As a student, whether national or international, you are probably used to operating on a tight budget. Between tuition, textbooks, food, and socializing with friends and fellow students, it often feels like there isn’t enough money to cover everything that you need and want. However, despite the initial feeling of not having enough, there are actually lots of campus hacks that can help you get more out of your money, save for the future, and actually increase your overall bank balance. In this article, we will provide a detailed guide on ways that national and international students can improve their financial situation whilst studying.
Take Advantage of Student Discounts
Students have so many ways to save their hard-earned cash! Using student discounts is an easy way to achieve this, whether at home or studying abroad. No matter what you like, discounts are available for numerous shops, restaurants, and even electronic stores. UNiDAYS, Student Beans, and other student discount apps will also give you access to loads of offers! Make sure to always ask for a discount, it’s also possible to get a reduction at some local shops and cafes when you present your student card! It’s also worth signing up for some companies’ loyalty programs; they might also offer exclusive discounts and points for students.
Open a Bank Account for Better Financial Management
Opening a bank account, especially a student account, is one of the best decisions you can make to manage your finances effectively. Whether you’re a national or international student, having a dedicated bank account helps you keep track of your spending, receive financial aid, and manage your savings efficiently. Many banks offer special student accounts with low or no monthly fees, along with perks such as higher interest rates on savings and access to budgeting tools.
For those studying abroad, banking for international students is designed to simplify everyday financial tasks, from receiving funds from home to paying tuition and managing living expenses in a new currency. Opening a local account can help you avoid high transfer fees and unfavorable exchange rates while giving you easier access to your money. Mobile banking further enhances convenience by letting you monitor transactions, track savings goals, and stay in control of your finances wherever you are.
Get Paid to Share Your Knowledge
If you’re good at a particular subject, you can turn that skill into cash. Many students make money by tutoring their peers or offering study help, and this can be especially profitable for international students. Many local students may seek help with language barriers or understanding cultural differences. Offering tutoring services can be a great way to supplement your income. You can also explore online tutoring platforms like Chegg, Tutor.com, or Superprof, where you can set your own rates and work on your own schedule. If you’re enrolled in university, check if there are any in-house tutoring programs where you can sign up as a tutor and get paid for helping others.
Freelance and Remote Work
There are many ways for students to earn money as freelancers. The gig economy is booming, and there are so many remote jobs available, such as writing, graphic design, web development, and virtual assisting. Some good freelance websites for short gigs are Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer. Another idea would be remote internships. Not only will you earn some money, but you will also gain some work experience in your field of study. If you are interested in running an online business, consider creating a shop on Etsy or starting a dropshipping business. Not only will it increase your bank balance, but it will also create a business for the future.
Leverage Your Living Situation
Affording housing can be one of the highest costs for many students, and housing costs can be sky-high in certain cities or countries. That being said, here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to keeping housing costs low while still enjoying the comfort of your own space. First of all, sharing an apartment with roommates can be a surefire way to get your housing costs in check. Another great alternative is house-sitting or pet-sitting – by living in someone else’s home for free, you can get a great deal on affordable housing. Other housing options, such as off-campus apartments, might also be cheaper than dorms – so make sure you do your research.
Cook Your Own Meals and Avoid Expensive Dining
Eating out often can be extremely expensive, and if you are living off a very tight budget, it can be completely impractical. In addition to being healthier, cooking for yourself can save you a ton of money. I have recently begun meal prepping, and it has easily cut my weekly grocery bill in half. If you have never tried it, meal prepping involves cooking in large quantities and portioning meals for the week.
Rather than ordering expensive take-out after a long day of classes, you’ll always have a healthy meal waiting for you in the fridge. Some general tips for saving money on food at the grocery store include buying in bulk, taking advantage of sales, using coupons, and shopping at a discount store.
Many stores on campus and in the surrounding area are very student-friendly and offer great deals on produce at the farmers’ markets. If you live with roommates, you and your housemates may also consider taking meals and grocery shopping duties in rotation. This not only saves you money but also time.
