Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of studying in another country is avoiding the temptation to blow your budget. You’re meeting new people while enjoying so many exciting experiences. It’s no wonder that it can be hard to keep your finances on track! Thankfully, there are some ways you can avoid spending too much money while you’re enjoying your new educational opportunities. So, let’s take a look at some tips to help you make the most of your dollars.
Create a Budget
It may not be easy or fun, however, creating a weekly budget is one of the best ways to begin to manage your money effectively. Plan your budget based on your income and expenses so you don’t end up running out of money. It’s a good idea to take a certain amount of cash out of the bank at the start of each week so you know what you’re working with. Remember to plan for essentials such as household items, food and transportation as well as for fun stuff!
Remember the Benefits of Having a Student Card
A great aspect of being a student is that you can often get discounts on all sorts of things such as movies, takeaway food, tourist attractions and so on. Make sure you enquire about any student deals wherever you go so you can see all the sights at great prices!
Download Some Useful Apps
There are heaps of apps available for students on a budget. For example:
- Optus Perks. Users can purchase discounted movie tickets that cost almost 50% less than student concession tickets.
- UniDAYS. The UniDAYS app is the perfect choice for students who enjoy looking their best while saving money.
- Groupon. Groupon is a useful app for students who are looking for great deals on all sorts of goods and services.
Another useful tip is to ask around once you begin your course so you can find out more ways other international students are saving money.
Get a Job
Probably the best move you can make once you begin to study as an international student in Australia is to get yourself a job. In Australia, people are paid a living wage rather than a minimum wage. So, once you are in work, you’ll find that budgeting and saving money may be easier than you might currently think. Practically speaking, you are allowed to work 40 hours each fortnight on your student visa. Also, if you’re wondering what area to work in, many students enjoy being servers or baristas to make a little extra spending money.
Living and studying in a new country is an incredibly exciting time. With so much to see and do, the temptation to spend a fortune is very real. However, it’s really important to budget so you can pay for your day to day expenses as well as putting a little aside every so often for those big treats and nights out. Although it takes a lot of self-control and commitment, it IS possible to save money when you’re living and studying in Australia as an international student!
