Studying abroad involves a lot to plan, from booking flights to figuring out how to get around a city you have never visited. While it is easy to focus on packing clothes and planning excursions, having the right apps and technology can make a big difference once you arrive. Whether you are navigating the London Underground, finding your way through the streets of Paris, or taking a train to another city, a few tools can make travel much less stressful.
Here are some of the apps and tech essentials I recommend downloading or packing before you leave!
Getting Around
Google Maps
Google Maps is one of the most useful apps to have while studying abroad. I used it to find restaurants, locate tourist attractions, plan walking routes, and figure out public transportation. You can also save places you want to visit ahead of time, which is helpful when you are planning a day in a new city. I did a day trip in Paris where I used Google Maps constantly. One tip: download offline maps before you leave your accommodation, or whenever you have Wi-Fi. This lets you access certain map and navigation features even when you don’t have service. Just remember that offline maps don’t provide public transportation directions.
Citymapper: All Live Transit
If you plan to use public transportation frequently, Citymapper is worth checking out. It provides transit directions and helps you compare different ways to get somewhere, including buses, trains, and walking routes. This is especially useful in larger cities with multiple ways to reach the same destination. I recommend checking it alongside Google Maps when navigating public transportation, particularly if you are still learning how a city’s transit system works. Check which features and transit agencies it supports in your destination before relying on it, but I used it constantly in London.
Staying Connected
WhatsApp is a great app for keeping in touch with friends, family, and other students while abroad. It lets you send messages, share photos, and make calls over Wi-Fi or mobile data. It can also be useful when coordinating plans with classmates or communicating with people you meet while traveling. Before leaving, make sure your family and friends know how to reach you through the app. You can use it without paying international SMS charges, although you will still need an internet connection.
eSIM
An eSIM can make staying connected abroad much easier. Instead of purchasing a physical SIM card, you can download a digital SIM plan to a compatible phone. Depending on the plan you choose, this can give you mobile data while traveling without relying entirely on Wi-Fi. Before your trip, check whether your phone supports eSIMs, whether it is carrier-unlocked, and which countries your plan covers. Also, check whether your plan includes calls and texts or only data. Mobile data is especially helpful when you need directions, want to check a train schedule, or need to contact someone while you are out exploring.
Staying Safe and Prepared
Smart Traveler
The Smart Traveler app from the U.S. Department of State is a useful resource for staying informed while traveling internationally. It provides official country information, travel advisories, and information on U.S. embassies and consulates. You can also use it to access the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which sends updates from U.S. embassies and consulates and helps them contact you or your emergency contact during an emergency. Set this up before your trip rather than waiting until you need it.
Making Airport Days Easier
Mobile Passport Control
Mobile Passport Control (MPC) is an official app from U.S. Customs and Border Protection that may help eligible travelers returning to the United States move through the inspection process at participating entry locations. When instructed, you can enter your travel information, answer inspection questions, and submit the required information through the app. Check eligibility and supported airports before your return flight. The app does not replace your passport, and using it does not guarantee shorter wait times.
MyTSA
The MyTSA app can help you prepare for airport security in the United States. It provides information about TSA security procedures, packing guidance, and other travel questions. If you are unsure whether something belongs in your carry-on or checked bag, check official TSA guidance before packing to save time and stress at the airport. Remember that MyTSA is for U.S. airport security information, so you should check the relevant airport or airline guidance when traveling through other countries.
Your Airline’s App
Download the app for every airline you fly with, especially if your itinerary includes multiple airlines. Airline apps let you access your booking, check in, retrieve boarding passes, get flight updates, and review baggage rules. Some also provide gate information and notifications about delays or schedule changes. Before leaving for the airport, check your flight status and make sure you can access your boarding pass. It is also a good idea to save a copy of your itinerary offline in case you can’t connect to the internet.
Tech Essentials to Pack
Travel Adapters
Don’t forget a travel adapter! Plug shapes and electrical outlets vary by country, so your home charger may not fit abroad. Research the plug types for every country on your itinerary and bring an adapter that works for those destinations. If you are visiting multiple countries, a universal travel adapter can be convenient. One important distinction: an adapter changes the plug shape, but it does not necessarily convert voltage. Check that your devices support the local voltage before plugging them in.
Power Bank
A power bank is one of those things that might not seem essential until your phone is at 5%, and you still need directions back to your accommodation. Between taking photos, checking transit schedules, using maps, and communicating with friends, your battery can drain quickly during a full day of exploring. Bring a charged power bank and the cable you need to connect it to your phone. If you are flying, check your airline’s rules for carrying power banks, which generally need to travel in your carry-on rather than checked luggage.
Final Thoughts
You do not need to download every travel app or buy every gadget before studying abroad. Start with the basics, make sure your phone works internationally, and choose tools that fit your itinerary. Having reliable maps, a way to communicate, access to your travel documents, and a charged phone can make exploring a new place much easier.
Most importantly, do a little preparation before you leave so you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time enjoying your experience abroad!
This blog post was contributed by Jonah Roming, Fall 2026 Peer Mentor. Jonah is a fourth-year nursing student participating in the Peer Mentors Program. Jonah studied abroad at the University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland (Spring 2024), and through the AIFS Comparative Healthcare program in London, Barcelona, and Rome (May Term 2026).
