Studying abroad can be a life-changing experience — but between tuition fees, living expenses, and unexpected costs, your budget can disappear fast. Finding ways to cut costs without compromising your lifestyle or comfort is essential. One of the first decisions that impacts your wallet is where you live. Choosing affordable and well-located student accommodation Melbourne students trust can free up a significant chunk of your budget for other essentials.
Learn to Cook (and Actually Do It)
Eating out regularly is one of the fastest ways to drain your funds. Even “cheap” takeaway adds up over weeks and months. Learning to cook basic, balanced meals is one of the most effective ways to save money — and it doesn’t mean giving up flavour or variety.
- Stick to a weekly grocery budget and plan meals ahead to avoid waste.
- Cook in batches and freeze leftovers for quick, affordable meals later.
- Share meal duties with flatmates to split costs and reduce cooking time.
The bonus? Cooking at home is often healthier and gives you more control over your nutrition.
Maximise Student Discounts
Being a student comes with perks — if you know where to look. Many retailers, transport providers, entertainment venues, and even gyms offer student discounts.
- Always carry your student ID and ask if discounts apply.
- Sign up for student deals platforms and newsletters for alerts on new offers.
- Use student fares for public transport and travel where possible.
A few dollars saved here and there can add up quickly across a semester or year.
Ditch Unnecessary Subscriptions
Streaming services, meal kits, apps — it’s easy to sign up for multiple subscriptions and forget about them. Audit your accounts and cancel anything you don’t use regularly.
- Stick to one streaming service at a time or share accounts with housemates.
- Take advantage of student discounts or trial periods before committing.
- Review your app store subscriptions and remove anything you’re not actively using.
You’ll be surprised how much those $10 or $15 monthly charges add up over time.
Buy Second-Hand or Swap
You don’t need to buy everything brand new, especially if you’re only living abroad temporarily. Pre-owned goods are not only more affordable, but often just as reliable.
- Look for second-hand furniture, electronics, and textbooks online or through local student groups.
- Join community swap pages where you can trade items for free.
- Visit local op shops for household items and clothing at low prices.
Choosing second-hand is also a more sustainable option, reducing waste and giving items a new life.
Get Smart with Transport
Transport costs can creep up if you’re not careful. If you live centrally or close to campus, walking or cycling can save hundreds over the course of your studies.
- Invest in a quality second-hand bike if the city is bike-friendly.
- Use student fares for buses, trains, or trams.
- Carpool or share rides when longer trips are needed.
Living close to school or public transport hubs is worth considering even if the rent is slightly higher — the overall cost can still work out cheaper.
Set a Weekly Spending Limit
Budgeting doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent. Set a realistic weekly allowance for non-essential expenses and stick to it.
- Use a budgeting app or simple spreadsheet to track spending.
- Withdraw cash for the week if you tend to overspend digitally.
- Avoid impulse purchases by giving yourself a 24-hour rule before buying non-essentials.
Knowing where your money goes helps you make smarter choices and avoid financial stress.
Take Advantage of Free Events
One of the best parts of student life is the range of free or low-cost events available — you just need to look for them.
- Check noticeboards, uni newsletters, and local social media pages.
- Attend free workshops, networking events, and social meetups.
- Explore outdoor spaces, local festivals, and community activities that cost nothing.
These events are not only budget-friendly, they’re also a great way to meet people and make the most of your time abroad.
Living on a student budget doesn’t mean missing out — it just means being smart about your choices. From how you cook and shop to where you live and socialise, small adjustments can lead to major savings. With a little planning and awareness, you’ll find it’s possible to enjoy your overseas experience without constantly stressing about money.