Balling on a Budget While Abroad: My Tips & Tricks

No one wants to talk about money. I get it. But if you’re like me, you had to figure out how you would make studying abroad work financially, which probably means you are on a budget. Well me too girl, so let me help you get the most bang for your buck while you live and study abroad. 

I’ve been on a budget my whole life, so I’ve gotten good at this. 

1. You don’t have to travel every weekend

I know this is not what you want to hear, but let me tell you why. You chose the city and country you are in for some reason, so now explore it. Dive into the neighborhood you’re living in, the local restaurants, boutiques, etc. Allow yourself to travel solo or with friends to places you genuinely want to see, rather than committing to multiple travel weekends that you may not be that interested in. Be choosy about where you go and when will make those places and those memories even more special and it will save you money, allowing you to stay within that budget. 

2. Travel by bus

You’re going to travel to other cities and countries while studying abroad. That is inevitable, and in my opinion, essential. I’m not telling you not to travel, but there are budget friendly ways to do it. Rather than purchasing a ticket for a quick little train to another country, buy the ticket for the bus instead if you can. It will take way longer to get to your destination, but it will be way cheaper. Buses get some stigma, but I am a big fan. Your wallet will be a big fan too. 

3. Cook for yourself

I know you don’t want to hear this one either, and trust me I don’t even want to be writing it right now. But buying groceries and making your own meals is going to save you so much money. I need to start taking my own advice on this one though. Hopefully you can stick to this one better than I can! 

4. Shop vintage and second hand rather than retail

To me, clothes are a souvenir to myself. I can’t lie, I love when someone asks me where I got something I’m wearing and I can be so obnoxious and say “Oh, it’s from Turkey” or “I thrifted it in Milan.” There are so many vintage and second hand stores in Milan and everywhere else I’ve been. I know it is so tempting to go into Zara and purchase some clothes you don’t really need for a price that is not always budget friendly, but it is so much more fun to find unique clothes for half the price at a cute little vintage second hand shop. 

5. Take public transportation

Don’t call that Uber. Stay away from taxis. Public transportation is so affordable and so easy. It may be intimidating at first and take a lot longer, but it will save you a tremendous amount of money in the long run. 

There are so many ways to study abroad in a financially conscious way, even in expensive cities. If you want more tips, let me know because I’ve got them. If you want to share any tips with me, please do. It is so possible to ball on a budget while studying abroad. You got this!