Moving to a new country as an international student is exciting, but it comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to staying healthy on a tight budget.
Between juggling classes, new cultures, and limited funds, eating well and feeling good can feel like a big task.
In this blog, you’ll find simple, practical tips to live healthier without spending a lot, from cooking easy meals to managing stress and staying active.
- Eating Well Without Breaking the Bank
Sticking to a healthy diet as an international student can feel like a big challenge when your budget is tight.
Food prices are climbing, reports show that in 2024, the average cost of a healthy diet in the U.S. was about $1.48 more per day than a less healthy one, which adds up to over $500 a year.
For students juggling tuition, rent, and other expenses, that extra cost can seem impossible, especially when cheap, processed foods like instant noodles or fast food are so tempting and often way cheaper.
But eating well doesn’t have to drain your wallet.
Plan your meals weekly and make a shopping list to avoid impulse buys—studies suggest this can cut food waste and save money.
Buy affordable staples like beans, lentils, eggs, and frozen veggies, which are nutritious and budget-friendly.
For example, a can of beans costs as little as $0.70 and can stretch across multiple meals. Shop at discount stores, check unit prices, and go for seasonal produce to save more.
Don’t fall for prepackaged convenience foods, they’re pricier and often loaded with sugar or salt.
Also, skip sugary drinks and snacks like chips; they’re not only unhealthy but can eat up your budget fast.
- Cooking in Your Off-Campus Housing
Cooking can be tough when you’re on a tight budget, especially with rising food costs.
In 2024, the average college student spends about $260 a month on groceries for home-cooked meals, which is roughly $60 a week, according to the Education Data Initiative.
If you’re sharing a small kitchen with roommates or don’t have fancy cooking tools, it’s easy to feel stuck.
Buying ingredients for healthy recipes can add up fast, fresh produce and lean proteins like chicken can cost $5-$10 per meal if you’re not careful, making cheap takeout or frozen dinners look way more appealing.
But you can cook healthy meals in your off-campus housing without spending a ton if you’re smart about it.
Stick to budget-friendly staples like rice, beans, and frozen veggies, a bag of frozen broccoli is often under $2 and lasts for multiple meals.
Plan your meals weekly and batch-cook things like soups or stir-fries to save time and money; a big pot of chili can cost as little as $1.25 per serving.
Don’t waste money on pre-made sauces or single-use ingredients, they’re pricey and often unhealthy.
And skip buying snacks like chips or soda; they’re not only bad for you but can blow your budget quickly.
- Staying Active on a Student Schedule
Staying active as an international student is tough when you’re juggling classes, part-time jobs, and a tight budget.
Gym memberships can be a big hit, data from 2024 shows the average monthly cost for a gym in the U.S. is about $40-$50, which is $480-$600 a year, way too steep for most students.
Even budget gyms like Planet Fitness start at $10-$20 a month, and that doesn’t include extras like classes or equipment fees.
Add in the cost of workout gear or sports clubs, which can run $100-$200 upfront, and it’s no wonder many students skip exercise for cheaper options like staying in.
But you don’t need a gym or fancy gear to stay active. Most campuses offer free resources like rec centers, running tracks, or yoga sessions, that you can use without spending a dime.
Walking or biking to class from your student housing in Ann Arbor instead of taking the bus saves money and gets your heart pumping; a study noted walking 30 minutes daily can meet basic fitness needs.
Try free online workouts like HIIT or bodyweight circuits, which take 15-20 minutes and need no equipment.
Also, skip energy drinks or supplements; they’re expensive and often unnecessary when water and a balanced diet do the job.
Conclusion
You don’t need a big budget to live healthy as a student. Use these tips to eat well, and feel great without stressing your wallet!
How can amber help you?
amber helps you secure student accommodation of your choice on your study abroad journey. Having served 80 million students (and counting), amber is your one-stop shop for all your accommodation needs. Download the amber app from the Google Play Store or App Store to book an affordable home for your adventure.
About author
Archit is an avid writer who is keen to get his doctorate. When not writing, he can be found reading, taking the metro and then questioning this decision, and haunting local bookstores.
