Okay so you're going to study abroad and just got hold of your student visa after paying your program fees, this will give you new perspectives and a new life, but it can also come with significant personal expense challenges. Between flights, accommodations, parties, and daily expenses, it’s easy to build up costs and see the money flee from your account. In this , you’ll find a detailed breakdown of budget tips for studying abroad that won’t compromise the experience that awaits you.
It's time to figure out a study abroad budget! Whether you’re headed to a new country for a short-term study abroad program or spending a full academic year, this study abroad list ensures you are making your study abroad budget affordable by changing your spending habits. Whether you got your hands on a study abroad scholarship or not, this guide will help you. From travel tech to student discounts, from budgeting tools to cultural tips, we’ve packed in all the essentials in this study abroad budget guide.
1. Utilize Student & Local Discounts
Just so you know, your student ID also works as a discount card, locally and internationally. Many museums, cinemas, restaurants, trains, planes and buses offer significant discounts. Before you pay make sure to always ask if they have student discounts. You’ll often discover incredible deals.
Transit cards: Pre-paid, rechargeable public transportation cards often include student concessions. Research online for metro passes and bus passes to get you around the city. Depending on your destination, you will get serious deals or even get to travel for free!
Museum passes: Many cities offer multi-site passes with steep discounts, turning a pricey cultural outing into a budget-friendly deep dive.
Local loyalty: Download apps for supermarket chains or café loyalty clubs—earn free coffee or bread after a few purchases.
Flights: if you are going on short flights budget airlines are the way to go, however don't forget to check any discounts you may have on third-party travel websites, normally found through your ISIC card or university deals.
If you are going to travel for a weekend or vacation your cheapest options come from always cross-referencing trains, planes and buses with websites like GoEuro or Google Flights. However if you just need to make a short drive, use ride-sharing apps and taxi services like Uber to get better deals than if you went by traditional taxi shuttle or bus alternatives.
Surprisingly travel expenses are one of the most significant ones, so make sure to exploit all your student benefits. Conducting in-depth research on how this applies to your country is key. Only a few dollars saved from the discounts will allow you to not worry about having to stop your frequent late-night gelato craving habits or your monthly visits to rooftop bars and restaurants.
2. Meal Prepping in Shared Kitchens: Cook to Save Money Abroad
Put your efforts into making meals while you're abroad, prepping instead of restaurant meals or ordering at home. This will shave hundreds off your monthly food bill. Purchase versatile appliances (rice cooker, slow cooker) to quickly prepare easy meals.
Bulk buys: Don’t forget to take advantage of weekly sales and discounts by bulk-buying items offered each week at your local grocery store. Store items in airtight containers so that items can last longer.
One-pot meals: maximize portion sizes and have the same dinner 2 nights in a row. Not only will this money but also time.
Batch prep: During weekends cook and freeze or refrigerate multiple servings to pull from during busy study days.
Avoid Pubs and Restaurants: Try to avoid appetizers, entrées and beverages alone in the city centre as the city centre can cost significantly more, due to the tourist pricing effect. and save them for when you go out with friends. Purchasing your drinks elsewhere, like your local supermarket, will save you more than you think.
By planning menus and prepping on weekends, you’ll not only eat healthier and save valuable time but also avoid overpriced dining. You’ll thank us later. However, if you aced that long-awaited exam, Go ahead and treat yo self fancy dinner — you earned it!
3. Financial Prep: Money-Saving Tactics
INTERNATIONAL DEBIT CARDS
Use cards like Wise or Revolut to avoid foreign transaction fees. These services offer excellent exchange rates and can be managed from your phone.
BUDGETING AND CURRENCY CONVERSION APPS
Download a budgeting app to track daily expenses. Add budget categories for food, travel, school supplies, and fun. Currency apps help you plan purchases more accurately.
AVOID ATM FEES
Take out larger amounts to reduce fees, and always opt to pay in local currency rather than converting at checkout.
EXTRA ROOM IN YOUR BUDGET
Plan for unexpected expenses, such as visa fees, urgent medical costs, dinners with friends, or day trips. Having this cushion reduces worry later.
