7 Effortless Money-saving Hacks for International Students

Although international students often face hefty expenses just to attend school in the United States, they significantly contribute to the US economy.

Statistics indicate that international students contribute up to $42 billion to the national economy, a substantial amount considering their already substantial tuition and fees.

However, despite spending a considerable amount of money, international students can still save money with the right strategies. Learning how to save money can greatly enhance your experience abroad.

Below are our top seven money-saving tips to help international students navigate their finances more effectively.

1. Utilize Student Discounts: Take advantage of student discounts available with your new student ID card. Many places offer discounts, including movie theaters, restaurants, insurance providers, and tech companies like Apple and Dell.

2. Consider Off-Campus Living: While living on-campus may seem convenient, off-campus living is often cheaper. Finding an affordable apartment nearby and splitting the rent with roommates can lead to significant savings.

3. Buy Used Textbooks: Textbooks in the US can be expensive, but buying them used or renting them through services like Chegg can save you money. Consider splitting the cost with classmates to further reduce expenses.

4. Book Flights Wisely: When booking flights to and from your home country, sign up for alerts on travel sites like Skyscanner to monitor price drops. Booking in advance and exploring student discounts with airlines like Delta can also help save on flight costs.

5. Work On-Campus: While international students can’t work off-campus immediately, on-campus jobs provide an opportunity to earn extra money and integrate into campus life.

6. Sign Up for an International Student Debit Card: Look for debit cards tailored for international students, such as the Cheese debit card, which offers benefits like cashback and high-yield checking accounts without requiring a social security number.

7. Budget Wisely: Use budgeting apps to track expenses and allocate funds for essentials like textbooks and savings. Consider using currency exchange tools to minimize losses on cash withdrawals and exchanges.

In addition to these tips, consider utilizing tools like BingFi.com for peer-to-peer currency exchange, ensuring convenient and secure transactions for international students.