navigation of different transport systems, language barriers, and finding a new social circle. But don’t worry! Fortunately, Platonic is here to make things a little simpler for you. There’s an application for almost every international living-related issue you can imagine. To help you navigate any potential obstacles, here are six essential apps that every foreign student should download:

1. Platonic App

There is no doubt that international students tend to have a challenging time building a social circle in their newly arrived-in countries. Imagine spending your entire life somewhere before deciding to leave behind all the comforts of home, including all your social groups! The truth is, as much as one can attempt to stay connected with friends and family back at home — often through laggy video calls on sleepless nights thanks to the time zone differences — there comes a time when you will want to step out into the world to meet new people, make new acquaintances, and sculpt new friendships.

Here is where the Platonic app comes to your rescue. If you are excited to make new friends and meet like-minded people in your new city but feel clueless about where and how to start, this is the perfect app for you. Platonic helps you discover new friends, social groups, and events happening near you. With just one click, you will find yourself surrounded by people who share common interests like you.

Say you are at this lovely coffee shop enjoying a nice cup of cappuccino and would not mind having some company. With Platonic, you have the ability to initiate a friendly social gathering with just a few clicks on your smartphone! No matter what you may be interested in doing, you are bound to find other people who would be interested in joining you or having you join them. Finding new friends just got a lot easier.

2. DB Navigator

Germany is a massive country. Commuting and exploring can be difficult, especially when you have just arrived. Learning which trams to catch to go to campus, or when the last S Bahn is to your area can be particularly difficult.

When you arrive in Germany, download DB Navigator to purchase train, U-Bahn, tram or bus tickets, check timetables, view maps, and preview what it’s like on board. The app was developed by the national train operator Deutsche Bahn and consolidates all your German transportation options into a single, English-speaking location. Public transportation has never been simpler.

3. Duolingo

Hallo, Guten Tag! The most effective way to “settle in” is to become familiar with the language. If you are not fluent in communicating in German yet, relax: Duolingo is perfect for you. Duolingo has gamified language learning, allowing users to add friends, compete in leaderboards, ask questions in community message boards, and read stories to learn a new language. It teaches you new words, expressions, and grammar, all while highlighting areas for improvement and guiding you to learn more effectively. Above all, it is completely free. Use the app whenever you have a couple of minutes. Before you know it, you will be “Deutsch sprechen” (speaking German)!

4. Wise

Wise is one of the most convenient and efficient ways to send money overseas. Many banks are not clear about the fees they charge for money transfers, but Wise is different. Wise is extremely valuable to students who transfer or receive money from abroad, as it provides reliable, transparent exchange rates. Wise also frees you from making an appointment at a traditional bank. Download Wise and save yourself the hassle of banks.

5. Mint

What is vital to a student budget in a foreign country? Spending less money. We understand that living on a student budget can be challenging. Mint the budget app is here to help. If you are arriving from the United States and want to continue using your US bank accounts, Mint is exceptionally secure. It connects to your bank account and assists you in creating a customized budget. It tracks bill payments, budgeting goals, and investments; it also serves as an alert system for when your funds are running low. Mint will undoubtedly assist you in making the most of your finances in a foreign country.

6. AccuWeather

The weather has a propensity for changing on a dime. Ever been trapped in the downpour without an umbrella or in the snow without good boots? Weather applications like AccuWeather prove to be useful for these peculiarly flighty days. The AccuWeather application has been demonstrated to be very effective and easy to understand. AccuWeather provides precise temperatures, weather predictions, wind speeds and direction, and more. Plus, it regularly updates, so you’ll always have notice when the next storm is brewing near you. Trust us, it is always a smart idea to be prepared!

Studying abroad can be nerve-racking. You’re away from home and everything you used to know. Download these apps to make your life easier, smarter, and more efficient, so you can enjoy your time as a global scholar.