In this article
The first semester is always the most expensive. Deposits, setup costs and a few impulse purchases hit at once, before you know where the cheap supermarket is.
One-time costs in month one
- Accommodation deposit and first month's rent.
- Bedding, kitchen basics and winter clothing.
- Local SIM card and phone plan.
- Transport card or bike.
- Textbooks and any course materials.
Monthly costs to track
- Rent and utilities (check whether bills are included).
- Groceries - cooking at home saves the most money.
- Local transport.
- Phone and internet.
- Social life, eating out and travel.
Costs nobody mentions
Health surcharges or insurance, laundry, printing, visa extensions, flights home and the occasional emergency. Build a small monthly amount into your budget for these rather than being surprised by them.
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Written by Sukhada Global Education
Our counsellors write every guide from real student cases - admissions, visas and life abroad - and update them when rules change.
