Savanna Hoffman
Studying abroad can be an expensive endeavour, but there are many ways international students can save money. From budgeting and finding part-time work to utilising student discounts and choosing the right accommodation, students can significantly reduce their expenses. This introduction will explore various tips and tricks for international students to maintain their finances while studying overseas. Whether it's cooking at home, buying second-hand textbooks, or taking advantage of student deals, this guide will provide valuable insights for international students to make the most of their time abroad without breaking the bank.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Getting a job | Working part-time is a way for international students to save money. On-campus jobs are the most convenient and easy to find. |
| Textbooks | Instead of buying brand-new textbooks, students can buy second-hand, rent, or go digital. |
| Student discounts | Students can make use of discounts on meals, mobile plans, movie tickets, tech products, and computers. |
| Housing | Students can save money by sharing a living space, living off-campus, or using platforms like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and Roomster to find affordable housing. |
| Utilities | Students can save on utilities by turning off lights, limiting water usage, and using energy-efficient appliances. |
| Transportation | Students can use public transportation, as many cities offer discounted transit passes. |
| Budgeting | Students can create and stick to a budget by listing their income sources and expenses. Budgeting apps can help track spending and identify areas to cut costs. |
| Food | Students can save money by cooking their own meals, buying in bulk, and shopping at low-cost supermarkets. |
| Application fees | Students can save money by applying to schools that do not charge application fees or have lower tuition and fees. |
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What You'll Learn
Take advantage of student discounts
Taking advantage of student discounts is a great way to save money as an international student. Many places offer student discounts, so always be on the lookout for opportunities to save.
Restaurants and eateries
Many restaurants and eateries surrounding campuses offer student discounts. For example, in the UK, restaurants and cinemas offer discounts to students.
Transportation
Student discounts are often available for transportation, including local buses and trains. In the UK, students can purchase a 16-25 Railcard for £30 per year, giving 1/3 off train fares across the UK. In Canada, GO Transit offers Student PRESTO cards with 40% off for members aged 13-19, and full-time students can save 40% on the full PRESTO card.
Entertainment
Amusement parks, museums, concert halls, zoos, and other venues often provide discounted tickets to colleges and universities in their local area. In the UK, students can take advantage of discounted memberships at gyms.
Subscriptions
Online subscription platforms such as Spotify, Hulu, and YouTube Premium offer student discounts.
Electronics
Many electronic companies offer student deals to help keep technology costs down. For example, Apple cuts the price on Macs, iPads, and accessories for college students. Adobe offers a 66% discount for students and teachers on Adobe Creative Cloud.
Textbooks
Textbooks can be costly, but many bookstores and websites offer textbook rental services, which typically cost less than buying the books. Digital versions of textbooks can also be found on educational platforms.
Accommodation
Living off-campus can sometimes be more affordable than on-campus options, and there are often startups that focus on providing cheap student accommodation.
Other tips
- Always carry your student ID card to easily verify your student status.
- Research both local and national discount programs to fully capitalize on potential savings.
- Sign up for free student discount programs like Student Beans, UNiDAYS, and Student Advantage to easily find and access deals worldwide.
- Some student discounts are available for a limited time, so take advantage of your student status while you can!
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Work part-time
Working part-time is a great way for international students to save money. It is a very popular option, with many students taking on part-time work to offset their costs. While the financial incentive is the main draw, there are other benefits to working part-time, such as gaining work experience and building your resume, as well as expanding your social network.
There are a few things to keep in mind when considering part-time work as an international student. Firstly, check the terms of your student visa or any other visa you hold. Visas can be restrictive when it comes to working, so it is important to understand what is and isn't allowed. In the US, for example, working part-time is allowed on the majority of visas, but there are strict rules around what is permitted. Always consult an official source, such as your school's Designated School Official (DSO) or an immigration lawyer, before accepting any job offers.
There are two main types of jobs available to international students: on-campus and off-campus. On-campus jobs are often the most convenient and easy-to-find, with roles including teaching and research assistance, counter sales, and library or laboratory assistance. These jobs can provide a great opportunity to get familiar with the local work environment and culture, as well as make friends and become a part of campus life.
Off-campus jobs may provide more variety in terms of the type of work available, but they can also be more challenging to find and may have more stringent visa requirements. In addition to traditional employment, international students can also explore online platforms like Upwork or Fiverr to find freelance work that can be done remotely and provides flexibility to work at your own pace.
Another option for part-time work is service exchanges, where you work in exchange for accommodation and food. These programs are often in the hospitality or agriculture industries and can provide valuable work experience while also offsetting living costs.
When taking on part-time work, it is important to manage your time effectively to ensure that your studies remain a priority. Working part-time can be a great way to save money and gain experience, but it is crucial to strike a balance between work and your academic commitments.
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Shop second-hand
Shopping second-hand is a great way for international students to save money. It is a quick, easy, and sustainable way to save money on almost anything you might want or need to buy during your studies, from academic textbooks to household items, furniture, and clothing.
