UK University launches new iPhone App for Freshers

Millions of Freshers across the country are gearing up to take their fledgling steps out of the parental nest and launch themselves into the big bad world of university.

The University of Central Lancashire has developed the first iPhone app available at a UK university to help staff and students especially freshers providing them all the information needed for their first week at their new home.

These iPhone App recognizes their busy lifestyles, and ensures to support students so that they are able to get the most from the latest advancements in technology.

This technology is being utilized to save costs in printing and other services as a result.

Features can be added and customised to suit every individual freshers. It includes :

Standard access to university email accounts
Availability of campus facilities
Entertainment services
Local transport links and maps
Save on network operator costs and data charges because of the wireless campus

In the future UCLan plans to make use of the iPhone’s location functionality to improve the search of services across campus, and also plans to develop an innovative "news" service.

The app is available free from Apple's App Store and is supported by both the iPhone and iPod touch.
The mobile phone service links to an alternative student guide, written by fellow students, and can also access student union services, such as letting students book tickets for bands.

It will be interesting to see how the students and the staff , who are the target audience for the app, find and use the application. It will also be interesting to see what more features can UCLan offer in future.

Overall, its a nice attempt from the university. It will seriously be more helpful if such apps are not limited to iPhone alone. With 3G getting grips, having a mobile based web service will also help those who are looking out for such information. But for now, if you are planning your term at University of Central Lancashire, do check out this useful application. Download it to your iPhone from here.

The application can be installed on an Apple iPhone or iPod Touch running iPhone OS 3.0 and above. If you have an iPhone or iPod Touch, i would recommend that you upgrade to the latest Apple iPhone OS 3.1 which was released by Apple a few weeks back.

Should all universities and student unions embrace the latest technologies to improve their welcome services for new freshers? Have your say. It’s free, you know.