Finances
How much does studying actually cost?
Studying involves more costs than just tuition fees. Think of accommodation, groceries, textbooks and social activities.
On average, students spend around €800 to €1,000 a month on living expenses, depending on their living arrangements and lifestyle.
Exactly what you spend your money on varies from student to student, but the cost items below are the most common.
Common costs for students
Typical monthly expenses include, for example:
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Rent or room
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Groceries
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Health insurance
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Textbooks and study materials
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Phone and subscriptions
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Transport
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Sports or student societies
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Leisure
Research shows that students spend an average of around €244 per month on groceries, for example, and also incur costs for insurance, transport and leisure.
It is therefore wise to draw up a rough budget in advance.
What does studying cost?
To give you a better idea of what to expect, we have compiled an overview of the most common costs for students. This will help you estimate in advance what expenses are involved in studying.
Useful tips for managing your student budget
A few practical tips:
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Set a monthly budget before you move into student accommodation
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Take into account one-off costs such as a laptop or furniture
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Check whether you’re eligible for benefits
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Make the most of student discounts
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Buy second-hand textbooks
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Shop at Lidl or Aldi for affordable groceries
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Look out for weekly offers such as ‘Buy one, get one free’.
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Visit the local market at the Vismarkt on Tuesdays and Fridays for fresh, affordable produce
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Buy second-hand furniture from shops such as Mamamini
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Invest in a decent bike lock – repairs and replacements are expensive!
Working alongside your studies
Many students have a part-time job alongside their studies. This can help cover some of your costs whilst gaining work experience.
Popular part-time jobs among students include:
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Hospitality
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Retail
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Customer service
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Student assistant at the university
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Tutoring