For international students, managing expenses wisely is never easy. Most students spend the largest portion of their budget on daily meals. Here’s a surprisingly effective way for students to save money—by shopping at supermarkets and cooking at home instead of eating out.
1. BUY FRESH INGREDIENTS AND COOK REGULARLY
• If you buy fresh ingredients:
Rice costs around $1.4/kg, chicken thighs $4.5/kg, and cheaper fish varieties about $14/kg. With smart spending, a meal can cost as little as $5.
• On the other hand, a meal at McDonald’s with a drink and burger may cost $10–$12. At more upscale restaurants, it can go up to $20 per person.
So, even when you factor in oil and spices, you’re already cutting your meal expenses by half.
2. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SUPERMARKET PERKS
If you regularly shop at the same supermarkets, there are two things to keep in mind—discounted items and membership cards.
• During promotion periods, some products can be discounted by up to 50%. The fresh produce section may even have labels showing “70% off ticket price,” helping you save a significant amount.
• If you often buy in bulk, signing up for a membership can help you collect points and reduce your total bill. While each discount might seem small, after a few months, the total amount saved might surprise you.
