Your digital survival kit for the On-Campus Experience.
Landing in a new city can be exciting and overwhelming — but the right apps make all the difference. From catching the T to grabbing cheap eats or meeting new friends, here’s your ultimate app list to navigate Boston like a local.
🚇 Transportation & Navigation
MBTA Transit
The official app of Boston’s subway and bus system. Check train schedules, real-time delays, and plan routes.
Tip: Activate your CharlieCard (if you purchased one) before riding. 📲 iOS / Android
Google Maps
Still the best for walking + transit navigation in Boston. Use the “transit” tab to see train and bus times. 📲 iOS / Android
Bluebikes
Boston’s public bike-share system. Great for riding along the Charles River or getting to MIT from Kendall Square. 📲 iOS / Android
Transit
An all-in-one city transit app with live subway, bus, and bike-share info. Often more user-friendly than MBTA’s own app. 📲 iOS / Android
🍔 Food & Dining
Yelp
Find student-friendly restaurants, food trucks, and coffee shops near you. Read reviews and look at photos before you commit. 📲 iOS / Android
Uber Eats / DoorDash
For food delivery if you're studying late or avoiding the summer heat. Note: delivery fees can add up.
Uber Eats 📲 iOS / Android DoorDash 📲 iOS / Android
Too Good To Go
Get discounted leftover meals from cafes and bakeries at the end of the day — great for budget-friendly and eco-conscious eats. 📲 iOS / Android
📚 Learning & Events
Eventbrite
Discover free lectures, networking nights, AI talks, and workshops across Boston. Many GTC and MIT events are listed here. 📲 iOS / Android
Lark
The official communication tool used in BlendED programs. Project announcements, group chats, and updates happen here. 📲 iOS / Android
🌦️ Weather & Safety
AccuWeather
Boston weather changes quickly — one hour sunny, the next raining. Check before heading out.
📲 iOS / Android
Citizen / Life360
For safety alerts and location sharing with trusted friends. Not required, but some students use it for peace of mind.
📲 Citizen: iOS / Android 📲 Life360: iOS / Android
✅ Pro Tips
Set your app store to U.S. region before arrival if you're coming from abroad
Download apps before arrival to avoid delays with airport Wi-Fi
Keep key apps on your home screen (Transit, Maps, Lark, Weather)