Janice Lozano
International students often find themselves in a foreign country, navigating new shopping experiences. From the US to the UK, students need to know where to buy their food, clothes, books, and other essentials. With different brands and shopping cultures, it can be a challenge to find the best places to shop on a student budget. This is made even more complex by the fact that international students may need to source specific items from their home countries. This guide will help international students navigate shopping in a new country, covering topics such as budgeting, finding the best deals, and discovering new brands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | LOL International Preschool |
| Activities | Meditational yoga-style exercises, music, art, science, geography, mathematics, music, acting class, chess club |
| Core Values | Confidence, integrity, respect, responsibility |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Discount cards for international students
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is a great way for international students to save money. It is the only internationally accepted student identity card and is recognised in more than 130 countries. The ISIC card provides students with thousands of discounts worldwide and access to the global student community. It is endorsed by UNESCO and a wide range of national governments, ministries of education and tourism, student organisations, and universities worldwide. Well-known brands that partner with ISIC include Apple, H&M, Nike, Spotify, and Lonely Planet.
The ISIC card is also considered valid proof of student status in many places, such as museums, public transport, and libraries. Students can also take advantage of discounts on travel, accommodation, entertainment, food, and shopping.
The ISIC card is available to anyone who is a full-time student, and there is no upper age limit. However, for those who are not full-time students, the International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) is offered by the same provider. The IYTC card is designed for young people under 31 years old, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of student discounts. It offers the same discounts as the ISIC card, plus some exclusive benefits such as discounts on youth hostels, adventure tours, and travel insurance.
In the UK, there are other student discount cards available, such as UNiDAYS and Student Beans, which offer a range of UK student discounts and deals in-store and online. Additionally, a railcard is a good investment for students planning to travel around the UK, as it offers a 30% discount on standard rail fares. For those who are 16-25 years old or over 25 and in full-time study, a railcard costs only £30 per year.
Lastly, signing up for a student bank account can also be beneficial for international students, as there is no minimum balance required and additional benefits such as an interest-free overdraft are included.
Credit Load: International Grad Students' Semester Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
International student insurance
International students can save money on shopping by purchasing a discount card. The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) offers discounts on 150,000 goods and services worldwide for just £12 a year. The NUS Extra card is another option, offering special privileges on over 200 products and services in the UK.
International students should also be aware of the importance of having adequate insurance. International student insurance is a necessity, whether you are studying in the US or elsewhere. There are several providers of international student insurance, including:
- International Student Insurance (ISI), which offers comprehensive and affordable health insurance plans tailored for international students, with rates starting at $29/month.
- ISO International Student Health Insurance, the world's largest insurance manager solely for international students, offering affordable and comprehensive plans that meet school requirements.
- Compass Student Insurance, which provides affordable and flexible health insurance for international students, scholars, and professionals in the US, meeting the insurance requirements for various visa types.
- StudentHealthUSA, which offers easy-to-purchase, affordable insurance plans for international students, scholars, and OPT health insurance.
When choosing an international student insurance plan, it is important to consider your specific needs, such as the requirements of your school or visa status, and to compare multiple providers to find the best option for you.
Obtaining a Florida ID: A Guide for International Students
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Phone plans and international calling cards
As an international student, you may not have a social security number (SSN) or a US phone number, and you may want to call your home country without incurring high costs. Here are some options for phone plans and international calling cards that can help you stay connected while studying abroad:
Phone Plans:
T-Mobile: T-Mobile offers prepaid and postpaid options for international students without an SSN. You can bring your student visa and valid passport to a T-Mobile store to discuss your options. They offer flexible plans without locking you into an annual service contract. Their Go5G plans provide high-speed data in select Central European countries, while their Go5G Next and Go5G Plus plans offer up to 15GB of high-speed data in over 200 countries and destinations.
Verizon: Verizon is another popular carrier in the US. While they typically cater to devices sold in the country, they offer a range of plans, including some that include Canada and Mexico in their free talk options.
Mint Mobile: Mint Mobile, which operates on the T-Mobile network, provides a 20GB plan with unlimited calls/texts and a hotspot for $25/month if you buy a year at a time. You can upgrade to a 40GB plan for $30 if needed. Mint Mobile is available at Best Buy stores, where you can also purchase unlocked phones.
Tello: Tello, also using the T-Mobile network, allows you to call 60+ countries for free. Their plans start at $10/month.
International Calling Cards:
If you want to make international calls without committing to a specific phone plan, you can consider using international calling cards. These cards can be purchased from various providers and offer prepaid credits or rechargeable options for making international calls:
- Comfi: Comfi offers cross-platform services, allowing you to make calls using calling cards, their mobile app, web calls, direct dial, and more. They provide international student calling cards tailored for students studying abroad.
- Verizon: Verizon offers rechargeable international calling cards that can be purchased from their website or online and in-store retailers like Amazon and Target.
- Straight Talk: Straight Talk has global calling cards as an add-on to their service plans. Their Global Calling card is for international long-distance calls, while their Unlimited card includes calls to North American countries.
- Pingo: Pingo offers two plans for international calls: Pingo Premium, ideal for occasional calls, and Pingo Platinum, suitable for frequent callers.
