The start of university is confusing, and if you’re anything like me, you’re on this blog because you like to be prepared! I have found that the apps I discuss below have been very helpful, however it took a while to find them! So, here’s a quick and easy guide to some that I believe are most useful.
Uni Apps
The key app to have downloaded on your phone is the MyUOY app. This gives students access to schedule, the campus map, check-in for lectures, and many other helpful features. To use, just download the app, and log in using your York email address and password.
The next app that is very helpful is FirstBus. The university has a bus route going through it, and the FirstBus app gives live updates on where buses are on their route. Students can buy single tickets for £1.50; this is much cheaper than having to remember to tap on and off! Additionally, there is the ability to buy semester or annual tickets. To find these, click on the ‘tickets’ section at the bottom of the screen, and scroll down to find ‘Student Travel.’
CircuitGo is a must for making laundry easier! Set the location of your laundry room when you are in the room, and the app will then show what machines are free or currently in use. This is useful, as going down to the laundry room and finding out nothing is available is frustrating (trust me, it’s happened too many times to count!). Simply add a balance to your account, and laundry is made 10x easier!
Going Out Apps
A great app to use for discounts when hitting the town is MiXR. Sign up with a
student email, and get cheaper drinks (my personal favourite is a discount at Slug & Lettuce) and earn points to get vouchers. Simply scan the QR code, and you’re set for (a little) less damage to the bank account!
Fatsoma is another app to keep in mind. It allows you to book club tickets, and is
helpful when there are special events- such as Halloween- when it is unlikely you’d get in without a ticket.
Health and Safety
The University of York uses the SafeZone app to allow 24/7 access to the campus safety team. This is helpful if you have urgent need for security purposes or first aid. This has been helpful in multiple circumstances, for example a flatmate got burned, and campus security came to administer first aid. It also provides non-urgent support due to access to the help desk on campus.
A personal opinion for a good health and safety app is the British Red Cross app. The app provides free general first aid, which can be used to learn basic first aid, or used for quick tips in case of an emergency. I believe it’s important to have a level of first aid understanding, and this has helped me in a couple of emergencies.
Discount Apps
As students, a discount is the most helpful thing to have when you’re shopping for
food or other items. Some of the most useful apps I have come across are things such as the LidlPlus app, which always has coupons that allows you to get money off, or sometimes gives you a free sweet treat! Other supermarket reward cards are also helpful (for example Tesco clubcard, or Sainsburys nectar card)
Other apps that have been very helpful include UniDays and Student beans, these are apps that give student discounts, and can be helpful for online shopping or in-store discounts. To use these, just sign up with your student email. You will be asked to re-verify; however, this is once a year.
Leave a Reply