Ibrahim Gardner
International students often find themselves in a new country, navigating foreign shopping landscapes. While abroad, students may seek out familiar brands or local alternatives, with considerations such as price, convenience, and quality playing a role in their purchasing decisions. To save money, students can take advantage of discounts with student cards, or shop at budget-friendly stores like Walmart in the US or Aldi and Lidl in the UK. For textbooks, international students can opt for pre-owned books from Amazon or eBay, or consider rental services like ValoreBooks. Additionally, international students may need to procure items like phone plans, insurance, and furniture, requiring them to research student-friendly options that fit their budgets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Discount cards | NUS Extra, International Student Identity Card (ISIC) |
| Discounts | 20% off at Pizza Hut, 10% off online ASOS purchases, 50% off Microsoft products |
| Books | Amazon, eBay, ValoreBooks |
| Stationery | Amazon, eBay |
| Groceries | Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Aldi, Lidl, Morrisons, Ocado |
| Furniture | CORT furniture rental |
| Credit cards | SelfScore |
| Insurance | Lloyds of London |
| Phone cards | InternationalCallingCard |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Discount cards for international students
As an international student, there are several discount cards you can use to save money on a variety of products and services. Here are some of the most popular options:
International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
The ISIC is a widely recognised discount card specifically designed for international students. It provides access to thousands of discounts and promotions worldwide, including on travel, accommodation, entertainment, food, and shopping. Well-known brands that partner with ISIC include Apple, H&M, Nike, Spotify, and Lonely Planet. The card is endorsed by UNESCO and various national governments, ministries of education, and universities worldwide. It costs £12 a year and can be easily accessed through the ISIC mobile app, which helps you discover discounts nearby and redeem them instantly.
NUS Extra
The NUS Extra card is a popular student discount card in the UK that offers special privileges on a wide range of products and services. With the NUS Extra, you can enjoy discounts at various retailers and outlets, such as 20% off at Pizza Hut, 10% off online ASOS purchases, and 50% off Microsoft products.
Railcard
If you plan to use trains to get around the UK, investing in a railcard is a smart choice. Available to those aged 16-25 or over 25 and in full-time study, it offers a 30% discount on standard rail fares for only £30 per year. You can also add it to your Oyster card for travel in London, providing a 34% discount on adult-rate travel cards for Transport for London services.
Student Beans
Student Beans is a free website that offers a wide range of UK student discounts and deals in-store and online. Signing up gives you access to exclusive savings without any additional cost.
Additionally, when studying abroad, it is recommended to open a student bank account, which often includes benefits such as interest-free overdrafts. Loyalty cards like the Tesco Clubcard can also help you save money on groceries and earn vouchers for partner retailers. Remember to always carry your student ID card, as many retailers offer student discounts upon presentation.
International Students: OASD & MED Tax Exemptions
You may want to see also
Explore related products
International student insurance
International students can save money on shopping by using discount cards such as NUS Extra and the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). These cards offer savings at retailers and outlets worldwide, including discounts on fashion, food, travel, and eating out.
International students should also consider purchasing international student insurance to protect themselves financially while studying abroad. Here are some key points about international student insurance:
- Comprehensive Coverage: International student insurance plans typically offer comprehensive coverage, including health insurance, travel insurance, and even evacuation and repatriation insurance. These plans are designed to meet the specific needs of international students, such as visa requirements and school mandates.
- Affordability: Many insurance providers offer affordable plans tailored to students' budgets. For example, ISI offers plans starting at $29 per month, while ISO and Compass provide affordable plans that meet school waiver requirements.
- Worldwide Coverage: Some insurance providers, like ISO, offer worldwide coverage, giving students access to medical services anywhere in the world, including in their home country.
- Easy Application and Support: Several insurance companies, such as Compass, emphasize their excellent customer service and support. They assist students with the enrollment process, waiver requests, and any questions or concerns that may arise.
- Flexibility: International student insurance plans often provide flexibility to meet diverse needs. For instance, Compass offers plans for various visa types, including F-1, J-1, M-1, and H-1B visa holders, ensuring that students can comply with visa-specific insurance requirements.
- Online Accessibility: Many insurance providers, like ISI, allow students to access their insurance plans online, making it convenient to seek care and submit claims from anywhere.
In conclusion, international student insurance is an essential consideration for students planning to study abroad. With affordable plans, worldwide coverage, and comprehensive benefits, international student insurance ensures that students can focus on their studies and fully embrace their time in a new country without worrying about unforeseen medical or travel expenses.
International Students: Pathway to Canada's Permanent Residency
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Phone and sim card options
As an international student, you'll likely want to stay connected with your friends and family back home, and one of the easiest ways to do this is with a local phone number. If you're bringing your own phone, you'll need to get a local SIM card to avoid expensive international roaming charges.
In the United States, providers like CampusSIMS offer SIM cards that give your phone a local number. You can purchase SIM cards directly from mobile carrier stores, electronics or department stores, online, or at airport kiosks. However, be aware that some US providers require a two-year wireless contract, so it's best to find a provider that offers flexible plans ahead of time.
Major US carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon offer international plans with varying features. T-Mobile's Magenta and Magenta Plus plans provide international data and texting in over 210 countries and destinations, while AT&T offers several international plans and add-ons with different pricing structures. MVNOs like Mint Mobile and Simple Mobile also offer plans tailored to international students.
