Students : wise tips for living in another country

Do like the locals

One of the best ways to save money while studying abroad is to live like a local. Cook local foods, or better yet, get a local to teach you how to cook their favorite food. And while you’re at it, ask them what locals do for fun – you’ll get a much better sense of the culture, and you’ll make new friends in the process.

2. Use extra money to travel

Souvenirs are great, but memories are even better. Use the money you saved by eating local food  and see the country and surrounding areas. Your camera and your journal is the two things you have to take with you then.

3. Opt for simple healthy food

We’ve already pointed out that eating local can help save money, but it can also help you stay healthy. Burgers and sweets or the go-to college foods (noodles and frozen pizza) might seem easy, but your waistline and your health will take the toll and no one needs that kind of stress. Before you even leave home, take some time to learn a few basic and healthy dishes. Soups, stews, and casseroles are easy and budget-friendly, and they don’t require a lot of complicated kitchen equipment. Learn the ins and outs of a chicken – one decent sized bird can feed a poor student for at least a week if you know what you’re doing with a knife and some basic ingredients.

4. Use local transport

It’s tempting to hop into cabs when you’re in a new place, but if you can master the train, underground, or bus system, you’ll save yourself a bundle of money and time. Or better yet, start walking! While this may not be feasible all the time (especially if you live in a big city or a rural location) but you’d be surprised at how walking can often be the quickest, most enjoyable means of transportation. Plus, you’ll see lots of interesting sights and get good exercise along the way!

5. Prepare well in advance

You’ve probably already sussed out the cost of accommodations and transport, but have you considered mobile phone plans? Prescription drugs? Bank charges? All these things can add up, and it pays to plan ahead and know what to expect. Some things, like prescriptions, might be cheaper (or free) in your home country so something simple like talking to your doctor and getting a few months in advance could save you a lot of money and stress. Check with your bank before leaving and make sure you won’t wrack up charges by using your cards abroad. Your mobile phone might be permanently attached to your thumbs, but using it abroad could be a major money pit. Switch to a local SIM when you arrive, or just get a cheap pay-as-you-go phone for the duration of your studies.

6. Get out and make friends

Landing in a foreign country will be a shock no matter what, so give yourself time to adjust but don’t just hide away in your room. Get to know your flatmates, classmates, and other people on campus. And don’t just stick with the other international students. If you’re having trouble meeting people, check out your school’s student associations and join a club or group that shares your interests. Sign up for excursions and get involved in on-campus activities. Go out and mingle with locals – take a dance class or volunteer. Whatever you do, relax. So many students worry so much about making their time abroad a memorable experience that they actually forget to experience anything – so have fun and live!