How to still enjoy all the fun of being a student with a modest budget is not an easy problem. Below is a list of tips that Hotcourses has accumulated from the experiences of American international students before.
Bank card
As an international student, you will have two options for using a bank in the US: a local bank, or an American bank. Most students choose option two to ensure withdrawal costs as well as time when using banking services, but there are also students who choose to use an international bank like HSBC and then transfer the money to an account in the US. .
If you still decide to use a domestic bank card, you should go directly to the bank staff to ask them questions when you have questions about the cost of withdrawal, payment by card as well as the length of time for each transaction. transaction.
Try to create a bank account as soon as possible, preferably when you first arrive in the US. To choose the right bank, you should find out information about withdrawal costs as well as make a comparison list of incentive packages of banks. “Do you need a savings account?”, “Is e-banking really necessary?” or “Should I choose the bank the school has recommended, or should I look for another bank?” These are questions that need to be asked before making a decision.
Keep contact
Today, keeping in touch with family and friends is no longer a hindrance for those studying away from home thanks to the advancement of technology. If you have a smart phone (smart phone), download programs like Whatsapp, Viber… to make free calls.
In addition, you also need to pay attention to the Internet installation to make it more convenient for studying, entertaining and keeping in touch. Social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr will also help you diversify your communication.
Overtime and taxes
International students in the US are only allowed to work up to 20 hours/week and these jobs must be employed by the school or campus, such as working with recreational, cultural and life care services. chemistry, student learning. During vacations, you are usually allowed to work more than usual.
Most students applying for an F1 or J1 visa are required to register a social security number for the government to track their personal income.
One of the things you can get when you get a part-time job is employee benefits (books, clothes, food, etc.) So start looking for jobs in the campus bookstore. or fast food restaurants. Even if you work as a waiter, you will also receive a tip (tax free) and eat for free.
Daily savings
There are many small things that bring you unexpected savings. One of those things is buying an ISE card, especially for those who intend to explore America. This discount card will allow you to take advantage of extensive discounts, in most stores, services, travel around the United States.
If you share a house with many people, you can also consider buying wholesale to get discounts on food and household items. Supermarkets often have a lot of “buy 1 get 1 free” promotions, so keep an eye out for this discount, especially when you live with many people. Similarly, food products are often discounted as they near their expiry date, so buy these as you can still use them at the end of the day.
Finally, one of the more popular ways to save money in the US is to use coupons. This is a coupon that allows you to redeem discounts and promotions when buying. The sites that are “strong” in terms of coupon offers are Retail Me Not, Current Codes and Coupon Cabin.
