Daily Life & Survival Skills Hat
Daily Life & Survival Skills: Adjusting to Everyday Living Abroad
Beyond academics and jobs, the little things—like cooking, transport, or healthcare—shape your day-to-day life abroad. Here’s what to expect and how students often navigate it.
Public Transport Tips & Student Discounts
Public transit is often the cheapest way to get around. In my first month, I bought single tickets every day until a friend told me about the student metro pass—it saved me nearly $50 a month.
Check for student discounts on buses, trains, or metro passes—many cities offer semester passes at a fraction of regular cost. Apps like Google Maps or local transit apps help with real-time routes.
Tracking Expenses as a Student
Money disappears faster than you expect when adjusting to a new currency and lifestyle. One classmate of mine used to wonder where her money went, until she started tracking every coffee and snack in an app—it revealed food expenses were half her budget.
Use tools like Mint, Notion, or even a simple Excel sheet to separate needs vs. wants. Many students follow the 50-30-20 rule (50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings/debt).
Cooking Simple, Affordable Meals
Eating out can get expensive fast. I once spent $60 in a week just on takeout pizza before realizing I could cook three different meals with the same ingredients for half the price.
Start with basics: rice, pasta, eggs, frozen veggies, and beans—they’re cheap, filling, and versatile. Cooking with roommates or joining cultural food clubs makes it fun and less intimidating.
Healthcare System Basics
The U.S. healthcare system is complex, but most universities require student insurance plans. These usually cover regular check-ups and emergencies.
For minor issues, use urgent care centers (cheaper than ER).
Always know the nearest hospital and your insurance’s emergency number.
I had a friend who went to the ER for a minor flu—it cost him hundreds of dollars. After that, we all learned to visit urgent care unless it was a true emergency.
Safety Tips for Living in a New Country
Small precautions make a big difference:
Learn which neighborhoods are safe at night.
Share your live location when traveling late.
Keep emergency contacts saved in your phone.
When I first moved, I avoided night buses. Later, I realized traveling in groups or sitting near the driver made me feel more secure.
Mastering these everyday survival skills doesn’t just save money and stress—it helps you feel confident, independent, and truly at home in a new country.