There are many options for shopping second-hand, and the best option for you will depend on your budget, personal style, and the amount of time you have available for shopping. A good place to start is to decide what you are looking for. Look through your closet and make a note of your favorite pieces and what you wear the most. When deciding on a clothing item, consider how well it will go with what you already own and how much you would realistically wear it. Try to come up with five ways you could wear a piece of clothing with the clothes you already own.
Online second-hand shops have become increasingly popular and are an excellent way to buy clothing in a time-efficient manner. Websites like ThredUp sell clothing at a vast array of price ranges, based on the condition and original price of a piece of clothing. They sell clothing from over 35,000 brands, at discounts of up to 90% off of the retail value. ThredUp is particularly good for beginners because they photograph and measure the clothing themselves and include verified information about the condition, fabric, and original price.
In addition to online options, there are many physical second-hand shops, including charity shops, thrift stores, and vintage shops. Charity shops, in particular, are a great option for finding bargains. When shopping in person, it can be helpful to have fun with it and treat it as a social activity. Shopping second-hand can be unpredictable, and the selection of clothing can vary dramatically.
Finally, keep in mind that while thrifting is a highly sustainable approach to shopping, it is still consumerism and can lead to overconsumption. Be mindful of who might need certain pieces more than you, and only purchase items that you will realistically wear and that will work as staple pieces in your wardrobe.
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Cook at home
Cooking at home is a great way for international students to save money. Eating out at restaurants or getting takeout can be expensive, and the costs can quickly add up, especially if you're going out for multiple meals a week. By cooking at home, you can save a substantial amount of money, especially on carb-based meals like pasta or pizza, and even more so on protein-based meals.
To start saving, you can begin by tracking how much you're currently spending on eating out. If you eat out for lunch and dinner four times a week, try cutting down by one meal per week. On average, eating lunch out costs $10 per person, while dinner is closer to $20 per person, especially if you include an alcoholic drink. By reducing your meals out by one lunch and one dinner per week, you could save around $60 per week, which is almost $250 a month!
Cooking at home gives you control over the ingredients you use, allowing you to make healthier choices and cater to any dietary requirements or allergies. It's also a great opportunity to plan and prepare meals with housemates or friends. You can batch cook and swap meals, or take turns cooking and sharing the washing up. You can also save money by buying ingredients in bulk and making larger portions, which will also give you leftovers for another day.
To make the most of cooking at home, try planning your meals for the week ahead and doing one big grocery shop. This will help you stick to your budget and reduce the temptation to order takeout. Many major grocery stores now offer free pickup services for online orders, so you can save time and avoid impulse purchases.
Cooking at home is a simple yet effective way to save money, and it can also be a fun and social experience. So, get creative in the kitchen, and you'll soon see the benefits in your bank balance!
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Choose an affordable university
Choosing an affordable university is a pragmatic step towards saving money as an international student. The tuition fees vary across countries and universities, so it is important to research and compare the costs. For instance, universities in the United States are known for their high tuition fees, but some institutions, such as Bemidji State University in Minnesota, offer more affordable options without compromising on the quality of education. Similarly, Henderson State University in Arkansas provides a low-cost alternative with a base cost of $18,490 for the 2020-2021 school year, covering tuition, housing, meals, health insurance, and allowances. Tulane University in Louisiana and Loyola University Chicago are other examples of affordable universities in the US that do not charge application fees.
In Europe, Germany stands out for its range of public universities that are free for all foreign students, except in the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg, where non-EU/EEA students pay around 3,000 EUR per year. France is another economical choice, with the French government fixing tuition fees for public universities, resulting in options costing less than 300 EUR annually. Additionally, Norway offers free higher education at all public universities for international students, providing English-taught programmes and an immersive Scandinavian experience.
While tuition fees are a significant factor, it is also worth considering the cost of living in different cities and countries. Some locations have lower living expenses, safe neighbourhoods, and good student infrastructure, making them more budget-friendly options. Moreover, researching both on-campus and off-campus accommodation options is essential, as living arrangements can significantly impact your overall expenses.
To make an informed decision, it is beneficial to explore various universities' websites, consult rankings and guides, and consider seeking expert advice through free consultations offered by organisations like LCI Group. By carefully selecting an affordable university, international students can reduce their financial burden and take a significant step towards achieving their dream of studying abroad.
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Frequently asked questions
Textbooks can be expensive, so it's a good idea to buy second-hand copies or rent them from platforms like Chegg, Amazon, eBay, AbeBooks and the Book Depository. Digital versions of textbooks can also be cheaper.
Accommodation is often the largest expense in a student’s budget. Sharing a living space with roommates can significantly reduce rent and utility costs. Living off-campus is usually cheaper than living in university dorms, but students should be aware that this comes with additional costs like utilities and transport.
Preparing meals at home is much cheaper than eating out. Students can save money by buying supermarkets' own brands, buying in bulk, shopping at low-cost supermarkets, and making the most of student discounts at restaurants and eateries.
