Money Anxiety and Stress Hat3

Many international students feel ashamed about even small purchases because they keep track of all their spending in their home currency.

What do we need to do in such case ?
Set a monthly budget in your local currency so you don't have to do the math every time you spend money.
Instead of mentally converting, use apps like Mint, YNAB, or Notion to keep track of your spending.
To avoid getting burned out from being too strict, let yourself have a small amount of snacks or social activities without feeling bad about it.

The Anxiety about "Not Predicting" about How Much Money You'll Make
Not knowing if assistantships, internships, or part-time work will cover living costs can be very stressful.
What to do about it:
To figure out what you really need, make a list of your fixed costs, like rent, utilities, food, and insurance.
Plan ahead by thinking about how hiring trends change with the seasons and how visa work hour limits affect company you aspire at.
Apply for a few different ways to make money, like research assistantships, tutoring, campus jobs, or freelance work that your visa allows.
Even if it's only $20 to $50 a month, set up a small emergency fund.

Dealing with costs that come up out of the blue
Unexpected travel, car repairs, and medical bills can throw off even the most carefully planned budgets.
How to get ready:
Always have your insurance information and emergency contacts close by.
Know what your health insurance covers, what isn't in your network, and what is free.
If your family can help, use savings accounts or affordable international transfer services to get money quickly.
Keep your "emergency kit" fund separate from your regular savings to avoid borrowing money in a hurry.

Helpful advice for everyday life
Buy things you need in bulk so you don't have to buy them as often.
Share the costs of groceries, utilities, and streaming services with your roommates.
Use the discounts that students get on food, entertainment, and transportation.
Learn how to do simple repairs yourself, like fixing your bike or making small changes to your tech, to save money on service.

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Academic Pressure & Self-Doubt Hat 4

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Loneliness and Homesickness Hat 1