How the Happy Student app helps British students
Starting university is exciting but it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you are coming to the UK for the first time. Many British students who have grown up overseas find the move to a UK university unfamiliar and even isolating at times. You might speak the language and hold a British passport, but still feel like an outsider. From figuring out how to register with a GP to understanding everyday slang or opening a bank account, there is a lot to learn very quickly. That is exactly why we created the Happy Student app.
Built by international student Aram Tufan, Happy Student is designed to help young people settle into every part of university life in the UK. It offers friendly guidance, practical tools and trusted information, all in one place.
Designed for students who are new to the UK
If you have spent most of your life abroad, the UK can feel unfamiliar in ways you might not expect. Happy Student is here to help make sense of it all. Whether you need help with healthcare, housing, bank accounts or budgeting, the app explains everything clearly and helps you avoid common pitfalls.
It is especially helpful for Third Culture Kids and expat students who are technically returning home but are experiencing British systems and culture for the first time.
What the app includes
- Finance and budgeting: Easy-to-follow advice on managing your money, setting up UK bank accounts and finding student discounts
- Health and well-being: Clear steps on how to register with a GP, find mental health support and understand how the NHS works
- Accommodation: Support with finding a place to live, setting up bills and avoiding scams• Visa guidance: For students with dual nationality or complex status, the app offers help with forms, dates and next steps
- Emotional and legal support: Access free, confidential resources for mental health, legal help and personal safety
- Transport tips: Learn how to get around your new city and use the UK’s transport systems with confidence
Happy Student app has New Features for 2025
This year we launched Happy Student 2.0 with powerful new tools:
- Actions: A personalised checklist that reminds you of key tasks like registering with your university or setting up your Wi-Fi
- Happy Student AI: An on-demand assistant ready to answer questions and solve problems any time, day or night
- Student discounts: Exclusive offers from major brands to help you settle in without overspending
Local help on campus
If your university is one of our partners, you will find a dedicated section in the app with tailored advice, campus events and key information. We work with student unions across the country, including UCL, BCUSU and many more, to make sure you get the support you need.
“It helped me to settle into the big city. It has loads of useful links for the GP registration, and transportation and more,” said Lonnie, a second-year student at the University of Westminster.
You can also contact our team directly through the app if you have questions or feel stuck at any point. We also love to hear from our users on new sections they would like to see on the app.
Support beyond your first term
Happy Student is not just for freshers. The app continues to support students throughout university and into early adulthood, with resources on jobs, housing and life after graduation.
It is completely free and available to download now from all major app stores.
By Grace McCabe-Palmer
Head of communications, Happy Student
17th June 2025
