Plan Your Budget Before You Go

You’ve just committed to studying abroad in a new and exciting city. You’re planning your trips, figuring out what to pack, and maybe signing a lease on an affordable student housing option. While it’s overwhelming, you’re excited about the adventure ahead. Until it hits you…how in the world am I going to afford all of this?

Take it from a student who studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark—one of the most expensive cities in the world! I quickly realized that I had to budget my food spending after paying $10 for coffee and $20 for breakfast. On top of that, I needed to factor in shopping, airfare, hotels, and activities. Budgeting became overwhelming really fast!

Prioritize Your Spending

The first thing I did was ask myself, “What do I want to spend my money on?” Many students overspend due to the excitement of being in a new city, often on things that aren’t worth it. I decided that a $10 morning coffee wasn’t worth it and became a tea drinker instead. I also started cooking at home to save money so I could enjoy restaurants while traveling on the weekends.

But maybe your $10 coffee is your only joy in the morning, or maybe you dread cooking at home. That’s OK! Then find other ways to cut costs. One of my hacks for finding cheap eats was using the app Too Good to Go, which allows restaurants to sell unsold food at discounted prices. In Copenhagen, I loved eating at places like Fabro and Pico Pizza, which both serve delicious Italian food under $15!

Save Money on Travel

Look for Cheap Flights

When planning trips, base your destination on the cheapest flights. I would’ve loved to visit Greece, but the $300 plane ticket wasn’t in my budget. Instead, I found a $45 plane ticket to Paris and jumped at the opportunity. Europe is amazing, so regardless of where you visit, you’ll have a great time!

Consider Alternative Transportation

Don’t forget about trains and buses! A friend of mine saved over $400 taking a train to Oktoberfest instead of flying. Plus, the views are much better compared to an airplane!

Pack Light and Avoid Extra Baggage Fees

Do not pay for an overhead bag. These costs add up quickly! Instead, invest in a travel backpack that fits under the seat in front of you. I used the North Face Base Voyager Travel Pack, and it fit everything I needed for a weekend trip. There are also cheaper options on Amazon. Plan your outfits in advance so you don’t waste space on unnecessary items.

Find Affordable Student Housing

Finding affordable student housing is essential for staying within your budget. Look for shared apartments, hostels, students. Many universities also offer dorm-style accommodations that are significantly cheaper than renting an apartment.

For grad student housing, consider co-living spaces or university-provided housing options. Some student residencies offer amenities like free Wi-Fi, utilities included, and study areas—all of which can save you money in the long run.

Take Advantage of Student Discounts

Always ask about student discounts! Many museums, castles, and cultural attractions offer free or discounted admission with a student ID. I got into Versailles for free just by showing my student ID! Some airlines, like SAS Airlines, even offer “Youth Tickets” with discounted airfare for students aged 12-25.

Final Thoughts

, but it’s definitely possible! The key is to find small ways to save money here and there so you can fully enjoy your semester abroad. With smart planning and a few budgeting tricks, you’ll have an unforgettable experience without breaking the bank!