I Ran Out of Money Studying Abroad (Here's What I Didn't See Coming)

Let me save you the 6 months of stress I went through: if you're only looking at tuition fees when choosing a study abroad destination, you're already making a mistake.

By my second month in Europe, I was eating instant noodles for dinner and lying to my parents about how much money I needed. The "affordable" program I picked ended up costing 40% more than I budgeted for—all because of hidden costs no one talks about.

I'm still paying off the credit card debt. And the worst part? I could have avoided it all if someone had just told me what to look for.

Things No One Tells You About Studying Abroad (Until You're Broke)

Tuition was the easy part—I didn't see the rest coming

• Application Fees: I spent over $300 just applying to programs, and that was before I got accepted anywhere. I thought, "How much could applications cost?" Big mistake.
• Orientation Fees: My university charged $150 for a mandatory orientation that lasted just two days. "Mandatory" meant I had no choice—even though all they did was hand out a map.
• Technology Fees: $75 per semester for access to online learning platforms and software licenses. It sounds small, but when you're already stretched thin, every dollar hurts.
• Laboratory Fees: Even as a humanities student, I had to pay $100 for a language lab access fee. I still don't know why I needed it—I only used it twice.
• Health Insurance: $800 per semester for mandatory student health insurance (and it didn't cover everything). When I got a sinus infection, I still paid $200 out of pocket.

Rent wasn't the problem—it was everything else

When I found an apartment for $500 a month, I thought I hit the jackpot. But I didn't think about:

• Security Deposits: One month's rent plus a cleaning fee—$650 upfront that I never saw again.
• Utility Setup Fees: $50-$100 per utility to get electricity, water, and internet turned on. By the time I had all services running, I'd spent another $250.
• Furniture: Most apartments abroad come unfurnished, even the ones marketed as "student housing." I bought a used mattress for $100 and ate on the floor for a month.
• Transportation to Campus: I chose the cheap apartment because it was $150 less per month. But then I spent $300 on a bike and $300 on transit passes when winter hit. Not such a deal.

The Dumbest Money Mistakes I Made (Don't Repeat These)

When I realized I couldn't afford to eat

After paying rent and tuition, I had $200 left for the month. I thought, "That's enough for food, right?" Wrong. Here's what happened:

1. Groceries Cost More Than I Expected: Produce was 30% more expensive than at home, and I didn't know how to cook cheap local meals. I'd stand in the grocery store, staring at tomatoes that cost $3 each, wondering how I'd survive.
2. I Underestimated Eating Out: When you're homesick or busy, it's easy to grab a meal with friends. I spent $15 on lunch more times than I care to admit—because saying "no" to social plans felt worse than being broke.
3. Snacks and Coffee Add Up: $3 for a latte every morning became $60 a month—money I didn't plan for. I told myself it was a "small treat," but it was killing my budget.

What the financial advisor told me (that I wish I knew earlier)

Later, I sat down with a financial advisor who works specifically with international students. She looked at my budget and said, "No wonder you're struggling. Most students add 10% for 'miscellaneous,' but you need to add 30-40%. Hidden costs are why so many students drop out early or go home in debt."

I felt stupid. All that stress could have been avoided if someone had just told me to budget more for the unexpected.

If I Could Do It Again, This Is How I'd Budget

My do-over budget plan (no more surprises)

1. Start with tuition, but don't stop there: I'd add up all fees—technology, orientation, health insurance—before getting excited about "low tuition."
2. Housing costs aren't just rent: I'd look at actual apartment listings, then add 20% extra for deposits, setup fees, and unexpected repairs. Last time, I didn't budget for a broken heater that cost $180 to fix.
3. Monthly expenses need real numbers:
   • Food: $300-$500 per month depending on location (and yes, that includes the occasional latte—you don't want to be miserable)
   • Transportation: $50-$150 per month (buying a used bike saved me money, but I still needed transit for bad weather)
   • Entertainment: $100-$200 per month (you're studying abroad—you need to do fun things too!)
   • Healthcare: $50-$100 per month (even with insurance, you'll have copays and prescription costs)
   • Phone and internet: $50-$100 per month (I tried to skimp on internet once. Never again.)
4. One-time costs will sneak up on you:
   • Visa and application fees: $200-$800 (I forgot about these entirely until I had to pay them)
   • Flights: $800-$1500 round trip (book early—last-minute tickets cost me an extra $400)
   • Books and supplies: $500-$1000 per semester (I tried to share books with friends, but it didn't work for all classes)
   • Initial furniture and household items: $300-$500 (Don't underestimate how much you need just to live)
5. Always have a "oh shit" fund: I'd add 20% to my total budget for unexpected expenses. When my laptop broke, I had to charge $800 to my credit card because I had no backup money.

How Other Students Made It Work (Their Secrets)

Alex: From eating ramen to having savings

Alex from Canada studied in Germany for a year. He thought, "Free tuition? This is going to be cheap!" Then he got hit with a 1000€ apartment deposit and 80€ monthly transit pass.

But he figured it out. After his first month of stress, he got a part-time job at a local café and started meal prepping big batches of pasta and rice. By the end of the semester, he had €500 in savings.

His advice? "Get a job as soon as you can, even if it's just a few hours a week. It makes all the difference."

Mia: How tiny scholarships saved her study abroad

Mia from Brazil studied in Portugal. "I didn't have a lot of money, so I applied for every scholarship I could find—even the $500 ones that no one else wanted," she told me.

She ended up getting three small scholarships that added up to $5000—enough to cover her housing deposit and all her books. She also found a roommate through a university Facebook group, cutting her rent in half.

Her secret? "Don't ignore the small scholarships. They add up, and there's less competition."

