7 Ways Australian Students Can Save Big: Explained

One of the hardest things about studying in Australia is being within budget. Living in Australia is costly; you need the right management skills to maintain control.

According to the Australian government, the minimum amount needed to cover the cost of living in Australia is AU $20,290 annually (excluding travelling to and from Australia and tuition fees).

For International students, accommodation and tuition fees are the highest spendings while studying in Australia.

If you are a student on a budget seeking to save money while pursuing your studies, here are a few helpful tips and tricks that may benefit you.

1. Look For A Part-Time Job

Australia is known for paying a living wage, not a minimum wage. This tip is quite helpful for students who are seeking casual work.

International students are allowed to work part-time while studying. If you are on a student visa, you'll be allowed to work 40 hours per fortnight. 

You can work as a waitperson or barista to make a little spending money. If you want to try your luck in some other fields, you can talk to your university's resident director about it, as they might have some good advice for you.

2. Plan Out Your Budget

Based on your income and expenses, plan out your budget. By keeping track of your finances, avoid spending over your budget. 

Divide your expenses into 'important' and 'unimportant' items. For instance, paying accommodation fees for the campus is essential, but eating junk food is unimportant. Remember to save some money for an emergency. 

If you go overboard, chances are you will land yourself in trouble. So instead of overspending, start saving!

3. Be Smart With Food and Grocery Shopping

After accommodation, we must address food expenses. Luckily, you can reduce your bills by buying supermarket value foods. 

Aldi, the German grocery store chain, is a popular option for students to buy vegetables and other items on weekly "Special Buys" that appear every Wednesday and Saturday. 

You can buy discounted food and groceries from Aldi and save on your bills. Be smart and buy groceries to cook and eat at home. Buy bulk from outlets like Aldi, where prices are much lower.

4. Take Advantage of Student Discounts

Australia is a country full of incredible surprises for students. If you are studying in Australia with an ISIC card, you can make the most of your time.

From transportation to student-discounted flights, Australia offers several discounts to students. 

You can even get student discounts at several shops and outlets. Wherever possible, make use of your student concessions.

5. Save on Transport

Public transport is a reliable and cheap way to move around the city. Most universities are either campus-based or city-based, with excellent public transport links. 

Check if there are weekly/monthly passes or student discounts on transport services you can use regularly.

6. Cheap Student Accommodation

Consider student apartments and accommodations if you are looking for cheap accommodations near your campus in Melbourne or any part of Australia. This type of housing style lets you live near your campus. 

You don't have to worry about electricity, phone, gas, or furniture as everything is available. Some accommodation houses more than 300 students.

7. Look for Pocket-Friendly Entertainment Options

"All work, no play makes Jack a dull boy." This proverb stands true in the case of students as well. While social life at a university is excellent, it is also essential to take time for some leisure activities.

Rather than going out on the weekend, plan for an outing on a weekday and enjoy cheap drinks and good food. 

And if you plan to go out for a movie, choose Tuesdays and Thursdays as you can access more discounts.

It can be pretty hard to save money while studying in Australia. But these tips can make you well-informed on how to spend wisely and save your money.

Useful Links to Explore:

• How To Become An Uber Eats Delivery Person In Australia?
• How to find part-time work as a student in Australia
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
• Tips on International Student Banking in Australia
• How to get a scholarship to study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• Scholarships for International Students
• Australian Universities Scholarship Table