Studying in a foreign country involves a lot of expenses, such as high tuition fees, costly airfare, and expensive housing. So aside from taking your regular classes, you need to master a crash course in budgeting. Here’s how to save money when studying abroad:
1. Save money on travel
An exciting part of studying abroad is the chance to travel to nearby places. But travel often comes with a hefty price tag, so it’s essential to be a wise spender when exploring foreign destinations. If you’re traveling to Central London, it’s best to research about low-cost airlines that offer budget flights. Avoid hotels and look for cheap student accommodations to make your trip pleasant and affordable.
2. Eat smart
Food is one of the highest costs when studying abroad. It’s a necessity and a way to experience the local culture. When you live in a foreign country for the first time, it’s tempting to act like you’re on vacation. You’ll likely spring on excellent meals and try the local cuisine in popular restaurants.
However, eating out a lot can drain your funds. Avoid frequent eat-outs. Instead, buy foods from local stores and cook your meals. You can take packed lunches to campus so you can lower your expenses on food. Treat restaurants and fast food chains as luxury and only splurge on tasty meals during special occasions like your birthday.
It’s also wise to load up on granola bars, fruits, or chips so that you can avoid overpaying for snacks. Always carry a reusable water bottle so that you won’t have to order drinks at every meal or pay for a new bottled water every time you are thirsty.
3. Secure an International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
Aside from being a proof of your full-time student status, ISIC makes you eligible for more than 150, 000 discounts around the world. If you’re a cardholder, you’ll have access to global discounts in museums, culture sites, hostels, budget hotels, and transportation. You can also enjoy discounted rates in restaurants, bars, and entertainment.
The easiest way to secure ISIC is to apply online through its official website. Delivery of online orders can take 3-4 weeks, depending on the postal service in your country.
4. Skip the expensive haircut
If you’re studying abroad, you need to make some lifestyle changes to cut costs. The price of hair cuts and other hair services vary depending on where you live. Salon fees can be a lot more expensive in other countries. For instance, a trim can cost $49.34 in London and $95.04 in Oslo, Norway.
You need to skip these expensive haircuts and cancel your salon trips. You can save hundreds of dollars when you learn how to cut and treat your own hair. Consider wearing long hair, so you don’t have to cut it often. You can also find a fellow student who has a bit of knowledge in hairdressing and can help you out.
By following these pointers and cutting unnecessary expenses, you can bring down the cost of studying overseas.
