Ballin’ on a Student Budget: How to Stretch Every Penny Abroad

You’ve made it abroad. The world is your oyster… and suddenly, you’re broke. Between overpriced coffee, mandatory textbooks, and rent that looks suspiciously like daylight robbery, your bank balance starts looking like a desert: dry, sad, and full of regrets.

Here’s how to survive (and maybe even thrive) without calling home every week for a top-up.

Know Thy Enemy: Fixed vs. Variable Costs

Fixed: Rent, insurance, tuition.

Variable: Food, transport, social life. Budget the fixed first. That’s the non-negotiable stuff. What’s left is your play money – use it wisely.

Hunt Like a Student

Discounts are your new religion. ISIC cards, student deals, happy hour ramen – sniff out every saving.

Cook more, dine out less. Those “meal deals” add up faster than your caffeine tolerance.

Track Everything. Yes, Everything.

Apps like Mint, YNAB, or even a good ol’ Excel sheet will help you catch sneaky spending habits.

Review weekly. If coffee’s costing more than your phone bill, it’s time to switch to instant.