6 MinsOct 18, 2021
Doing a graduate or post-graduate programme overseas can be an exciting proposition for sure. But One Thing
That Plays On Your Mind Always Is The Money Aspect. “Is it going to be exorbitant to eat
outside?”, “Will I be able to
save up any money for going out with friends during weekends or shopping?” are some of the questions
that are likely to bother you.
Expenses such as tuition fees, lab fees, library fees, etc, are usually taken care of either by an education loan or a scholarship. But you also
need to plan for living expenses which
include accommodation, food, entertainment, travel, medical emergencies, etc. However, there’s a smart
way to spend money when studying abroad. Here are some money-saving tips you can put to good use.
1) Find affordable accommodation
This is a high-ticket item and easily one of the
greatest worries of international students. Ideally, you should be living close to your university. Sharing
accommodation helps you divide
the rent and provides an opportunity to meet new people and make friends. Some other ways you can save money
is by staying in a hostel or a dorm.
2) Choose your phone service carefully
If you are not careful, your phone bill will
skyrocket very quickly. While there are apps for free online calling, these require mobile data or Wi-Fi
which may not always be available.
Choose your service carefully as there are many options available that allow you to choose what you want to
pay, so you never go overboard. Opt for prepaid plans that are easy to top up and eliminate monthly
contracts that are too binding.
This will offer flexibility and help cut down costs.
3) Avail student discounts
Some companies offer discount cards that are recognised by
universities the world over. These offer savings on tourist attractions, museums, public trains and metro
services, bus and airline transportation,
and various other tourist spots. The discounts may even be guaranteed in some cases and even pay your
insurance deductibles. Check with your university office for details about such services. Carry your student
ID everywhere and do not be
embarrassed to ask for a discount from vendors and cashiers.
4) Shop during Black Friday or garage sales
Don’t rush to do all the shopping as
soon as you reach your destination. Buying things like furniture or other knickknacks at flea markets or
garage sales instead of regular
stores will save you tons of money. As for your day-to-day living, buy stuff in bulk at stores like Costco
or Walmart. The best option is of course shopping at seasonal sales like Black Friday, Boxing Day, Cyber
Monday, etc. You will be amazed
to see the kind of deals you can get.
5) Search for free entertainment options
Having fun does not mean that you have to
necessarily spend money on movies, parties or clubs. Almost every city offers many types of free
entertainment options. It just needs a little
bit of work to find. Your go-to option? The internet! Start with websites like timeout.com where you can
find all kinds of activities, free of charge. There are many clubs, cinemas and theatres that offer
discounts for students. These may
not always be advertised so it’s best to just ask. Universities also organise a variety of
entertainment options that are easy to afford. Join the students’ club for easy access to such
benefits.
6) Cook your meals
This is probably a life hack, not just one that helps you save
money while you are a student. It will keep you in good stead not only with your finances but also with your
health. Plan in advance,
to avoid the daily stress of organising meals. Shop for groceries in bulk to get discounts. Cook in large
quantities on weekends to sort out your dinners for the following week.
7) Buy second-hand goods
Another great opportunity to save money is buying used items
from graduating students. Spend some time at the charity shops around your university looking for
second-hand goods, and you may be surprised
at the treasures you find – high-quality clothes, furniture, books, vintage accessories, and
interesting little ornaments– all for a bargain price. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed. The staff
are usually very friendly and since
the money’s going to a good cause, you can spend without feeling guilty.
8) Draw up a budget
Plan for all your expenses like rent, food, and travel expenses.
And keep a little buffer. For instance, if you’re expecting to spend about $3,000 a month, then plan
for $2,500. This way you end
up saving money which you can then use for any unplanned expenses or medical emergencies that may come up.
9) Book in advance
You may need to travel to universities in other cities for seminars
and so on. These are good opportunities to network with people from academia or the industry, which may come
in handy later on when you
start your job search. Or you may want to travel for sight-seeing. In such cases, book your travel tickets
and accommodation well in advance. This will help you get good deals and save money. You can easily book
using your Axis Forex card,
as it can be used for online transactions.
10) Choose a credit card wisely
Many students are tempted by credit cards to buy
now and pay later, but this is an unhealthy habit that may lead to overspending or huge bank debts. But a credit card is a good tool in case of an
emergency, provided you pay back in time to avoid interest charges or penalty fees. If you are going to use
a card, choose one that rewards you with cash, points, or air miles
that you can ultimately redeem for cool offers that help you save money.
11) Bike or walk around
Buying a car is an expensive option. First, there’s the
initial purchase cost. Secondly, there are recurring expenses like fuel and maintenance, insurance, and road
tax. Hence, we recommend walking
or biking. It is good for your health, good for your wallet and will give you a chance to experience things
with a new and closer perspective.
[Also Read: How a Forex Card can aid
students going overseas]
Disclaimer: This article has been authored
by Savita Nair, an independent writer. Axis Bank doesn't influence any views of the author in any way.
Axis Bank and/or the author shall not be responsible for any direct / indirect loss or liability
incurred by the reader for taking any financial decisions based on the contents and information. Please
consult your financial advisor before making any financial decision
