Ibrahim Gardner
Studying in the USA can be expensive for international students, but with careful planning and budgeting, it is possible to financially survive and even thrive. From selecting an affordable college to finding accommodation and managing daily expenses, there are numerous ways to save money as an international student in the USA. This guide will explore practical strategies and life hacks to help international students make the most of their time in the USA without breaking the bank.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Housing | Share living space, look for off-campus housing, save on utilities |
| Transportation | Use public transportation, many cities offer discounted transit passes for students |
| Food | Avoid eating out, cook your own meals, use coupons and shop sales, use your school's dining hall meal plans |
| Textbooks | Buy second-hand, rent, go digital |
| Phone plan | Many companies offer discounts on family/group plans |
| Budgeting | Make a budget, use budgeting apps, avoid impulse purchases, avoid subscriptions you don't need |
| Work | Get a job, on-campus jobs are convenient and easy to find, off-campus jobs are also an option for some visas |
| Scholarships and grants | Scholarships and grants are available specifically for international students |
| Health insurance | Medical costs in the US are high, consider ISO Student Health Insurance |
| Application fees | Some colleges and universities do not charge application fees |
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What You'll Learn
Save on accommodation by sharing living space or living off-campus
Housing is typically the most significant expense in a student's budget. Here are some tips to save money on accommodation as an international student in the USA:
Share Your Living Space
Sharing a living space with roommates can significantly reduce rent and utility costs. You can look for shared apartments or rooms in student-friendly neighbourhoods, which often have lower rents and more flexibility. This option also offers a chance to make new friends and experience the local culture.
Live Off-Campus
Off-campus housing is generally cheaper than on-campus university dorms. While on-campus housing is convenient, it can be more expensive and have limited availability, especially in popular cities. Look for off-campus options in areas close to universities and public transportation to save on transportation costs. Platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Roomster are great for finding affordable housing.
Homestay
A homestay is another option for safe and affordable accommodation. Students live with US families in their homes, allowing them to experience the culture of the USA. Homestays are especially suitable for those under 18 who are nervous about leaving home and living in a new country.
Temporary Accommodation
If you need temporary accommodation while searching for long-term housing, be aware that temporary options can be more expensive with little privacy.
Deposits and Utilities
International students typically need to put down a deposit on their housing, usually one month or six weeks of rent, which they will get back if they don't cause any damage. When living off-campus, utilities like internet, water, and energy costs are often not included in the rent, so be sure to factor these extra expenses into your budget.
Lease Agreements
Read the lease agreement carefully before signing and be aware that you may need to pay extra for services like telephone answering machines or international calling plans. Also, check the length of the lease and whether it matches your academic year. Some landlords may offer flexible lease options or the ability to break the lease early if your plans change.
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$17.54 $18
Avoid eating out and plan meals
Eating out and ordering takeout can be expensive and unhealthy, so it's a good idea to avoid doing so frequently. Here are some tips to help you save money by reducing the frequency of eating out and ordering takeout:
Plan your meals
Planning your meals is a great way to save money and time. When you plan your meals, you know exactly what ingredients to buy and how much to spend. This reduces the likelihood of wasting food or money. Consider your schedule and select a mix of simple recipes that you can prepare even on busy weekdays. Choose recipes with shared ingredients so you can buy in bulk and save money.
Stick to your grocery list
When shopping for groceries, stick to your list and avoid browsing through aisles that might tempt you to buy unnecessary items. Use a calculator app on your phone to keep track of the prices as you add items to your cart, so you can stay within your budget.
Set a food budget
Allocating a specific amount of money for food can help you manage your expenses. You can decide to eat out occasionally as a treat, but limiting yourself to, say, once or twice a week can keep costs down.
Use food-saving apps
Apps like Ibotta and Fetch can help you save money on groceries. Ibotta offers rebates on items you buy, while Fetch automates savings, especially when you shop online or use a store savings card.
Cook in bulk and use leftovers
Cooking in large batches and storing leftovers in the fridge or freezer can reduce the frequency of eating out and save money on groceries.
Avoid impulse purchases
Late-night food cravings can lead to expensive food deliveries. Instead, keep some go-to snacks on hand for when hunger strikes. Packing your own lunches and bringing your own coffee to class can also help you resist the urge to buy food when out.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your spending on eating out and ordering takeout, allowing you to save money while still enjoying delicious and nutritious meals.