If you're studying in Canada, PhoneBox offers SIM cards that provide local phone access. International phone cards are another option for economical international calling, with no monthly service fees and billing per minute.
For international students, it's recommended to explore student discounts and compare plans based on coverage, cost, and included countries to find the most suitable option for your needs.
Transferring Immunization Records: A Guide for International Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Shopping for groceries
As an international student, you may be overwhelmed by the variety of new foods and the size of grocery stores in your host country. To save money, it is advisable to plan your meals and shop weekly or even more often. Here are some tips to help you navigate grocery shopping in a new country:
Choosing a Store
The best place to buy groceries will depend on several factors, including your budget, the proximity of the store to your accommodation, and the availability of your desired items. Large retailers like Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Asda in the UK, and Trader Joe's in the US, offer the convenience of one-stop shopping, but smaller stores may have lower prices on many items. If you are looking for specialty items, you may want to explore stores like Whole Foods and Sprouts, which offer a wider selection of organic and specialty foods. In Canada, you can find specialty grocery stores offering Chinese, Indian, Latin, and other specialty items.
Saving Money
Grocery shopping can be expensive, so it is important to be mindful of your budget. Here are some tips to save money:
- Look for discounted items, but only buy them if they are on your list.
- Opt for store brands, which tend to be cheaper than popular name brands, unless you have a coupon for the name brand.
- Buy essential items with a longer shelf life, such as oatmeal, sugar, olive oil, and rice, in bulk, especially if you are sharing accommodation with other students.
- Take advantage of coupons and deals. You can find coupons in newspapers, online, or at the store's entrance in flyers.
- Sign up for reward cards at larger stores to get better deals on certain products.
- Use reusable bags for your shopping, as some stores charge a small fee for disposable plastic bags.
- Take advantage of student discounts by obtaining an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), which offers discounts and promotions on a wide range of goods and services worldwide.
Online Shopping
If you prefer not to visit a physical store, you can opt for online grocery shopping through apps like Fetch Shop, which allow you to earn rewards without leaving your accommodation. Some traditional supermarkets, like Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, and Sainsbury's in the UK, also offer home delivery services.
International Student or Foreign National: What's the Difference?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Shopping for books
Online Platforms:
- Amazon: Amazon is a great place to start your search for textbooks. They offer a wide range of new and used books, and their pre-owned section often has the best deals.
- EBay: eBay is another excellent option for finding affordable textbooks. They have a vast collection of university textbooks at low prices.
- AbeBooks: AbeBooks offers thousands of textbooks at cheap prices, covering various subjects, including biology, calculus, and law. They have both new and used textbooks, as well as international editions, which are usually more affordable than US editions.
- ValoreBooks: If you're looking for new, used, or rental books, ValoreBooks is a great option. They offer free rental return shipping and a hassle-free return policy, making it convenient and cost-effective.
Student Discount Cards:
- International Student Identity Card (ISIC): The ISIC card is specifically designed for international students and offers discounts and promotions on over 150,000 goods and services worldwide. It costs only £12 a year and can help you save significantly on books and other purchases.
- NUS Extra: While not exclusively for international students, the NUS Extra card offers special privileges on over 200 products and services across the UK, including discounts at certain bookstores and stationers.
Recommended Books for International Students:
- "American Ways: A Cultural Guide to the United States" by Gary Althen, Amanda R. Doran, and Susan J. Szmania: This book provides a comprehensive guide to understanding American values and customs, helping international students adapt to their new environment.
- "American Cultural Patterns: A Cross-Cultural Perspective" by Edward C. Stewart and Milton J. Bennett: Considered a classic in the field of intercultural relations, this book offers insights into American culture from a cross-cultural perspective.
- "Communication Skills for International Students" by Audrey Zenner: This book provides guidance on effective communication strategies, helping international students build lasting connections and succeed academically and professionally.
- "English Grammar in Use" by Raymond Murphy: International students can benefit from improving their grammar skills with this comprehensive book, which includes explanations and exercises.
- "Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students" by Stephen Bailey: Academic writing can be challenging for international students, and this handbook offers valuable guidance on navigating the expectations and conventions of academic writing in the US.
- "Losing North" by Nancy Huston and "The Foreign Student" by Susan Choi: These narratives offer compelling stories of international students overcoming adversity, providing inspiration and insight into the resilience needed during your studies abroad.
Remember to compare prices and take advantage of student discounts whenever possible. Additionally, consider buying international editions of textbooks, as they tend to be more affordable than US editions. Happy shopping and good luck with your studies!
International Students: US Residents or Not?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Walmart is a widely used and recommended store for international students in the US. It is a supermarket chain that can be found almost everywhere and offers cheap prices and good deals. Other common brand names include Target and Family Dollar.
In the UK, supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Asda are convenient options for students. However, for better savings, students often opt for Aldi or Lidl for their big weekly shops.
Yes, international students can benefit from various discounts at many retailers. You can purchase an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) or an NUS Extra card, which offer special privileges and discounts on a wide range of goods and services worldwide.
It is recommended to make a shopping list and pack essential items that may not be available or may be more expensive in your destination country. Some suggestions include packing local branded products and only the necessary items to avoid exceeding luggage weight limits.
Yes, consider purchasing a student discount card, such as the NUS Extra card in the UK, which offers savings at various retailers. Additionally, for textbooks, it is recommended to shop around for the best deals, including checking Amazon, eBay, or rental options like ValoreBooks.
