Understand the cost of living in USA
Studying abroad is known to provide many benefits. To gain those experiences, many students around the world choose to continue their studies abroad. For some students, this choice is enough to reap a lot of consideration.
Other than the quality of the university, you also need to consider and prepare yourself with the expenses. However, the cost of living in USA for students is also something you need to consider.
How can we make it cheaper? Let’s look at the following important points!
Apply for Scholarship
The United States of America is one of the countries with the best education system in the world. Tuition fees in this country can be said to be above standard. However, not all universities charge the same study fees for every program they offer. The cost of study per year in the United States can range from USD 2,200 to USD 60,000. Of course, these fees are also subject to change at any time and depending on the policy of the relevant university!
To reduce your tuition costs, you should try to apply for a scholarship! Scholarships are very helpful when it comes to reducing your cost of living in USA. The scholarships offered by the campus also vary. There are FULL scholarships of which some are only given in the first year. Scholarships are given based on an increase in value or study performance.
In addition, studies in America are not only at universities. Choose other programs, such as; Community College with only 2 years of study or ESL (English as a Second Language). Both programs usually offer significantly lower tuition fees when compared to universities.
Living in Campus Accommodation
Accommodation also plays a very important role when it comes to estimating your cost of living in USA. If you would like to plan ahead you will need to know your accommodation expenses.
As a housing requirement, students usually choose to live in campus accommodation, especially for the first year of study. For accommodation provided by the university, reservations must be made as soon as possible about two (2) or three (3) months in advance. FYI, the majority of campus accommodations charge rent that is much cheaper than other residences.
Campus accommodation usually has complete facilities. Starting from the internet, security, laundry, kitchen, sports facilities, and many others. Some of them carry the concept of rooms for 2 (two) or more people, and some are for 1 (one) student only. When you share a room, you will have the opportunity to communicate and hang out with new friends from different cultural backgrounds.
Calculate Daily Cost
The cost of living in USA for students—especially international students, must be really taken into account. For food, try to cook more often and shop for necessities at the market or cheap supermarkets.
Eat at a cafe or restaurant once in a while, that’s okay! However, for daily meals at low prices, cooking yourself is the answer. Groceries such as chicken breast fillets will be priced at US$9.49 for 680 grams, a kilo of eggs for US$4, and 2.3L milk for US$2.
In addition, to travel to places, try walking or choosing public transportation. America has a public transportation system that is very flexible to go anywhere. You can go to various places at a much cheaper price too. By taking public transportation frequently you will save up a lot. In big cities, travelling by subway can be very cost-effective. For local buses, you can just spend US$2.50.
So, to the question of whether the cost of living in USA for college students can be more affordable, the answer is yes! It all depends on how you manage your finances. If you really manage your expenses and also try to earn income (such as working part-time or freelance—yes, this is a good experience for you!). It is guaranteed that you will not spend a lot of money while studying abroad
For information about studying abroad, you can find factual information here. SUN ASA Overseas Education has partnerships with various world’s top institutions abroad, such as America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Europe, and Asia. If you need further information, you can contact the nearest SUN ASA Education office. CALL US NOW!