Tips for study abroad students

Weekly Budget Plan

Making a budget plan helps you in handling money well.  Expenses to be included are rent, meals, books, supplies, entertainment, excursions, and emergency fund.  While you are studying in Italy, there are some good ways that will help you keep your costs down.  For example, walk when you can, shop and cook your meals rather than eating out often, share an apartment and your room with other students, plan ahead for your trips and save on train tickets (Eurostar tickets are cheaper when you buy in advance).  Remember to record your expenses and review it weekly to make sure you are following your budget plan. 

 Photo by Gap Travel Europe

International Student ID card

This student card saves you a lot of money while travelling abroad.  You can get discounts on train, plane, ferry tickets and hotels.  You can also use it when you exchange foreign currency.  You can purchase this card via www.isic.org/   

Bus Passes

Transportation in Italy is quite good.  Trains are on time and buses are mostly on time.  Get a monthly bus pass or a metro pass saves money.  Taxi costs are expensive and so it is worth getting monthly passes for transportation.  Walking is common in the city’s center and so walking short distances is another option. 

Safety of your passport and visa

Your visa documents and passport are very important while you’re abroad.  So, keep these safely and carry a copy of these with you at all times.  Copy of passport, your university ID and/or international student ID card are good to keep with you.

Photo by APIstudyabroad