Join our Student Ambassador Lucy Kiiza, to learn how international students can stay financially organized and manage their budget effectively.
With creativity and strategic planning, I came to a realization that I can thrive without breaking the bank and only needed to adopt a few hacks in my day -to-day routine. Shopping from budget-friendly shops is a life saver for me in Ireland. As a student on a budget, it is important to utilize grocery shops with good discounts and prices .As a student in Ireland, exploring affordable grocery stores like Aldi and Lidl will provide all your supplies at a lower price. This will save you a couple of euros.
Meal Planning is another core survival hack that has helped me. However much most students hate to cook and prepare meals ,it is one of the easiest way to eat all you want on a budget as long as you can prepare it. The cost of one meal can buy you groceries that might feed you for a week ,that’s amazing right ! As a student, you should embrace meal planning and cooking in batches to save time and money.
Making public transportation your friend is key in Ireland. Navigating the city on a budget is possible. As a student opt for public transportation or, better yet, invest in a reliable bike if you can. Every student in Ireland, it is important to have a leap card that saves you a lot because of the student discount prices .This will allow you to visit a number of places on a few cents. Finding budget friendly accommodations in Ireland can save a lot .I understand it might be hard to easily find accommodation in Ireland but early planning and search makes it less hectic.
Living on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on comfort or safety but rather means exploring affordable accommodation options such as shared apartments, student housing, or even house-sharing with fellow students. This is not just a cost-saving measure but also an opportunity to build a support network of friends and colleagues. It will help a lot with your social life in school.
Looking out for part-time roles is good for financial boost. While juggling academics, consider part-time work to supplement your income. I know some school schedules maybe be tough to tackle both work and school but exploring closer roles like on campus jobs or looking for roles that align with your skill set will enable you have balance in school and job .
Balancing work and studies can be challenging, but it’s a valuable learning experience that contributes to your personal and financial growth. Entertainment doesn’t have to drain your wallet; seek out student discounts for movies, concerts, and local events. Always opt for free or low-cost activities at school .
Most schools run a number of free on campus hosted events throughout the school year like party themed events, as a student, always look out for these social events as they not only offer you entertainment but also allow you to network with different people from all over the world, building great friendships.
Participation in school events is a very important hack for students. Many schools in Ireland offer a number of events that require participation. As a student attending different activities should be a priority as it allows you to get free food, meal vouchers, win prizes but also acquire additional skills and knowledge.
Mastering and adopting these habits in your daily life will not only give you an easy stay but also allow you to enjoy each day lived in Ireland.
Lucy Kiiza is studying Masters in Journalism at University of Limerick via Education in Ireland.