Budgeting while studying abroad is something every international student needs to consider. Between the cost of your international tuition, accommodations, and other expenses, it’s important to identify your expenses and ways you can save money when studying abroad. Cost shouldn’t be the deciding factor in whether or not to study abroad. There are many ways international students can budget and save money while studying abroad, through discounts found in student and ISIC cards, as well as additional strategies we’ll explore below.
By following these strategies, you will have little to worry about and will be able to enjoy your time abroad. We’ve also included a bonus section on international students’ working hours in Canada. Keep reading to find out more!
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Use Student Discounts
With your student card comes a variety of student discounts. This can range from attractions and retail promotions to meal discounts and transportation. Not all places advertise that they accept student cards; however, it’s always worth asking. Take your student card with you everywhere you go, and with every purchase you make, ask if they accept student cards. Although it may be a small amount initially, it can add up to a large sum. Some attractions may even be free for students, in which case you could save anywhere between C$15 to C$60. This depends entirely on the attraction and is something you’ll have to confirm with the company directly.
Coffee shops and restaurants near your school are likely to offer some student deals. These deals may be every day or on a specific day of the week. Either way, it will help you save money. When it comes to transportation, some schools may include the cost of local transit in tuition fees, and their students can use transit with their student cards. Others may not do this. However, students may still be able to purchase a discount transit pass or student tickets.
You may also buy additional discount cards that offer even deeper discounts, such as the International Student Identity Card (ISIC card) or Student Price Card (SPC). Both cards provide instant student savings of between 10% and 20% at thousands of stores and restaurants. They have other perks too, such as the ISIC card offering access to the global student community.
Curious about student discounts? Take a closer look at what the ISIC offers with us!
Live with Roommates
Between rent, utilities, and food, your housing is a major expense. Depending on the location you choose to study and the type of accommodation you are looking for, you may be paying anywhere between C$500 to C$2,000 per month, which may not include the additional cost of utilities or internet service.
As a student on a budget, it’s best to live with other students to split some of these expenses. If you don’t have friends to live with, you can search Google or Kijiji for a bedroom in a shared home. Just make sure to check the space out before you commit to it, to ensure it looks as good in person as it does online.
Alternatively, connect with other students looking for roommates or a sublet takeover through your college or university. Living with roommates has many benefits beyond being a way to save money when studying abroad. Regardless of whether they’re local or international students, you can have someone to explore your new community with and make discoveries with. This is one of the best ways to experience a new place.
Consider the Exchange Rate
Being familiar with the Canadian exchange rate is an important factor in budgeting as an international student. If you don’t know this information, you can spend significantly more than you plan to. Be careful when considering the cost of certain items and remember, tax is not included on price tags in North America.
The exchange rate may adjust several times during your study abroad journey. It’s essential to check it every so often to ensure you know exactly how much you’re spending. Some websites offer a helpful currency converter calculator, like the XE calculator.
Search for the Best Deals
This may be one of the easiest ways to budget your spending. There are many tools available to search for the best deals. Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace can be used to purchase used or new furniture, frames, supplies, and books. You may even consider checking Amazon and your host school’s bookstore for used books, rentals, or discounts. Students often sell books once they’ve completed the course. They’ll post on social media, or hang flyers around campus advertising the type of book, its cost, and their contact information. The cost of textbooks can add up, so you’ll want to avoid paying the full price if you can.
Another way to find the best deals is with Flipp, a mobile app. Flipp shares the best deals in the area and will help you budget the cost of food. There are many ways to find the best local deals. Even simply connecting with other students will help you learn about various promotions.
International Students’ Working Hours in Canada
International students looking to work while studying abroad in Canada have different options, such as working on- or off-campus. Regardless of where you want to work as an international student in Canada, it’s important to make sure you’re abiding by the rules of your study permit. Here’s a summary of what you can expect in terms of your options:
Working On-Campus
If your study permit allows you to work on-campus, you can do so without a work permit for as many hours as you’d like, so long as you meet the eligibility requirements for working on campus and if you:
- Are a full-time post-secondary student
- Have a valid study permit
- Have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Working Off-Campus
If your study permit allows, you may typically work off-campus for up to 20 hours a week without a work permit, if you:
- Are a full-time student at a Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- You’re enrolled in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program, or a secondary-level vocational training program in Quebec
- Your study program is at least six months long and leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate
- You’ve started your studies
- You have a Social Insurance Number (SIN)
Note: From November 15, 2022, until December 31, 2023, some students may be eligible to work for more than 20 hours per week off-campus while class is in session if they meet certain requirements.
It’s always a good idea to check the Government of Canada’s website for more up-to-date information on working hours and options as an international student in Canada.
By following these strategies, you will have little to worry about and will be able to enjoy your time abroad. Studying abroad is an exciting experience. Between travel, food, accommodations, and social events, it’s easy for expenses to add up. By implementing the strategies discussed in the blog, as well as using discounts from student and ISIC cards, you’ll be able to save money when studying abroad and reduce the overall cost of your international education.
Ready to start a study abroad adventure of your very own? Explore your options on ApplyBoard!
