{"id":6661,"date":"2022-04-18T09:50:47","date_gmt":"2022-04-18T07:50:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/?p=6661"},"modified":"2025-08-05T15:56:18","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T13:56:18","slug":"apps-that-make-student-life-simpler","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/2022\/04\/apps-that-make-student-life-simpler\/","title":{"rendered":"Apps that make student life simpler"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"post-content-wrapper\">\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Sweden, digitalisation is seen as a key way to increase efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of society. KTH is a big believer in this mission, which is why <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kth.se\/en\/student\/kth\/vision\/digitalisering-1.1081533\">digitization<\/a> is actually one of its pillars. Throughout my time as a student, the number of apps in the \u201cSverige\u201d folder on my phone has only grown, but it\u2019s made my life here easier to manage. Here are my top suggestions:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Apps for: Swedish<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">V\u00e4lkommen till Sverige! If you\u2019re like most international students, you won\u2019t know much Swedish upon arrival, and that\u2019s alright.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><strong>Google Translate \u2013 <\/strong>still an essential app for me. The scan-translating function is really useful.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Folkets Lexikon<\/strong> <strong>\u2013<\/strong> (\u201cthe people\u2019s dictionary\u201d) the most accurate Swedish &lt;&gt; English translator, though you can only search individual words. It\u2019s a great tool for Swedish class.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Duolingo \u2013 <\/strong>For learning Swedish on your own time, this can be an engaging (and free) starting point.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"828\" height=\"286\" class=\"wp-image-6675\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/files\/2022\/04\/IMG_7815-1.jpg?resize=828%2C286&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Screenshot of apps\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/files\/2022\/04\/IMG_7815-1.jpg?w=828&amp;ssl=1 828w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/files\/2022\/04\/IMG_7815-1.jpg?resize=748%2C258&amp;ssl=1 748w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/files\/2022\/04\/IMG_7815-1.jpg?resize=768%2C265&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 828px) 100vw, 828px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Apps for: Transport<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While living in Sweden, I\u2019ve rarely ridden in a car. Planning my path from A to B has never been easier, thanks to a few apps and Stockholm\u2019s infrastructure.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><strong>Google Maps \u2013 <\/strong>In my case, for determining whether taking my bike is faster than jumping on the metro.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>SL <\/strong>app \u2013 Short for \u201cStorstockholms Lokaltrafik\u201d or <em>Greater Stockholm Local Transport<\/em>, this is Stockholm\u2019s public transport app. I buy tickets in the app and then scan the QR code to access any SL bus, tram, metro, ferry, or commuter train. (See <strong>SL ArtGuide<\/strong> for learning about the history and art installations in the metro stations along the way).<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>SJ <\/strong>\u2013 Short for \u201cSveriges J\u00e4rnv\u00e4gar\u201d or <em>Sweden\u2019s Railway<\/em>, this is your app for booking a longer-distance train trip.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"828\" height=\"315\" class=\"wp-image-6669\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/files\/2022\/04\/IMG_7816.jpg?resize=828%2C315&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Screenshot of apps\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/files\/2022\/04\/IMG_7816.jpg?w=828&amp;ssl=1 828w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/files\/2022\/04\/IMG_7816.jpg?resize=748%2C285&amp;ssl=1 748w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/files\/2022\/04\/IMG_7816.jpg?resize=768%2C292&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 828px) 100vw, 828px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Apps for: <strong>Staying informed<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the catch-all category of apps I use to manage my life and stay informed about everything from classes to the weather.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><strong>Canvas \u2013<\/strong> Canvas is the digital learning platform used by KTH. Although it has a web version too, I use the app to keep an eye on my coursework, updates, and communications for studies.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>The Local <\/strong>\u2013 A popular news outlet in Sweden which writes informative articles in English, though the free version has limited access.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Naturkartan \u2013 <\/strong>For finding everything from hiking trails in national parks to local swimming spots, this app is one of my favourite guides to the outdoors.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Aurora <\/strong>\u2013 An app for keeping an eye on the geomagnetic conditions (especially from September to April). Earlier this year, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/2022\/01\/when-the-northern-lights-dance-in-stockholm\/\">we saw the northern lights<\/a> from Stockholm. \u00a0<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"828\" height=\"475\" class=\"wp-image-6670\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/files\/2022\/04\/IMG_7817.jpg?resize=828%2C475&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Screenshot of apps\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/files\/2022\/04\/IMG_7817.jpg?w=828&amp;ssl=1 828w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/files\/2022\/04\/IMG_7817.jpg?resize=748%2C429&amp;ssl=1 748w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/files\/2022\/04\/IMG_7817.jpg?resize=768%2C441&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 828px) 100vw, 828px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Apps for: <strong>Discounts<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These apps are a good foundation, but for more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/2021\/10\/saving-money-in-stockholm-five-tips-for-students\/\">tips on saving money<\/a> as a student, check out other blog posts.