Find Free and Cheap Campus Events
When you are studying on a campus (national or abroad), many events are free or very cheap. Taking part in campus events is a good way to make new friends and be entertained without spending a lot of money. Some events are free, and the school may provide free food and other items, so it is worth checking. Also, international students studying abroad can take advantage of local cultural festivals and community events to explore their surroundings without spending much money. Student organisations are another great way to take part in free or low-cost events such as concerts, tours, and social events.
Use Public Transportation and Avoid Owning a Car
Affording a car and owning one can be expensive, especially in big cities or when studying abroad. In many cases, it’s therefore not necessary to have a car. More affordable options include public transport, car-sharing services, or cycling. Many towns and universities offer very advantageous student fares on public transport, making travel very affordable. If you sometimes have to go to places where public transport does not run, you can always take friends along in the car. But you can also take an Uber or Lyft, especially if the rideshare company has introduced student prices.
Open a High-Interest Student Bank Account
Having the right bank account can pay off over the long term. Some banks have high-interest savings accounts or student accounts with low fees. Students are exempt from paying bank fees, so look for accounts with no or low fees. Some banks also offer higher interest rates for student accounts, which could help your savings grow. Even a small balance can add up to a decent amount of money over time.
Investing and Saving Early
First-time investing can be intimidating, but investing could be the future of your bank account. Many first-time students will begin their investing journey with low-risk investments. If you’re interested in trying out Micro-investing apps, such as Acorns and Stash, they will help you get started with tiny increments of cash. Some investing apps geared towards students offer the opportunity to start investing with smaller amounts of money, along with materials that serve as a great source for learning the basics of investing.
Maximize Scholarships, Grants, and Financial Aid
The final tip is to explore all possible sources of financial aid. Scholarships, grants, and fellowships are available for students from all over the world and often remain unused. Candidates are advised to look for scholarships based on their field of study, nationality, or interests. International students, in particular, may be eligible for government or university scholarships that reduce the financial burden of studying abroad. Finally, students engaged in research should seek grants or assistantships that offer stipends or financial support for their research.
Conclusion – Campus Hacks
Managing your money as a student can be quite a challenge. But with a little bit of imagination and some tips, you can easily build up your savings. The same applies to both national and international students! With some knowledge about how to save, earn money, or get financial assistance for your studies, you can be more financially stable and thus enjoy your studies more! There are many, many ways to make discounts, to earn money by doing some freelance jobs, cooking at home, and of course, to get the right financial assistance for your studies!
FAQs
What are some effective student discounts to save money?
Students can access discounts at shops, restaurants, and electronics stores using apps like UNiDAYS and Student Beans. Always present your student ID and sign up for loyalty programs for exclusive deals. Local cafes often offer unadvertised savings—asking pays off. This hack can significantly reduce daily expenses, helping build savings over time.
How can freelancing help grow a student’s bank account?
Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow students to offer skills in writing, design, or virtual assistance remotely. Set your own rates and schedules for flexibility. Remote internships add income and experience. International students can leverage cultural expertise. Starting small builds a portfolio, leading to steady earnings alongside studies.
Why should students open a dedicated bank account?
Student accounts feature low fees, high-interest savings, and budgeting tools for better financial tracking. They simplify aid receipts and expense management. For international students, local accounts avoid high transfer fees and poor exchange rates. Mobile apps enable remote monitoring, helping set goals and control spending effectively for long-term growth.
What tips does the article give for meal prepping to save?
Cook meals at home in bulk and portion for the week to cut grocery bills in half. Shop sales, use coupons, buy in bulk at discount stores, and visit farmers’ markets for deals. Rotate duties with roommates to share costs and time. This is healthier than takeout and frees up money for savings or fun activities.
How can students maximize scholarships and financial aid?
Research scholarships based on your field, nationality, or interests—many go unclaimed. International students qualify for government or university aid. Apply for grants, fellowships, or assistantships offering stipends. Start early and tailor applications. This reduces tuition burdens, allowing more focus on studies and less on financial stress.
