Get a part-time or casual job
Getting a job is a great way to make some extra money, learn new skills and make new friends. Student visa holders are permitted to work up to 48 hours per fortnight during the semester and unlimited hours over holidays.
What's more, landing a job while studying is easy with StudyAdelaide's award-winning Job Shop.
Calculate your income
To find your income, add together all the money you’ll receive each month. This could include earnings from work, an allowance from home or even scholarship funds.
When it comes to estimating wages, most student jobs pay between $20 and $30 per hour, but this can vary depending on role, industry and time of work - for example, you'll usually get paid more on public holidays.
Calculate your expenses
Now it’s time to figure out your expenses. It can be helpful to break these into two categories: fixed and variable costs.
Fixed costs like university tuition fees, Adelaide student accommodation, bills and health insurance, stay the same. Variable expenses like grocery costs, Adelaide Metro fares, and entertainment can change weekly.
Thankfully, the cost of living in Adelaide is cheaper than in many other parts of Australia, so you'll have more money and time to enjoy all that Adelaide has to offer.
Create a monthly budget
Making your budget is easy. You can write it down on a piece of paper, create a spreadsheet or use an app or online tool like the Moneysmart Budget Planner.
At the very least, you should ensure you’re spending less than you earn. However, a budget can also be a great way to see where you might be overspending and how you could save.
Track your spending
Now that you’ve created your budget, it’s time to follow it! Make a note of your expenses to make sure you’re staying on track. Remember, you can always adjust your budget as you go.
Look for ways to save money
If you want your budget to go further, there are some simple steps you can take.
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Cook at home - Cooking for yourself is cheaper and healthier than eating out. Consider meal prepping over the weekend to save yourself time throughout the week.
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Plan your groceries - Impulse purchases can add up quickly. Plan your meals and make a shopping list to help you buy only the essentials.
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Save on accommodation - When it comes to student accommodation in Adelaide, share housing is an affordable choice, and it’s also a great way to make new friends. You should also consider the different suburbs in Adelaide - there are a number of great, student-friendly options.
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Choose public transport - You can access free transport on CBD trams and on the city connector bus, and full-time students receive discounted Adelaide Metro fares, making it easy to get around for less. Or, pick up a bike from Adelaide Community Bike Workshop and take advantage of the city’s great bike paths.
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Reduce your use - Simple habits, like turning off unused lights, reducing your heating and air conditioning use and using less water can help you save money on your utility bills.
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Buy second-hand - Opportunity (‘op’) shops, Facebook Marketplace (make sure you stay safe when shopping online) and garage sales are all excellent places to find bargains on clothes, furniture, kitchenware, decor and much more.
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Access student discounts - Keep your student card with you at all times! Being able to prove you are a student can get you discounts on everything from food to clothes, movie tickets, events and more, so you’ll be able to get out and about no matter what’s on in Adelaide. Many universities in Adelaide also offer free or discounted software, such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite.
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Find free and discounts fun - You’ll find lots of things to do in Adelaide through StudyAdelaide and your university.
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Utilise free community resources - In Adelaide, there’s free city Wi-Fi, and you can access computers and borrow books, video games and more at your local library.
Prepare for unexpected costs
While unexpected events are rare, they do happen, and they can be costly. That’s why it’s a good idea to have at least a month’s expenses set aside for emergencies.
For example, you could find you need to move house unexpectedly or have to fix your car. Having an emergency fund can help you cover surprise expenses and get back to normal quickly.
Save for future goals
Saving is a wonderful habit, so try to put some money aside each month. You don’t necessarily have to think long term: you might want to save for a visit home, a cool new smartphone or just enjoy the many fun things to do in Adelaide!
Learn more!
Keep exploring the StudyAdelaide website to learn more about accommodation, work rights and the cost of living in Adelaide as an international student.
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