Moving to a new city can feel like stepping into another world. Suddenly, you’re figuring out buses, trying to stretch your budget, finding new places to eat, and maybe even wondering how to survive the unpredictable Irish weather.

Here’s the good news: your phone can become your best friend. There are apps every international student in Galway should download to make life smoother, cheaper, and a lot more fun. From finding your classroom to grabbing surprise discounted meals, these apps will help you settle in faster and feel like you belong.

🗺️ MazeMap – Find Your Way at ATU

Remember the first week when you had no idea where your class was, and you followed a group of students hoping they were heading to the same room? MazeMap fixes that.

It’s basically a campus GPS. You can search for lecture theatres, labs, the library, or even where the café is. Just plug in your destination, and it’ll show you the exact route. No more awkwardly wandering around with your timetable in hand!

💡 Tip: Save your most-used rooms (like your main lecture hall or lab) so you can pull them up in two seconds.

👉 Download: search MazeMap in the App Store / Google Play or on the website (www.mazemap.com)  then search for ATU + your campus (e.g., ATU Galway Dublin Road)

🚌 Student Leap Card + TFI Live + Leap Top-Up – Mastering Transport in Galway

Public transport in Ireland is a bit of an art form. Buses don’t always run on time, and routes can change.

First get your ->

Student Leap Card: Your golden ticket to cheaper fares across the country. You’ll use it almost daily if you take buses or trains.

👉 Request here: Student Leap Card

Now these 2 apps will save you a world of frustration:

• TFI Live: This is your real-time bus tracker. Instead of guessing when your bus will come, you can see its live location and avoid standing in the rain too long.

👉 Download: search TFI Live in the App Store / Google Play

• Leap Top-Up: No more running out of credit mid-journey. Top up your Leap Card straight from your phone and check your balance anytime.

👉 Download: search Leap Top-Up in the App Store / Google Play

💡 Tip: Always tap your Leap Card when you get on the bus — it’s cheaper than paying cash!

📱 ISS Hub – Your International Student Community

This one is close to our hearts. The ISS Hub app is your direct link to everything happening in the International Student Society.

You’ll find event updates, buy tickets for trips, join groups, share posts, and connect with other international students who are in the exact same boat as you. It’s like a mix of social media + event planner + student guide all in one.

👉 Tip: Turn on notifications so you never miss out on trips (they sell out fast!).

👉 Download: search ISS Hub in the App Store / Google Play

🎓 Unidays – Discounts Everywhere

Being a student in Ireland is expensive, but Unidays makes it easier. This app verifies your student status and unlocks discounts on clothing, tech, food, and more. Brands like Apple, ASOS, Nike, and even food delivery apps often have deals.

👉 Tip: Always check Unidays before you buy anything online — you’ll be surprised how often you’ll save a few euros.

👉 Download: search Unidays in the App Store / Google Play

🚖 FREE NOW – Getting Around Safely

Most of Galway is walkable, but there are times when you’ll need a taxi — especially after a night out or when the weather turns wild. FREE NOW lets you book a licensed taxi with a tap, track your driver, and even split the fare with friends.

👉 Tip: Save your “home” address in the app to get home safely with one click.

👉 Download: search FREE NOW in the App Store / Google Play

🛒 Supermarket Apps – Unlock Hidden Discounts

Irish supermarkets love their club cards and value cards. Tesco, Dunnes, Lidl, and SuperValu all have their own apps, and they often give you instant discounts, personalised coupons, and even freebies.

👉 Tip: Always scan your club card when you shop. You’ll notice the “with card” price is often way lower than the shelf price.

👉 Download: search the Supermarket Name in the App Store / Google Play

🍴 Too Good To Go – Cheap Eats, Big Surprises

This app is a student favourite. Restaurants, cafés, and bakeries in Galway put their unsold food on Too Good To Go at the end of the day, and you can grab it for a fraction of the price.

The fun part? You don’t always know what you’re going to get — sometimes it’s a mystery bag of pastries, other times it’s a full meal. It saves you money and reduces food waste. Win-win.

👉 Tip: Set a reminder to check the app in the late afternoon when most of the offers go live.

👉 Download: search Too Good To Go in the App Store / Google Play

👕 Vinted – Affordable and Sustainable Shopping

Instead of spending a fortune on clothes, Vinted lets you buy, sell, or swap second-hand fashion. Students in Galway use it not just for clothes but also for bikes, household items, and accessories. It’s sustainable, budget-friendly, and gives you access to things you might not find in local shops.

👉 Tip: Filter by location to find sellers in Galway so you can sometimes arrange in-person pick-up instead of paying for delivery.

👉 Download: search Vinted in the App Store / Google Play

🍕 Just Eat / Deliveroo / Domino’s – For Lazy Nights

We all have those evenings when cooking just isn’t happening. Just Eat and Deliveroo cover most Galway restaurants, from local gems to fast food. Domino’s is especially popular among students (keep an eye on student discount codes).

👉 Tip: Delivery can be expensive — team up with friends, order together, and split the cost.

👉 Download: search the Delivery Name in the App Store / Google Play

📚 Bonus Picks – Little Helpers

• Google Lens: Translate menus, signs, or documents instantly with your camera. A lifesaver if English isn’t your first language.
• Duolingo: Brush up on your English or even learn some Irish phrases (Slán! = goodbye).

🌟 Final Word: Download Early, Save Big

The sooner you set up these apps, the easier your student life in Galway will be. They’ll save you money, help you stay connected, and even introduce you to new people and experiences.

Being an international student isn’t just about studying — it’s about adapting, making the most of what’s around you, and creating memories you’ll never forget. And yes, there’s an app for that. 😉