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><strong>Mecenat; Studentkortet; ISIC \u2013 <\/strong>Once you have proof of registration for your first semester of studies, you can activate your digital student card in all of these apps to access all kinds of discounts. When people ask for verification of student status, Mecenat is what I usually show here, as it\u2019s specific to Sweden.<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Too Good to Go; Karma; OLIO \u2013 <\/strong>Apps like these are great for reducing food waste while saving money on things like produce, bakery goods, and takeout.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"828\" height=\"306\" class=\"wp-image-6671\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/files\/2022\/04\/Screenshot-2022-04-17-at-15.15.03.png?resize=828%2C306&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Screenshot of apps\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/files\/2022\/04\/Screenshot-2022-04-17-at-15.15.03.png?w=828&amp;ssl=1 828w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/files\/2022\/04\/Screenshot-2022-04-17-at-15.15.03.png?resize=748%2C276&amp;ssl=1 748w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/files\/2022\/04\/Screenshot-2022-04-17-at-15.15.03.png?resize=768%2C284&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 828px) 100vw, 828px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Apps for: <strong>Finances<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One thing that makes my life simpler is having my credit cards in my phone\u2019s digital wallet; contactless payment is very normal here. As for the apps that fall under this category &#8211; most of them aren\u2019t necessary until you\u2019ve registered for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kth.se\/en\/student\/stodkontakt\/stod\/new-in-sweden\/swedish-personal-identification-number-1.443883\">personnummer <\/a>and bank account. But still:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\r\n<li><strong>Your bank\u2019s app<\/strong> \u2013 There are many banks in Sweden, and most have an app. I use my Swedish bank app for a lot of things, like paying my rent or transferring miscellaneous debts to friends.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>BankID \u2013 <\/strong>It\u2019s basically an authentication app that can be used for many things, from verifying payments to signing documents. You can read more <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bankid.com\/en\">here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\r\n<li><strong>Swish <\/strong>\u2013 An app for making instant transfers or payments directly from your Swedish bank account to someone else\u2019s, requiring only their phone number to do so. BankID is used to authenticate and confirm the transaction.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-default\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"828\" height=\"303\" class=\"wp-image-6672\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/files\/2022\/04\/IMG_7818.jpg?resize=828%2C303&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Screenshot of apps\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/files\/2022\/04\/IMG_7818.jpg?w=828&amp;ssl=1 828w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/files\/2022\/04\/IMG_7818.jpg?resize=748%2C274&amp;ssl=1 748w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/files\/2022\/04\/IMG_7818.jpg?resize=768%2C281&amp;ssl=1 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 828px) 100vw, 828px\" \/><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For even more information on how to prepare for studies in Sweden, be sure to check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kth.se\/en\/student\/studier\/newatkth\/degree-programme-stu\/webinars-and-events-for-admitted-degree-students-1.1059880\">upcoming KTH webinars<\/a>. Good luck with your digital, and other, preparations!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\/\/ Claire<\/p>\r\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In Sweden, digitalisation is seen as a key way to increase efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of society. KTH is a big believer in this mission, which is why digitization is actually one of its pillars. Throughout my time as a student, the number of apps in the \u201cSverige\u201d folder on my phone has [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1328,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[158,1],"tags":[371,870,869,193,21,871,1129,52,120],"class_list":["post-6661","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-stockholm-and-sweden","category-student-life","tag-apps","tag-digital-preparations","tag-digitization","tag-international-students","tag-kth","tag-moving-to-sweden","tag-old-content","tag-stockholm","tag-sweden"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p9W9I7-1Jr","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6661","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1328"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6661"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6661\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6682,"href":"https:\/\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6661\/revisions\/6682"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6661"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6661"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kth.se\/blogs\/studentblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6661"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}