Find a Go-To Food Grab

For me, my go-to grab was Sushi-Ro’s daily $5 Special. Each day they had a new kind and it was the perfect amount of food for a quick on the go lunch. This proved to be even cheaper than many meals I was preparing at home.

Pool Funds in for a Car

Here’s an interesting one. A group of 6 guys I knew when I studied abroad did this and it ended up being the best decision they could have made. They each chipped in for a used car and actually bought it for their time abroad. This was a couple hundred dollars each. But then each time they wanted to go somewhere, they didn’t have to rent a vehicle, they could just hop in theirs! And, at the end of their time abroad, they sold the vehicle for just under the amount they bought it for. Kind of genius if you ask me. Of course if you’re going to certain places in Europe, this might not be worthwhile. But it’s a definite consideration.

Learn to Cook

You will no doubt end up with more time than you’re used to while studying abroad. Sure you’ll be traveling and exploring every opportunity you get, but during the work week you might find yourself will lot’s of spare time and nothing to fill it with. This is the perfect opportunity for you to buy local ingredients and start planning some simple meals. Even better you’ll likely be living in a community of other people who are doing the same thing and you can teach each other some tricks.

Ask Around for Babysitting Gigs

I know several people who did this and were extremely successful with it. You’re at a University with many professors, why not offer your services? The worst that will happen is they’ll say no. And the best thing that might happen is you might gain yourself part-time employment for your whole time study abroad.

Get Comfortable with City Transportation

When I was studying abroad in Auckland I needed to take a city bus to get to my student teaching internship in the suburbs of the city. I was terrified at first thinking of all the “what ifs?” What if I go the wrong way? What if I can’t figure out how to pay? What if I miss my stop? One day, one of those what ifs came true. I decided to go grocery shopping on my way home, getting off at a new location for me. After shopping, I got back on the bus. It wasn’t until I saw the city getting further away rather than closer to me that I realized I was going to wrong direction! I got off at the next stop, but I couldn’t help but notice the amusement in the bus drivers face when he was the same guy to pick me up going the opposite direction.

Go do Free Things

This goes with any travel opportunity, or truly anything in life. There’s always things you could do that are free- hiking, parks, beach, monuments, sometimes museums, and things that are not. If something costs a pretty penny always ask yourself, do I need to do this? Will I be sad if I pass up this opportunity? What else could I do instead?

Don’t Buy Things You Don’t Need

We all know that person who always comes back with new dresses, jewelry, gifts, etc. from whatever location he or she goes to. I used to be that person. My very first trip outside of North America was to Peru on a high school trip and I bought stuff for everyone. I’m talking parents, friends, boyfriend, even boyfriend’s parents. That was not only a huge pain while I was there to pick out, but also a huge waste of money for the result. Of course people appreciate when you think of them while abroad, but now if I’m going to buy something it needs to have significance, and even then I’m more likely to take away free “souvenirs” like maps, tickets, bracelets, for my scrapbook.