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Work on-campus or part-time
Working part-time is a great way for international students in the US to save money. There are two types of part-time jobs available to international students: on-campus and off-campus jobs. On-campus jobs are the most convenient and easy-to-find employment options for international students. They are generally flexible and easy to get to, and human resources and hiring managers are usually accommodating of your studies.
International students on an F-1 Visa can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year and 40 hours during the official breaks. On-campus jobs include positions in the library, cafeteria, or research labs. Examples of on-campus jobs include:
- Teaching assistants: supervising classroom activities and working closely with any students who are struggling.
- Baristas: making hot and cold drinks, serving customers, and working as a cashier.
- Tutoring or peer mentoring: helping fellow students with their course content, reading, or assignments.
- Research assistants: this is one of the more lucrative forms of part-time employment on campus.
Off-campus jobs are also an option for international students, but they are subject to more restrictions. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is an off-campus employment option for F1 students when the practical training is an integral part of the established curriculum or academic program. Prior authorization by your school’s International Student Office and notification to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) is required.
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Buy second-hand textbooks
Textbooks are a necessity for students, but they can be expensive. One way to save money is to buy second-hand textbooks. Used textbooks are generally much cheaper than brand-new ones, and there are several options for finding them.
First, you can check your campus bookstore. Many colleges have a section for second-hand books, and you can also ask the staff if they know of any students selling their old textbooks. Another option is to look online. Websites like Chegg, Amazon, AbeBooks, Biblio, and CampusBooks offer a wide range of second-hand textbooks at affordable prices. These sites often have reviews and ratings, so you can be sure of the quality before purchasing.
When buying second-hand textbooks, it's important to pay attention to the condition and ensure that you're getting all the necessary components. Some sellers may offer older editions, which can be significantly cheaper, but check with your professor or teacher to ensure that this is acceptable for your course. International editions, which are versions of textbooks produced for markets outside the US, can also offer enormous savings, but again, ensure that the content is suitable for your course.
Another option is to rent your textbooks. Many websites offer textbook rental services, allowing you to use the book for a semester and return it when you're done. This can be a cost-effective option, especially if you don't plan on keeping your textbooks after your course.
By buying second-hand textbooks, you can significantly reduce your expenses, allowing you to stretch your budget further and potentially allocate funds to other areas, such as accommodation or transportation. It's a simple yet effective way to save money as an international student in the USA.
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Make a budget and keep track of it
Making a budget and sticking to it is a great way to save money as an international student in the US. The first step is to list all your sources of income, such as scholarships, part-time jobs, or financial support from family. Then, outline your expenses, including tuition, rent, groceries, entertainment, and other monthly bills.
It is important to keep track of your income and expenses, and there are several ways to do this. You can use a simple spreadsheet, such as Excel, to document your monthly income and expenses. Alternatively, there are many budget-tracking apps available, such as Mint, YNAB, and PocketGuard, which can help simplify the process.
Once you have a clear sense of your monthly income and expenses, you can start to put your budget into action. This means tracking your earnings and spending to ensure you stay within your means. You can also consider budgeting strategies, such as the 50/30/20 rule, which suggests allocating 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings and extra debt payments.
There are also other ways to save money, such as cooking at home instead of eating out, buying used textbooks, and sharing living space to reduce rent and utility costs. Additionally, take advantage of student discounts and look for on-campus jobs to boost your income.
By creating and sticking to a budget, you will gain control over your finances and be able to make the most of your international student experience in the US.
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Frequently asked questions
Sharing a living space with roommates can significantly reduce rent and utility costs. Off-campus housing is often cheaper than university dorms, and platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Roomster can help find affordable options.
Textbooks are expensive, but buying second-hand or renting from platforms like Chegg and Amazon can reduce costs. Digital versions are also often cheaper and can be found on educational platforms.
Eating out is expensive, so cooking at home or using your school's dining hall meal plans is a better option. Planning meals and buying groceries accordingly can also help save money, as well as using coupons and shopping sales items.
Students with an F-1 Visa can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during term time and 40 hours during breaks. On-campus jobs are convenient and provide work experience, social connections, and an introduction to the US work environment.
Medical costs in the US can be very high, so it is important to have health insurance. Travel costs can also be high, so students should budget for this and consider using public transport, which often offers student discounts.
