Perhaps the worst thing about being a student is the constant state of having not enough money. Despite many students have a minijob, the pay is nothing compared to a regular full time salary. So allow me to share some of my tips for food, accommodation, shopping, and more.
Accommodation
Okay, let me start with the obvious: not every city is equal. So, while deciding on where to study in Germany, if you are on a limited budget, it might be wise to keep this in mind. For the price you pay for some shared student dorms 45 minutes from the city/campus in Munich or Berlin, you can rent a studio apartment in the city center in more affordable cities like Erfurt, Jena, Halle, or Rostock.
But it might be too late to change the location, or it might not be an option altogether. In that case, finding affordable accommodation is crucial. Student dorms are generally the cheapest option, with prices starting around €300 per month. Alternatively, shared apartments (Wohngemeinschaft or WG) offer a cost-effective way to live in a larger city while splitting rent and utilities.
Food
Again, let me start with the obvious: Eating out frequently can drain your budget quickly. By cooking at home, you not only save money but also maintain a healthier diet. Buying fresh produce from local markets or discount supermarkets (like the ones that rhyme with oldie, riddle, and ghetto) or your local Middle Eastern market will help you save even more. Meal prepping (cooking in bulk and freezing portions) is a great way to reduce waste and make the most of your groceries, and save a lot of time and energy.
When you want to eat out, you can search for the restaurants with student deals. Many restaurants offer 15-25% discount to students. There are also some that offer special student menus (usually bigger chains). To find out more, you can check out apps that find you student discounts (again, I am not allowed to name names but there are many of them which you can find with a search on App Store).
Lastly, if you would like to get take outs, you can check out food waste reduction programs, which allows you to pick up leftover food for a reduced price. There is a very popular app, which has an acronym of TGTG.
Student Discounts
Germany is a student-friendly country, offering a wide range of discounts. You can save on transportation, museum tickets, cultural events, and just like I mentioned previously even in some restaurants and stores by showing your student ID. Always ask if a discount is available—you’ll be surprised how much you can save over time.
Second-Hand Shops & Apps
Whether it’s textbooks, furniture, or clothes, buying second-hand can significantly reduce your spending. Websites or apps like Kl*********en, or even university forums are fantastic platforms for finding affordable items. Many students sell books, electronics, and other essentials at a fraction of the original price.
Minijobs
Many international students in Germany are allowed to work up to 120 full or 240 half days per year. If you have a flexible class schedule, working part-time can supplement your income and make budgeting less stressful. Jobs like tutoring, working in cafes, or university-related work are popular among students
Bikes
Germany has an excellent public transport system, for which a seasonal ticket is almost always included in your semester fees. Moreover, many cities are very bike-friendly. Cycling is another healthy and eco-friendly way to get around while saving on transportation costs.