5 best tips on how to save money while studying abroad.
How thrilling it is to continue your study at the foreign university of your choice! However, budgetary concerns might pose a serious obstacle when choosing to study overseas. It is common for guardians or students to get too preoccupied with paying for tuition, forgetting about the extra costs involved in making ends meet while studying abroad.
Finding a part-time job might help you make extra money each month, but it can be difficult to juggle employment and school obligations, especially around test season. Other noteworthy costs include lodging, entertainment, food, and transportation in addition to tuition. But do not worry! Luckily, the following pointers and techniques can make saving and budgeting easier, making it easier to handle money while studying overseas and guaranteeing a hassle-free experience
Think about getting a monthly or yearly concession pass for public transit when you’re organizing your daily commute. These passes may differ in price and availability depending on the city, but they can have a big impact on your entire spending plan. Buses or trains may be the most practical and affordable mode of transportation, depending on where you live. Since cab rates can be very expensive, it is imperative that you take the time to become acquainted with the local transportation systems in order to secure long-term financial stability.
Concerns over climate change and global warming have led to an increase in the popularity of cycling as a substitute for driving a car in recent years. It encourages physical activity and is an economical, adaptable, and environmentally responsible form of transportation. You may get help figuring out the most practical and affordable routes to your location by using apps like Citymapper.
After tuition payments, accommodations usually come in second place. Living off-campus can be more affordable than living in a dorm, even though staying on campus may seem more convenient. This is especially true if you look hard for an appropriate apartment that is close to your school by foot. Homestay housing is another good choice to take into account.
Choosing a homestay enables you to get completely integrated into the community and acquire a more profound comprehension of customs and traditions. Additionally, you might benefit from having your host family prepare some of your meals, which would save your costs. Apart from tuition fees, accommodation costs are the main subject of anxiety for the majority of international students. They are one of the significant expenses and maybe the biggest source of worry.
While establishing new friendships, considering options such as living off-campus near to your university or sharing housing with one or two roommates might provide financial savings. Additionally, selecting hostels or dorms might offer cost-effective accommodation options. Certain study abroad advisors, like KC Overseas Education, provide free services to help students discover reasonable housing that fits their budgets
Juggling employment and school is a great way to supplement your income for living expenses. Many students are able to balance their academics with up to 20 hours of job every week. As such, it’s a good idea to find out what kinds of jobs are most common for students in your new area and set aside some time to apply for jobs as soon as you get there.
Examine the conditions of your visa before looking for job, as several nations prohibit foreign students from working.
Developing your cooking skills can help you save a lot of money, especially if you’re studying abroad. There are several benefits to learning how to prepare your own food. Making your own food is also a worthy endeavor since it improves your general fitness and health. Planning ahead, taking advantage of sales when grocery shopping, and allocating time for meal preparation—especially on the weekends—are essential if you want to fully benefit from these strategies. Cooking may also be therapeutic, offering much-needed stress release following a demanding day at the university.
Food costs can take up a sizable amount of a student’s budget. While cooking at home is preferable to eating out, finding the components for familiar recipes can be difficult and expensive when living abroad. Why not seize the chance to master the art of preparing regional cuisine? Accepting the staple foods that the people eat not only helps you save money but also enables you to understand the nation’s culinary customs. To further enhance the experience, consider preparing and hosting dinner parties with your newfound friends and students.
Choosing used textbooks and study guides is another smart method to cut costs while studying overseas. For this, you can either use the resources provided by your university’s library or ask seniors for help. Furthermore, buying used textbooks and study guides is a far more cost-effective choice. Never be afraid to give cost-cutting methods first priority when it comes to study tools and textbooks!
It is not necessary to pay the entire amount for textbooks, especially when you might not need them beyond the current academic year. Purchasing used textbooks from former students is a smart idea because many courses stick to the same syllabus and readings throughout time. For less expensive solutions, you can also look into websites that rent textbooks, such as Chegg and eCampus.com.