Tips for everyday life

Money

As student, you will not only have everyday expenses – experiences that will make your stay in Germany something special also cost money. But you don’t have to spend a fortune to be active or go out a lot. You can save considerable money by showing your student identity card.

Short & Sweet

Every university and college town in Germany has affordable shopping opportunities where you can procure the daily necessities.

Public transport services, banks and mobile phone providers offer student discounts, as do cafés, libraries, museums and cinemas.

Saving on the necessities

Discount supermarkets like Aldi, Lidl and Netto are the place for inexpensive grocery shopping in Germany. Pay attention to the current specials. It’s definitely worth comparing prices. That will help you save a few euros. You can find out on the internet what specials are available at various supermarkets, chemists, department stores and DIY shops. If you need things like highlighters, staplers and ink cartridges, you can often save money at shops near your college or university.

Student in the supermarket
Student in the supermarket© DAAD/Jan Zappner

Store opening hours in Germany

Some barber shops and hairdressers offer student discounts on certain days. Students can also profit from the sports on offer at their colleges and universities and from special student rates at fitness studios.

Using public transport

As a student you will be able to travel at reduced rates in your college or university town and throughout Germany. You can find more information

Glass money box with money
Money box© DAAD/contentküche

Your student ID

It pays to carry your student ID with you at all times. It will get you into theatres cinemas, swimming pools and museums at discount prices. Newspaper subscriptions, computer software, and are also cheaper for students.

If you travel outside Germany, you save a lot of money on things like plane, train, museum and theatre tickets with an . The one-time cost for an ISIC is 12 euros, and you can get yours from the student unions at most colleges and universities or in selected travel agencies.

Conclusion

There are lots of ways to save money in everyday life in Germany.

You student ID from your college or university and an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) can help.

Even if you don’t see any student discount at first, it pays to ask!