Countries Where You Can Actually Afford to Study (Trust Me)

Places that won't drain your bank account

This table isn't official data—just what I've heard from friends who've studied in these places. Prices change, so always check with current students before deciding.

Remember, these are just averages. I know someone who spent $10,000 a year in Mexico City because they lived in a luxury apartment and ate at fancy restaurants. Your costs depend on your choices.

How I Saved Money When I Was Broke (And Still Had Fun)

My favorite money-saving hacks that actually worked

• Cooking changed my life: I used to spend $400 a month on food—mostly takeout. When I learned to cook simple pasta dishes and rice bowls, I cut that down to $150. And I actually enjoyed the food more.
• Student ID = golden ticket: I once got 50% off a concert ticket just by showing my student ID. Always ask for student discounts—even at places that don't advertise them.
• Used textbooks are your friend: I bought a $120 textbook for $15 from a graduating student. Check Facebook groups and university bulletin boards—people are always selling their old books.
• Local bank account ASAP: I lost $200 in international transaction fees before I opened a local bank account. Do this as soon as you arrive.
• Get a job before you need one: I waited until I was desperate to get a job, and by then I was already in debt. Start looking for work as soon as you settle in.

You don't have to be miserable to save money. I still went out with friends every weekend—I just chose cheaper activities like picnics in the park instead of expensive clubs.

Questions I Wish I'd Asked Before Going Broke

Stuff every student should know

1. How can I estimate living costs before I go?

The best way is to talk to current students. Join Facebook groups for international students at your chosen university and ask for real numbers. Websites like Numbeo can also give you a general idea, but they often underestimate costs for students.

2. Is it better to live on or off campus?

It depends on the country. In some places, on-campus housing is subsidized and includes utilities, making it cheaper. In others, off-campus housing is more affordable but comes with hidden costs like utility setup fees.

3. Can I work while studying abroad?

Most countries allow international students to work 10-20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during breaks. However, don't count on a job to fund your entire trip—many students struggle to find work, especially if they don't speak the local language.

4. What's the biggest hidden cost most students overlook?

Healthcare. Many students assume their insurance will cover everything, but I've met students who faced $1,000 bills for minor illnesses because their insurance had high deductibles or didn't cover certain treatments.

5. How much money should I bring with me when I first arrive?

Plan to have at least $1,000-$2,000 in cash or easily accessible funds for your first month. This will cover initial expenses like housing deposits, furniture, and groceries before you can set up a bank account or start working.

6. Are there scholarships specifically for students on a budget?

Yes! Many universities offer need-based scholarships for international students. Additionally, organizations like the Institute of International Education (IIE) and Rotary International offer scholarships specifically for study abroad.

7. What should I do if I run out of money while studying abroad?

First, talk to your university's international student office—they may have emergency funds or can help you find part-time work. You can also look into short-term loans from your home country or ask family for help. As a last resort, you may need to consider transferring to a more affordable program.

8. How can I make sure I'm not overpaying for housing?

Research average rental prices in the area and always view the apartment in person before signing a lease. Be wary of landlords who ask for large deposits upfront or refuse to put the terms of the lease in writing.

9. Is it cheaper to study in a big city or a small town?

Small towns generally have lower living costs, but they may also have fewer part-time job opportunities and less access to affordable transportation. Big cities offer more job opportunities and cultural experiences, but housing is usually more expensive.

10. What's the best way to transfer money internationally without losing money on fees?

Use services like TransferWise (now Wise) or Revolut, which offer low fees and competitive exchange rates. Avoid transferring money through your bank, as they often charge high fees and offer poor exchange rates.

If I Could Give You One Piece of Advice...

Don't let money hold you back from studying abroad. I almost quit because I was so stressed about finances, but I'm so glad I stuck it out.

But here's the thing: If you only do one thing before you go, make it this—talk to current students at your chosen university. They'll tell you about the hidden costs no one else mentions.

When I first started planning, I only looked at tuition. I had no idea about apartment deposits, technology fees, or how much groceries would cost. If I had just asked someone who was already there, I could have avoided months of stress.

You don't need to be rich to study abroad. You just need to be smart about it. Plan ahead, budget for the unexpected, and don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

And remember—your study abroad experience is about more than just money. It's about growing as a person, making lifelong friends, and seeing the world from a different perspective. That's worth every penny.

Now go make your dream happen. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, just remember—you're not alone. I've been there, and I made it through. So can you.

Emma Johnson

Emma Johnson is an international education consultant with 5+ years of experience helping students navigate the study abroad process. She has personally studied in three countries and has advised hundreds of students on budget-friendly study abroad options.

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    Reply

  Michelle Durant

  Jun 23, 2025, 11:45 am

  is guide on choosing study abroad destinations was incredibly detailed! I especially appreciated the breakdown of tuition, living costs, and student support services—it made comparing countries much easier.

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    Reply

  Ronda Otoole

  Jun 23, 2025, 11:45 am

  As a first-time international student, I often feel overwhelmed by visa procedures. This article clarified the steps and common pitfalls, which really helped me feel more confident about my application.

  

    Reply

  James Whitley

  Jun 23, 2025, 11:45 am

  I love how this post goes beyond just rankings and focuses on real student experiences. Reading about cultural adaptation and campus life gave me a much clearer idea of what to expect.

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    Reply

  Kimberly Chretien

  Jun 23, 2025, 11:45 am

  The scholarship tips and cost-saving strategies shared here are so practical. I didn’t realize how much difference applying early or researching local funding options could make!

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    Reply

  Michelle Durant

  Jun 23, 2025, 11:45 am

  This article helped me understand how to balance academic quality with living costs. I feel more prepared to choose a destination that fits both my educational goals and budget.