How to Manage Living Expenses in Philadelphia as an International Stud

Philadelphia, often referred to as the “City of Brotherly Love,” is the birthplace of American democracy and home to numerous historical landmarks. Also known as Philly, it is a city located in the US state of Pennsylvania. This magnificent city has gained popularity in various aspects one of which is higher education. As a matter of fact, students from around the world visit Philadelphia for their higher studies. There are numerous universities in Philadelphia including the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, Temple University, Saint Joseph’s University, La Salle University, Thomas Jefferson University, and Lincoln University. 

When international students get enrolled in Philadelphia, one of the things they need to plan is managing their living expenses. Here, you will find some tips on how to manage living expenses in Philadelphia as an international student. 

Know the Total Amount You Can Spend in a Month 

The first thing you have to do is to know the total amount that you can spend in a month. It will help you make a budget for your monthly expenses. If you take money from your parents, then you need to understand how much money your parents can provide you. 

If, after starting living in Philadelphia, you decide to do a part-time job, you can modify it. 

Make a Budget 

After that, make a budget about how much you can spend on different things. You can start from your tuition fees and rent of student housing Philadelphia, and then make the budget for the other expenses, such as transport, eating out, groceries, city exploration, and more. 

You can increase the budget if you start doing a part-time job in Philadelphia. 

Book Accommodation Online in Advance from Your Native Place 

First of all, you can easily find accommodation under your budget through online sources since you find a lot of options there. Besides, if you start looking for student apartments Philadelphia a few months in advance, you can get accommodation at cheaper rates since the price increases as the time of university sessions comes closer. 

Furthermore, you pay some of the rent of accommodation in advance, so you may avoid these charges after reaching Philadelphia. You can also pay the full amount in advance. In that case, you will have no need to add accommodation to your monthly budget. 

Find Accommodation Inclusive of Utility Bills 

You can find many accommodations inclusive of utility bills including water, electricity, gas, and internet. In that case, you will have no need to spend on them separately, which can help you in managing your expenses. 

Learn to Cook and Try to Make Food in Your Kitchen 

By cooking food in your kitchen in your student residence in Philadelphia, you can save a lot of money. If you spend on eating out regularly, you will have to spend a lot of bucks. However, there is no harm in visiting restaurants occasionally and it can be a source of great fun. Therefore, it is advised to students to learn cooking and try to make food in their kitchens. 

Look for Cheap Restaurants in Philadelphia 

If you have to go to restaurants frequently, then you should look for cheap restaurants in Philadelphia. It can help you save your expenses in this city. 

Try to Find Student Discounts 

Most of the cities in the world offer some discounts to students on different goods and services. You should try to find those discounts in order to save your money and manage your expenses. 

Get Financial Aid from Universities If Required 

Universities offer financial aids to students who need them. So, if you require financial aid, you can try to get it from the university. For this, you have to visit the website of your university. 

Look for a Part-Time Job 

Doing a part-time job can be a great way to manage your expenses. You can find numerous student jobs in Philadelphia. These jobs can help you manage your expenses plus can provide you a great experience. 

Explore Public Transportation Options 

Instead of depending on your personal vehicle, explore public transportation options. These options can provide you the cheap travel. You can also get some passes and other discounts on public transportation options. 

Share Your Accommodation If Possible 

If your accommodation owner allows you to share your accommodation, then it can be a great way for you to save and manage your expenses. You can share your accommodation with one or more people, and in that case, the rent is split among all the occupants. So, you are required to pay only a part of the rent in that case. 

Summing Up 

Managing living expenses in Philadelphia as an international student involves knowing your budget, seeking affordable accommodations, cooking at home, utilizing discounts, exploring job opportunities, and considering shared accommodation and public transportation options for cost-effective living.