What are your top money saving tips for international students?

From my experience of studying in Japan for more than 3 years, I've learned that managing my money is not just about saving a few pennies, it's been about me creating habits that I hope to benefit from in the future.

One of the hacks I found is taking full advantage of student discounts. I have been using Amazon prime student membership for more than 2 years now, which cost only 3000yen a year. This gives me free deliveries, access to prime videos, prime music, and other features. Because of this discount, I don't need to pay for any other streaming or delivery subscriptions. Everything is all covered under one plan.

Another rule that keeps me financially grounded is the 10% rule: I save at least 10% of any income, no matter how small the amount. To make my savings more effective, I also keep a separate savings account, which helps me track my progress and resists me from the temptation to spend.

When it comes to shopping, I only buy what I truly need. This simple mindset shift has stopped me from making unnecessary purchases.

For groceries in Japan, I highly recommend Aeon Big and Loppia. Their prices are student friendly, and they often have great deals on essentials.

Finally, one of the biggest money savers for me has been cooking my own meals. I prepare my food 95% of the time, making a noticeable difference in my budget as compared to when I used to eat out most of the time. It's healthier, cheaper, and gives me full control of what I consume.

One thing to note is that saving money as a student should not result in depriving yourself of things, it should be about you being intentional about your choices. In so doing, every penny you save will ultimately bring you one step closer to financial freedom and peace of mind.

Honestly, being an international student teaches you how to be creative with money 😅.

My biggest tip is to make a weekly budget and actually stick to it 📅💸. I write down everything I spend — even coffee or snacks — because small things add up fast!

I’ve also learned that cooking at home saves a lot 🍳🥦. I usually cook with my housemates and share groceries, which makes meals cheaper and more fun. Shopping at affordable places like Aldi or local markets helps too 🛒✨.

Another thing that really helps is using student discounts wherever possible 🎟️📚 — for transport, events, or even clothes. It’s surprising how much you can save when you keep an eye out for student deals!

And finally, I try to save a small amount each week, even just $20 💵. I keep it in a separate account so I don’t touch it unless it’s really needed. It gives me peace of mind and feels great seeing it grow over time 🌱💚.

As a student please keep these things in mind

💰 Budgeting: Track your weekly spending using an app or spreadsheet and divide expenses into categories like rent, groceries, and transport to avoid overspending.

🏠 Accommodation: Choose shared housing or suburbs slightly outside the city to save hundreds each month.

🛒 Food: Cook at home, buy in bulk from ALDI or local stores, and meal-prep to avoid expensive takeout.

🚍 Transport: Get a student concession card, walk or bike if possible, and use shared rides or travel passes for big savings.

📱 Mobile & Internet: Use prepaid SIMs and shared Wi-Fi plans—always compare deals before signing up.

🎓 Student Discounts: Sign up for UNiDAYS or Student Beans and always ask for student offers everywhere you go.

🏦 Banking: Open fee-free student accounts and use Wise or Remitly for cheaper money transfers.

💼 Work & Income: Get part-time or freelance work to earn while studying—remember, every saved dollar adds flexibility.

♻️ Reuse & Recycle: Buy second-hand items on Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree and borrow books from libraries.

🌿 Lifestyle: Attend free campus or community events, enjoy low-cost outdoor activities, and learn to say no when things exceed your budget.

Final Thought

Saving money as a student isn’t about living miserably — it’s about living smart. The small things — sharing meals, buying second-hand, asking for discounts — add up. The goal is to make your student life comfortable, stress-free, and full of experiences without overspending.