Avoiding the rain and finding your way – Bárbara Campos Pérez, our Chilean and UL Ambassador, takes us through her five essential apps for studying abroad in Ireland …
Transport
Journey Planner and Real Time Ireland are some of the applications that you must have in your phone during your time in Ireland. Here you can check the best way to go from one place to another and detailed bus timetables – including real time departure information, and complete route maps which would make your trips by public transportation easier.
Weather
From the moment you land in Ireland you will notice the crazy way in which the weather changes. It can be raining like it’s the end of the world for some minutes, then sunny, and then rainy again. It’s hard to keep up, let alone dress for the climate! To ensure you enjoy a bike ride to your faculty building or a walk in the amazing green areas of this island, planning and keeping an eye on the forecast is vital. So, the best way to enjoy the day is by having a trustworthy weather app. That way you can decide if you have enough time to ride your bike before the storm catches you! Try AccuWeather (but always bring an umbrella, just in case!)
Facebook groups for your city and university
Before you arrive in Ireland, follow the Facebook groups related to your university and study destination city. For sure you will find people in a similar situation to yours, and probably with some of the same questions like you. It’s a great place to start to make your first friends, find a flat, buy second hand stuff, and much more. Sign up for Facebook, if you’re not already on it!
Snapchat
If you don’t have a Snapchat account yet it is a good idea to create one during your time in Ireland. This app is a “must” among Irish students. It was interesting for me that sometimes my Irish friends would ask me for my “snapchat” (that I didn’t have, or I didn’t even know what is) instead of my Facebook contact or phone number. Now I’m on Snapchat it’s actually really fun – you can share photos or videos that self-destruct after maximum 10 seconds.
Here Maps
If you have problems understanding maps or if you have a special talent for getting lost in each new place you visit, the Here Maps app could be a great option for you. The best thing about this app is that you can download maps of any country and keep it in your phone to use it offline.
Interested in studying in Ireland? Visit the Education in Ireland website for more information.