Studying in Australia on a Budget: Money-Saving Tips for International Students. Image: Supplied
With its world-class universities, multicultural environment, and adventurous outdoor lifestyle, Australia is an appealing destination for many international students.
But the financial facet of studying abroad for international students, especially in a high-cost-of-living country like Australia, can be a challenging obstacle.
Today, we’ll navigate through the maze of expenses, offering savvy money-saving tips for international students to manage their budgets effectively while enjoying their Australian educational journey.
Shared accommodation is an excellent option for international students seeking to save money while studying in Australia. Unlike living solo, sharing a flat or house with others can significantly reduce your housing expenses. Rent, utilities, and even groceries can be split among roommates, making life more affordable and leaving more room for other essential things in your budget.
For example, studying abroad in Sydney, one of the costliest Australian cities. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the Sydney city center is on average AUD 3,500 per month. Compare that to the average rent of a room in student housing in Sydney, which ranges from AUD 1,500 to AUD 2,000 a month. International students can see the potential for significant savings in terms of rent in student housing.
Shared accommodation often leads to more than just monetary benefits. It provides a built-in community that can be especially comforting when you’re far from home. You’ll meet diverse individuals, potentially from different countries and cultures, broadening your global understanding and friendships.
The goal is to create a budget-friendly, comfortable home away from home while studying in Australia.
Australia boasts a robust public transportation system that efficiently connects city centers, suburbs, and even outlying regions. From buses in Brisbane, trams in Melbourne, or the Sydney Ferries, there’s a multitude of cost-effective options to get you where you need to go.
In the city of Melbourne, the trams in the city centre operate in a ‘Free Tram Zone’, which is an absolute boon for international students studying in the city. Utilising this public transport service for daily commutes can help you save quite a sum on transportation costs.
Many Australian cities also offer travel cards, such as the Opal Card in Sydney, Myki in Melbourne, and Go Card in Brisbane. These cards provide discounted fares and cap daily commute expenses, resulting in substantial savings over time.
Don’t forget to check out if your student status can fetch you further discounts. For example, in Victoria, tertiary students can avail of a 50% discount on fares by applying for a PTV Tertiary Student ID.
International students not only save money but also get to experience the Australian local culture and lifestyle up close by making public transportation their primary mode of commute.
Student housing often comes with a shared kitchen, which can be a goldmine for saving money while studying in Australia. Eating out can quickly add up, and even takeaways or cheap eats can accumulate into a substantial portion of your budget.
So to save money, it’s time to reveal your inner chef and start cooking in your amber student accommodation.
Start by planning your meals for the week. This helps you manage your grocery budget better and saves time deciding what to eat each day. Next, find a local farmer’s market or a discount grocery store. Fresh produce is generally cheaper and healthier than packaged foods.
Consider buying in bulk and splitting the cost with your housemates for items like rice, pasta, or oil that can be used in numerous meals.
Think about preparing ‘batch’ meals, like a big pot of chilli or pasta sauce that can be eaten over several days or even frozen for later.
You can cook a simple meal like stir-fried vegetables with tofu, categorised as nutritious, inexpensive, and easy to cook. All you need on the shopping list are a few vegetables of your choice, some tofu, and a bit of soy sauce. You can cook this dish once and can eat a healthy meal ready for the next few days!
It’s also an opportunity to explore new recipes, bond with your housemates over a shared cooking session, and discover a hidden talent!
We hope this article helps you identify and understand money-saving tips for international students studying in Australia.
You can make the most of your Australian study experience without emptying your bank account or mental health if you approach budgeting properly and apply the money-saving tips provided in this article.
As an international student, the objective isn’t just to save each dollar but to maximise the value and enrich your life as an international student in Australia.
amber serves millions of students around the world by providing the best and most rewarding experience for booking student housing. We are upgraded with the latest COVID protocols and would be more than happy to assist you in booking your ideal home. Please tune in to our Facebook and Instagram to stay updated.
Archit is an avid writer who is keen to get his doctorate. When not writing, he can be found reading, taking the metro and then questioning this decision, and haunting local bookstores.
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