Living off-campus comes with a whole new level of independence—and responsibility. From paying rent and splitting bills to staying organized and managing house chores, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed if you’re not properly equipped. Thankfully, your phone can do more than just help you stay in touch with friends and family—it can also be your ultimate roommate.
If you’re studying abroad and renting your own place, these 10 apps can help you stay on top of everything related to off-campus housing. Whether you’re managing your budget, finding a place to stay, or keeping peace with roommates, we’ve got you covered.
1. Splitwise – For Splitting Bills
Say goodbye to awkward money conversations. Splitwise lets you track shared expenses, like rent, groceries, and utility bills, and shows who owes what. It’s especially useful for students living in shared accommodations.
- Free to use
- Tracks group expenses
- Sends reminders to settle up
2. Zillow Rentals or University Living – For Finding a Place
Before you move in, you’ll need a place that fits your budget and lifestyle. Apps like University Living and Zillow Rentals (UK and US respectively) allow students to search available listings in specific areas with filters for price, location, and amenities.
- View photos, rent terms, and landlord contact details
- Compare multiple listings side-by-side
- Ideal for long-term and short-term stays
If you’re on the hunt for affordable student rentals, these platforms are a great place to start, especially when you’re still in your home country.
3. Tody – For Cleaning Schedules
Tody helps you and your roommates manage household chores without constant reminders or conflicts. Assign tasks, schedule clean-up days, and track progress—all in one app.
- Customize cleaning plans
- Tracks overdue tasks
- Motivational progress bars
4. Google Calendar – For Rent and Bill Reminders
Never miss a payment again. Use Google Calendar to set monthly reminders for rent, Wi-Fi bills, and shared expenses. It syncs with your email and can even send notifications to your phone.
- Add recurring events
- Share your calendar with roommates
- Integrates with other Google tools
5. Monzo or Revolut – For Budgeting
International students often juggle different currencies and tight budgets. Banking apps like Monzo and Revolut help you manage expenses, set spending limits, and categorize purchases.
- Real-time transaction alerts
- Set budget limits for categories like food or transport
- No foreign transaction fees (in most plans)
6. WhatsApp or Discord – For Housemate Communication
Group chats are essential when living with others. Use WhatsApp for quick updates or Discord for a more organized communication channel, complete with channels for rent, chores, shopping lists, and more.
- Easy to use
- Works on mobile and desktop
- Good for international student groups
7. Too Good To Go – For Discounted Food
Trying to save money while reducing food waste? Too Good To Go connects you with local restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores offering unsold food at discounted prices. Perfect for students on a budget.
- Surprise food packages
- Budget-friendly meals
- Reduces food waste
8. Pinterest or Houzz – For Room Décor Inspiration
Want to make your room feel like home? These apps are filled with DIY décor ideas, storage hacks, and budget-friendly furniture tips to turn boring rooms into personalized spaces.
- Get ideas based on room size or budget
- Save and organize mood boards
- Ideal for small student spaces
Whether you’re living in private flats or university-managed student rooms, these apps can inspire you to decorate creatively without spending much.
9. Google Sheets or Notion – For Shared Budgets and Task Lists
Collaborative apps like Google Sheets or Notion are great for managing shared expenses, cleaning rosters, or grocery lists. Everyone in the house can access and update the same document in real-time.
- Templates for budgets and task lists
- Shareable links
- Easy to customize
10. Uber or Citymapper – For Getting Around
Living off-campus often means commuting to class. Citymapper helps you plan the fastest routes using public transport, while Uber is handy when buses or trains aren’t running.
- Real-time transport updates
- Fare estimates
- Walking, cycling, and driving options
Tips for Using These Apps Effectively:
- Sync across devices so you never miss a reminder.
- Use shared folders or dashboards for transparency among roommates.
- Automate payments when possible to avoid late fees.
- Explore student discounts—many of these apps offer student plans or referral bonuses.
Final Thoughts
Managing off-campus life as an international student can be challenging, but with the right tools, it becomes far more manageable. These apps not only help you stay organized but also make daily life easier and more budget friendly. From finding the right place to managing chores and bills, your phone can now handle it all—leaving you more time to enjoy your study abroad experience.
FAQs
Q.1- What are the best apps for splitting rent and utility bills with roommates?
A – Apps like Splitwise help track shared expenses, calculate individual shares, and send reminders to ensure fair payments.
Q. 2- How can I find student-friendly housing while studying abroad?
A – Platforms like University Living and Zillow Rentals offer listings tailored to student needs, with filters for budget, location, and amenities.
Q. 3- Which apps help manage household chores with roommates?
A – Tody allows users to assign cleaning tasks, set schedules, and track progress, making it easier to maintain a tidy living space.
Q. 4- How can I keep track of rent and bill due dates?
A – Google Calendar helps by setting recurring reminders for rent, Wi-Fi bills, and shared expenses, ensuring you never miss a payment.
Q. 5- What budgeting apps are useful for international students?
A – Monzo and Revolut assist with managing expenses, setting budget limits, and handling multiple currencies without foreign transaction fees.
Read more:
