Germany is beautiful, with rich culture, widespread history, famous tourist destinations, and a highly tech-savvy country. Located in Central and Western Europe, this country might seem very costly, but the cost of living here is quite reasonable.
If you apply brighter spending patterns and utilize the public and student facilities best, you will have no difficulty managing your finances. The lifestyle in Germany may differ from where you live - since big cities are costly compared to small cities or towns.
Regarding tuition fees in Germany, most universities offer higher education at no cost or incur low-budget tuition fees. The only educational expense an international student would incur is the yearly administrative fees, which help stabilize your budget and reduce your financial costs to a certain extent.
To add the cherry on top, international students generally manage to cover their living expenses in Germany with the money they earn through a part-time job during their study period.
Accommodation
As finding a suitable place to live is the foremost concern of a student, let’s focus on German accommodation facilities in detail.
Finding a place to rent might be a little expensive compared to other expenses. However, if you choose wisely, you might save yourself from excess spending. For instance, renting a single-bedroom flat in a metropolitan area is much more expensive (around €1200 - 3000 per month), whereas it costs around €500 per month (in the outermost parts of Germany).
Living in student hostels and dorms and sharing a flat are other alternatives to help decrease one’s living expenses. Along with rent, utility and rubbish disposal, bills are also some miscellaneous expenses you have to consider potentially. On average, the electricity bill in Germany is comparatively higher than other utilities. Hence it may cost you more than 200 euros a month.
It might take some time to find a suitable place to live that meets all your requirements and fits your budget, but it will surely help you reduce expenses in accommodation.
Food
As a student, instead of eating out frequently, cooking on your own helps decrease food expenses. An average breakfast meal, including milk, bread, and meat, is rather budget-friendly than a meal at an average restaurant which may cost around €23.
Learning to cook essential food items will save you tons of euros on a long-term basis and also in controlling your food expenses which, in return, helps you save up for a good meal in an average restaurant. Universities also provide good food services at low cost in their cafeteria, where a card system is used for students.
An average meal costs around 5 euros, and the same card can be re-charged regularly.
Travel expenses
Going back and forth from your flat to university, travelling to places, meeting your friends and buying groceries can be challenging. Therefore, choosing the best commute option can save you from spending more. As a student, public transportation in Germany is the cheapest and most reliable option. On average, a one-way ticket costs you €2 on local public transport.
Health insurance
Health insurance in Germany is compulsory from the day of your arrival, and you can opt for a health insurance plan. You can choose from two provided insurance plans (private and public), and according to the premium, you can pay and look after your health needs.
As for public health insurance, you must pay a monthly premium of around €80; for private health insurance, you can set a fixed monthly premium fee with the insurance company in advance.
Miscellaneous
This includes all the extra expenses you incur after all your essential expenses are met. If you want to roam around Germany for shopping, it might bring changes within your budget for other expenses because the clothing brands are high quality and pricey.
You’ll experience various festivals and carnivals here since these will be a good escape for students from their hectic study life. To participate in such festivals and travel within the country, keep some money aside from your budget.
Overall, Germany is not expensive if you spend money wisely, not even for a student to live and sustain.
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