- Reliance Global Call: Reliance Global Call provides a prepaid calling card for making international calls to and from over 150 countries. Their app allows for one-click international calling.
When choosing a phone plan or international calling card, be sure to consider your specific needs, such as data requirements, call frequency, and the countries you need to stay in touch with. Additionally, remember to ask about any additional charges or restrictions that may apply.
International Students: Auto Loan Options
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Textbooks and stationery
As an international student, you'll likely need to purchase textbooks and stationery during your studies. Here are some options for where you can shop:
University Bookstores: Many universities have their own bookstores on campus or nearby. These bookstores typically stock all the required textbooks for the courses offered by the university. They may also sell other items like stationery, university merchandise, and technology accessories. Buying from your university bookstore ensures that you're getting the correct editions of the textbooks required for your courses. Sometimes, universities also facilitate online orders and offer discounts for international students.
Online Retailers: Online shopping platforms like Amazon, AbeBooks, Book Depository, or eBay offer a vast selection of textbooks and stationery items. These websites often provide competitive prices, and you can easily compare prices across different sellers. Many of these websites offer free shipping options and convenient return policies, making online shopping a cost-effective and efficient choice for international students.
Specialty Bookstores: Depending on your location, you may have access to specialty bookstores that cater to students. These bookstores usually have a wide range of textbooks, reference books, and academic literature. They might offer discounts for students and often have knowledgeable staff who can assist you in finding the right books.
Stationery Stores: For stationery, international students can explore popular retailers like Staples, Office Depot, or their local equivalents. These stores offer a comprehensive range of writing instruments, notebooks, paper, and other office supplies. Additionally, some retailers, such as Muji or Typo, offer unique and trendy stationery items that can enhance your study experience.
Second-Hand Bookshops or Online Groups: Buying second-hand textbooks is a cost-effective option for international students. Look for physical second-hand bookshops near your university or join online groups or forums where students sell their used textbooks. This can help you save money, especially if you need to purchase multiple textbooks for your courses.
Remember to keep an eye out for sales and discounts, especially during back-to-school seasons or promotional events like Black Friday. With a bit of planning and research, you can find the best deals and options for your textbook and stationery needs.
Understanding International Student Residency Status
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Clothing and other normal stuff
As an international student, you may be wondering where to shop for clothing and other everyday items. Here are some suggestions to help you navigate your new surroundings and find what you need.
Local Malls
One of the best places to start is the local mall. Malls typically offer a wide variety of clothing stores under one roof, making it convenient to browse through different styles and compare prices. You'll find well-known brands, smaller boutiques, and everything in between. Malls are also great for sales and discounts, especially during seasonal changes or holidays, so keep an eye out for those deals!
Supermarket Chains
Supermarkets like Walmart and Target are ubiquitous in the US and offer a one-stop shop for just about everything. While they may not be the first place you think of for fashion, they do carry a range of clothing items, often at very affordable prices. These stores are also ideal for picking up other essentials, such as toiletries, stationery, and groceries, all at a low cost.
Online Shopping
For those who prefer the convenience of shopping from their dorm room, online retailers like ASOS provide an extensive selection of clothing and accessories. ASOS, in particular, is known for its trendy and diverse range, catering to various styles and budgets. Additionally, many online stores offer student discounts, so be sure to sign up for these deals with a valid student ID.
Student-Focused Discounts
Speaking of student discounts, several retailers offer special prices for students, both in-store and online. For instance, Topshop, a fashion brand that showcases at fashion week, offers a 10% student discount through Student Beans. Similarly, Madewell, known for its timeless pieces like leather jackets and denim, provides a 15% student discount with a valid student ID.
Second-Hand Stores
Lastly, consider exploring second-hand stores or thrift shops in your area. These stores offer unique, pre-loved items at bargain prices, allowing you to build a stylish wardrobe on a budget. It's an excellent option for those who want to experiment with their style or are environmentally conscious.
Navigating a new place as an international student can be daunting, but with these shopping suggestions, you'll be well on your way to settling into your new life and looking good while doing it!
International Students at Cambridge: Acceptance and Opportunities
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can get discounts on various products and services with an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). This card is specially developed for international students and costs £12 a year. You can also get an NUS Extra card, which offers special privileges on over 200 products and services across the UK.
Some of the major supermarkets in the UK include Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, and Aldi. Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, and Morrisons offer a home delivery service. Ocado is another option, offering online-only grocery shopping with delivery costs between £1.50 and £5.
In the US, common supermarket chains include Walmart, Target, and Family Dollar. Walmart is known for its low prices and wide range of products, but keep in mind that the quality of certain products may vary.
It's recommended to make a shopping list and focus on buying local branded products. You can use grocery list apps to help you organize your shopping and ensure you're only packing essential items. Additionally, consider signing up for loyalty programs or student discount programs to save money.
Yes, there are a few other aspects to consider. For example, you may need to purchase international student insurance, especially if you plan to travel during your studies. Additionally, you may want to look into getting an international phone card or a pay-as-you-go SIM card to stay in touch with friends and family back home without incurring high international calling rates.
