England is one of the most favorite countries for international students. Several cities in England are offering world-class education to domestic and international students. One of the cities whose name we can take is Norwich. Norwich is the home to the University of East Anglia, which ranks #332 among 1503 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2025. Besides, Norwich University of Arts is also located in this city. These universities host both domestic and international students.
When international students come to Norwich, one of their major concerns remains saving money. International students have to manage expenses on their own so they need a plan to save money. Here, we will provide some secrets to saving money while studying abroad in Norwich.
Find Budget-Friendly Accommodation
This is the first thing you have to do while sitting in your native place. Today, you can search for accommodation from anywhere in the world via online sources. The accommodation is the thing for which you need to pay rent every month or every week. However, you can also pay a lump sum amount.
To save your money, you need to find a budget-friendly accommodation. You can visit online platforms, which provide lists of accommodations in different cities along with their details. You can find visit the page of Norwich and find student accommodation Norwich according to your budget.
Make a Budget
Making a budget is necessary for saving money. Decide the necessary and unnecessary expenses. Also, decide how much you can spend on different things in a month. It will help a lot in saving your money in Norwich.
You can make the budget in two phases. First, you can make a rough budget when you are in your home country. It will help you avoid any type of problem about budgeting that you may face in Norwich. You can also take the help of your parents at that time who have more experience than you in managing the household. In the second phase, you can update your budget and make necessary changes in Norwich after seeing the current situation.
Know About the Cost of Living
Knowing about the cost of living helps you in budgeting and saving your money. So, know about the costs of different things in Norwich. Here are some of the major costs in Norwich.
1. Groceries
- Basic groceries like bread, milk, fruits, and vegetables will typically cost around £100 – £250 per month. You can decide the cost of living according to your eating habits.
2. Transportation
- Local bus pass: Approximately £60 – £75 per month.
- Single bus fare: Around £2.50.
3. Food and Dining
- Meal at an inexpensive restaurant: £12 – £18 per person.
- Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: £50 – £70.
- Coffee at a café: £2.50 – £3.50.
4. Entertainment and Leisure
- Cinema ticket: £10 – £12.
- Gym membership: £25 – £40 per month.
- Pub beer: £3.50 – £5.
- Monthly membership at local clubs: Typically £20 – £50. It very much depends on the type of club (e.g., sports, arts).
5. Internet and Communication
- Broadband internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data): £25 – £40 per month.
- Mobile phone plan (SIM only, 5-10 GB data): £10 – £20 per month.
These are the tentative costs. They may be different when you will reach Norwich, so you should check them from authentic websites and offline sources in Norwich.
Do a Part-Time Job
You can also do a part-time job to manage your expenses properly. You can do the jobs with which you can manage your studies also. If there are vacancies in your university or college, you can apply there. Universities and colleges often offer jobs like lab assistant, library assistant, or research assistant. Besides, you can find flexible jobs in other sectors also such as retail and hospitality.
Try to Cook Food in Your Kitchen as Far as Possible
There is no harm in going to restaurants occasionally for a change. But, if you visit there on a daily basis, it may put extra financial pressure on you. Besides, eating out regularly is not healthy. If you cook food in your kitchen, you can save a lot of your money. Furthermore, it is also healthy so you may not have to spend so much on medical aid.
1. Plan Your Meals
- Make a weekly meal plan to avoid impulse buying and food waste.
- Choose simple recipes with affordable ingredients like rice, pasta, beans, and vegetables.
2. Shop Smart
- Buy in bulk for items like rice, pasta, and lentils. It’s cheaper and lasts longer.
- Check for local markets or discounts in supermarkets for fresh produce.
- Look for student discounts at local grocery stores.
3. Cook in Batches
- Prepare meals in large quantities and store them in the freezer for quick meals later.
- Soups, stews, and casseroles are perfect for batch cooking and can be stored for days.
4. Use Simple and Versatile Ingredients
- Get creative with basic ingredients. Eggs, potatoes, pasta, and vegetables can be combined in different ways to create multiple meals.
- Herbs and spices are key to enhancing flavor without spending too much on fancy ingredients.
5. Learn Quick and Easy Recipes
- Start with simple dishes like stir-fries, omelettes, pasta dishes, and salads.
- Use online resources, apps, or videos for student-friendly, budget-conscious recipes.
Buy Health Insurance and Travel Insurance
To manage some of your expenses abroad, it is advised to you to buy health insurance and travel insurance. The climate of Norwich will be different from the climate of your home country if you are coming from a distant land. So, you may need to visit medical practitioners more often than local students in Norwich for checkups.
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