8 Best Apps for International Students When Moving to Canada

Introduction on moving to Canada in 2026

Moving to Canada in 2026 is an important transition that goes far beyond securing university admission. International students must adapt quickly to a new education system, unfamiliar cities, different rental markets, healthcare rules, and a digital-first lifestyle where almost everything is app-driven. From the moment you land, you will depend on mobile apps to book transport, navigate your neighborhood, contact landlords, attend online classes, and stay connected with friends and family abroad. Reliable connectivity through a Canada SIM Card or eSIM Canada plan becomes the foundation that allows every other app to function properly. Preparing your smartphone in advance ensures that moving to Canada is not stressful, but structured, efficient, and empowering.

Apps for Finding Home in Canada

Kijiji

Kijiji is one of the most trusted platforms for finding rental accommodation in Canada and is widely used by students and newcomers. The app offers extensive listings for private rooms, shared apartments, basement units, and short-term sublets near university campuses. International students benefit from Kijiji’s local focus, as many landlords post student-friendly rentals with flexible lease terms. The app allows users to filter by rent range, furnished status, and distance, while its in-app messaging system enables quick communication with property owners. For students arriving without local references, Kijiji often provides more negotiation flexibility than corporate rental portals.

Realtor.ca

Realtor.ca is Canada’s official real estate listings app and is particularly useful for students seeking professionally managed apartments. It provides verified listings with accurate pricing, legal lease structures, and neighborhood insights such as walkability scores and transit access. For international students unfamiliar with Canadian tenancy laws, Realtor.ca offers an added layer of reliability and reduced risk of scams. The app also helps students compare housing options across different neighborhoods before committing to long-term leases.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace plays a major role in student housing, especially for short-term stays and furnished accommodations. Many universities have dedicated housing groups where current students post sublets, room vacancies, and lease takeovers. This peer-to-peer model is ideal for international students during their first semester, allowing them to connect directly with other students, ask questions, and even view rooms through video calls before arrival.

Apps for Transport & Navigation in Canada

Transit

Transit is one of the most accurate public transportation apps available in Canada. It provides real-time arrival updates for buses, subways, streetcars, and commuter trains, adjusting dynamically for delays and weather disruptions. International students rely heavily on Transit to manage daily commutes to campus, part-time jobs, and social activities. The app also integrates bike-sharing and scooter services, making it easier to choose the fastest or most affordable route across the city.

Google Maps

Google Maps is indispensable for navigating Canadian cities, especially for newcomers. Beyond basic directions, the app offers public transit schedules, walking paths, cycling routes, and traffic conditions. Students use Google Maps to locate grocery stores, clinics, libraries, and campus buildings. Offline map downloads are particularly useful for new arrivals who are still setting up their Canada SIM Card or eSIM Canada connection.

Uber & Lyft

Uber and Lyft provide reliable on-demand transportation across most Canadian cities. These apps are especially valuable during late nights, extreme winter weather, or when public transit services are limited. International students appreciate features such as fare estimates, trip sharing, and in-app safety tools, which add convenience and peace of mind while moving around unfamiliar areas.

Unlimit Mobile – Best SIM Card Canada

What is Unlimit Mobile

Unlimit Mobile is an international connectivity provider offering prepaid Canada SIM Card and eSIM Canada solutions designed specifically for travelers, international students, and digital nomads. The service allows users to buy Canada eSIM online before departure, ensuring immediate internet access upon landing without the need to visit physical stores or present local identification.

Features of Unlimit Mobile

Unlimit Mobile provides strong nationwide coverage across Canada by partnering with major networks such as Rogers, Bell, and Telus. Its eSIM Canada plans support high-speed 4G and 5G connectivity, making them suitable for streaming lectures, attending video calls, using navigation apps, and managing daily tasks. Activation is instant through a QR code, and users can manage plans, monitor usage, and top up online without customer service delays.

Why International Students Choose Unlimit Mobile

International students choose Unlimit Mobile primarily to avoid expensive international roaming charges and long-term carrier contracts. The prepaid structure ensures transparent pricing with no hidden fees, which is ideal for students managing monthly budgets. Dual SIM functionality allows students to keep their home SIM active for OTPs and international calls while using an eSIM Canada plan for affordable data in Canada. This flexibility makes Unlimit Mobile a practical choice throughout the academic year.

Canada eSIM & SIM Card Canada Data Plans

Unlimit Mobile offers multiple data plans designed for both short-term visitors and long-term international students. These plans combine affordability with generous data allowances, making them suitable for heavy internet users.

Apps for Food, Shopping & Daily Life in Canada

SkipTheDishes

SkipTheDishes is one of Canada’s most popular food delivery apps, offering access to thousands of restaurants nationwide. Students appreciate its frequent promotions, student discounts, and coverage of local eateries. The app’s reliability makes it a go-to solution during exams, late study nights, or harsh winter days.

Uber Eats & DoorDash

Uber Eats and DoorDash expand food choices by partnering with both major chains and independent restaurants. These apps offer subscription models that reduce delivery fees, making them cost-effective for regular users. International students often use these platforms to explore Canadian food culture without leaving their accommodation.

Instacart

Instacart simplifies grocery shopping by delivering items from major supermarkets directly to your doorstep. This is especially useful for students without cars or those adjusting to Canadian winter conditions. The app allows price comparisons, substitutions, and scheduled deliveries.

Apps for Healthcare in Canada

Maple

Maple is a leading Canadian telemedicine app that connects users with licensed doctors through virtual consultations. International students use Maple to access healthcare quickly, receive prescriptions, and get referrals without visiting clinics in person. This is particularly valuable during the initial months before provincial health insurance becomes active.

Apps for Education in Canada

Zoom

Zoom is widely used by Canadian universities for online lectures, virtual tutorials, and guest seminars. The app’s recording and replay features help students review complex topics and stay on track academically.

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams supports collaboration through shared documents, chat channels, and video meetings. Many institutions rely on Teams for internal communication, making it essential for group assignments and administrative updates.

Notion & Grammarly

Notion helps students organize coursework, schedules, and research materials, while Grammarly supports academic writing by improving clarity, grammar, and tone. Together, these tools enhance productivity and academic performance.

Apps for Business & Employment in Canada

LinkedIn

LinkedIn is essential for professional networking, internships, and co-op opportunities in Canada. Students use it to build industry connections, follow companies, and prepare for post-graduation employment.

Indeed

Indeed, aggregates job listings across Canada and is widely used for finding part-time and entry-level roles. Its quick-apply feature makes job searching efficient for students balancing academics and work.

Glassdoor

Glassdoor provides insights into company culture, salary expectations, and interview experiences. International students rely on it to evaluate employers and make informed career decisions.

Conclusion

Moving to Canada in 2026 becomes significantly easier when international students are equipped with the right apps and reliable connectivity. From housing and transportation to education, healthcare, employment, and daily living, digital tools now define the student experience. A dependable Canada SIM Card or eSIM Canada solution such as Unlimit Mobile ensures that all these apps function seamlessly from the moment you arrive. 

With instant activation, transparent pricing, flexible data plans, and nationwide coverage, Unlimit Mobile addresses one of the most critical needs of international students. Combined with the apps outlined above, students can focus on academic success, cultural integration, and building a confident new life in Canada.