The cost of living in Australia can be expensive. Check our budgeting tips for students on a shoestring – save money while still enjoying your course and university life.
Budget
Putting money aside for your essential expenses such as accommodation, food and transport puts you in a clearer position on how much you have left to spend.
Savings account
Australian banks offer relatively high interest rates for specialised saving accounts. Setting up a savings account will help you manage your money as well as earn you some interest.
Eat in
Eating out in Australia can set you back by $10 to $15 per meal. Self-catering is a great way to stretch your budget, as a home-cooked meal can cost as low as $5.
Shopping for groceries
There are many supermarkets in Australia such as Woolworths, Coles and ALDI that produce housebrand items and foodstuff that are cheaper than premium brands. Fresh food and meat at supermarkets have a limited shelf-life and there can be discounts of up to 50% for these soon-to-be expiring items.
Farmers' and wet markets often slash their prices for fresh food and meats nearer to their closing times; so visit markets just before they close.
Bicycle
Australia has one of the friendliest roads for cyclists and the worst reputation for public transportation. Getting a bicycle is an environmentally friendly, healthy and cheap way to get around your town.
Student concessions
Make full use of your student concessions at cafes, movie theaters and sites of attractions.
Take a water bottle
Your university and most public spaces have water fountains or coolers for the public’s usage. Fill up your water bottle for a healthy and free drink.
Free events and meals
Most universities and student unions hold weekly or monthly events where you can participate in free activities such as movie screening or barbeques.
Save on bills
Turn off all electrical appliances on standby modes and power points if you are not using them. Good insulation also helps to cut down the need for air-conditioning and heating.
Use Skype when making overseas calls so that you don’t incur expensive international call charges.
Buy second-hand
Check with your university for free furniture donated by previous students before buying your own.
Ops shops or Salvos (Salvation Army) sell pre-used items that are still in good conditions but at a fraction of their original price.
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