Ready to embark on the study travel adventure of a lifetime? Don’t forget to budget before you set sail! From tuition to student housing, to recreation and living expenses, we’ve put together our top tips to help you save as an ILSC student so that you can have the freedom to achieve your academic and personal goals abroad!
Make a Financial Plan
While it may not be the most exciting part of trip preparations, making a financial plan is one of the keys to staying on budget while you study abroad. By recording your expenses, you can calculate how much you need to save each month so that you live within your means. Some examples of expenses you’ll want to record include:
- Tuition and fees
- Accommodation and Wi-Fi
- Groceries
- Transportation
- Personal care products
- Recreation
Find Affordable Accommodation
Now that you’ve laid out your financial plan, it’s time to find the best accommodation option for your budget. As an ILSC student, you can choose from homestays, student residences, and student apartments across our study destinations in Canada, Australia, and India.
For those looking for a home away from home, homestays allow you to save on grocery shopping and meal preparation with full-board and half-board options. Students seeking budget-friendly independent living can take advantage of our shared-room options and make friends while saving on shared living expenses.
Enjoy Budget-Friendly Recreation
So, you’ve found the perfect accommodation; now you feel ready to enjoy your study travel adventure to the fullest! At ILSC, we’re delighted to offer flexible program schedules that give you the freedom to explore your chosen destination, but we know that it’s hard to put a price on fun. To help you save, consider these options:
- Show your student identification card for discounts on recreational activities
- Do activities with your new international friends to take advantage of group discounts
- Enjoy free outdoor activities and events across our scenic destinations in Canada and Australia
- Feed your inner foodie with free birthday perks at local restaurants, coffee shops, and more
Be Money-Wise
Following a financial plan and opting for budget-friendly living and leisure options are only part of the money-saving equation! Spend within your limit by only taking out enough cash for the week and organizing your money in envelopes for different expenses. If you’re a digital native, consider using apps like Goodbudget which create virtual envelopes for you. You can also avoid overspending by being mindful of your needs versus your wants. The next time you’re shopping, pause and ask yourself if you truly need the item you’re about to purchase.
Homemade Meals & Coffee
So, you’ve decided that you really do want to make that purchase you’ve been eyeing! Here’s a tip to help you budget for food: try cooking meals at home instead of always eating out. All of our ILSC Language School locations are based in cities with fantastic food scenes, but those restaurant bills can add up faster than you think! You can save even more by pairing your home-cooked meals with some homemade coffee. Pop it into a trusty thermos and voila – you’ve got a hot, homemade coffee to keep you fueled through your studies without breaking the bank.
Save Money on Groceries
As you start budgeting and tracking your expenses, you may see a significant portion of your money being spent on groceries – but it doesn’t have to be so expensive. Keep an eye out for discounted food; grocery stores often sell food at a lower price close to its expiration date. To save you time, the Flashfood app finds these discounted items at grocery stores near you. You can also compare deals at different grocery stores in your area by using apps like Flipp, which allow you to browse deals and save coupons digitally. If your local grocery store offers a price-match guarantee, you can save on grocery items that are on sale at nearby stores by presenting these digital offers to your cashier to get a matching price.
Work While You Study
If you choose to study in one of our student-friendly destinations across Australia, you can fast-track your financial goals by working as you learn! With an Australia student visa, you’ll be eligible to work up to 40 hours every two weeks. Furthermore, you can practice applying your new language skills in organic settings as you communicate with new people you meet in Australia’s multicultural cities! Students at ILSC Language Schools also have the option to transition to a co-op eligible diploma program at Greystone College Canada, so you can earn while you learn as you work up to 20 hours per week during the academic portion of your program and full-time during scheduled breaks and co-op terms!
While saving for a trip abroad may feel overwhelming, our team at ILSC Language Schools is here to support you along your international study journey. By creating a clear financial plan and stretching your budget to save on expenses and leisure, you can achieve your financial goals while enjoying transformative learning, living, and work experiences, hassle-free!