4. Affordable Travel Tech You’ll Actually Use
UNIVERSAL POWER ADAPTERS
All you need is for the power adaptor to do its job. Avoid overpriced branded versions and grab a compact, budget-friendly one online. Make sure it has ports that fit your cables (USB or USB-C) and works in multiple regions, especially if you are going to visit more than one country.
POWER BANK
Pick a lightweight, high-capacity power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh). It’s your lifeline during long layovers or days of exploring your new home.
NOTION OR GOOGLE CALENDAR
Use free tools like Notion to plan itineraries, manage your packing checklist, help with note-taking at school and budget for meals and excursions.
EXTRA RECOMENDATIONS:
Noise-cancelling earbuds (economical alternative to AirPods)
Portable Bluetooth speaker for your room or group hangouts
Digital notepad for classes, journaling, avoiding the use of paper and the ability for quick sketches on the go
Stay Connected with Firsty
Whether you're settling into a Parisian apartment, discovering Tokyo’s temples, or exploring airports during layovers, staying online makes everything easier. Firsty’s global eSIM helps you stay connected across the world, without uncomfortable SIM swaps, confusing and costly roaming charges, or overpriced data plans.
If you ask us, mobile connectivity is a basic human right. That’s why Firsty offers a basic global data connection for FREE. About bloody time, right?
Why Firsty is a Study Abroad Must-Have:
Instant setup: Download the app, activate your eSIM, and connect, all within minutes.
Budget-friendly: Pay only for the data you need or use the free plan and get access to essentials. No monthly contracts. No surprise fees.
Global coverage: From cities to countryside, Firsty keeps you online in 160+ countries.
Perfect for students: Message your host family, navigate with Google Maps, or check class schedules without relying on sketchy Wi-Fi.
Peace of mind: Stay flexible, informed, and safe. whether you're commuting to class or hopping between countries.
Ready to skip roaming charges and overpriced SIM cards? Check if your phone is compatible with Firsty’s global eSIM and see how it works.
5. Alternative Accommodations: You Might Not Know
Beyond overpriced private student accomodations, hostels or discount hotels alternative housing can slash costs dramatically, sometimes even to zero. The only way to reduce significant epenses that doesn't include the college tuition you already pay. These abroad budget guide accommodations will save you
Homestays: Live with families for providing you with a cultural experience in exchange for a nominal fee or help around the house. The family could even potentially provide you with an income!
House-Sitting & Baby-Sitting: Give up a few hours of babysitting for reduced, or even free tuition housing and meals. You’ll enjoy the privacy of your own room, plus the warm companionship of a family who values your help. It’s important to note that you will receive a supportive home environment away from your actual home and campus, all without breaking the bank. Sign up on platforms like TrustedHousesitters.
Student Housing Co-ops: Co-ops keep monthly fees low while fostering a tight-knit community. It will foster your ability to become independent and build allow you to build lifelong friendships.
If you are wondering about expenses between tuition housing Choose the rental room you prefer, these options not only cost less but also offer authentic local connections and unique experiences—leaving you more budget for groceries, cultural outings, or that spontaneous weekend trip.
6. Settling Into a New Country or New City
CULTURAL IMMERSION TIPS
Put the effort to learn the local language basics of your host country's delicious and traditional food, customs, and etiquette. Locals will appreciate your effort and could get you out of sticky situations, especially because is is common for some shop owners will exaggerate the price if they see you are a foreigner. It will allow you to avoid tourist traps when purchasing mementos and be sure to notice the listed price. Be open to new experiences. Remember this: The culture shock fades quickly once you settle in and explore.
CONNECT THROUGH COMMUNITIES
Join student WhatsApp groups in your university and city, and university clubs. These are great for meeting people and making friends. This will give you the ability to build up your free time with planned activities.
7. Final Thoughts About Your Time Abroad
Who said that studying abroad had to be expensive or stressful? With these budget-smart tips, you’ll save money, stress less, and get more out of your time abroad.
Whether you're heading to a colder climate or a warmer one, visiting for a semester, a full year, or the entire duration of your study you'll be ready for anything. Usually, your average study abroad budget mainly consists of your college tuition, which is the only expense you cannot change, so use our tips to help you avoid mistakes and make the most of your life ahead.
Remember to stay connected with Firsty’s global eSIM, plan smart, and enjoy every moment of your time abroad.
