Save Money While Studying in Barcelona

Save money while studying abroad with 7 effective hacks. Saving money while studying abroad is a challenge! But it does not have to be ! In this article we will share some proven tips that allow you to save money while studying in Barcelona.

Barcelona is a great place to study. Steeped in local culture, breathtaking views and delicious Spanish cuisine, your time studying in Barcelona is sure to be an exciting adventure. Unfortunately, adventures can be costly, especially as a student.

Realistically, you can’t study in Barcelona for free, but you can definitely save up a lot of money by following some simple tips. This is why we have compiled a list of the very best tips on how to save money while studying in Barcelona.

7 Effective Hacks to Save Money While Studying in Barcelona

1. Plan your Budget

Do some research on how much it would cost you to live in Barcelona per month. Make sure you account for everything including rent, utilities, food, medical, entertainment, and school supplies. This way, you can be prepared on how much you would need and you can allot a daily spend limit for yourself to stay within budget.

It’s a good idea to create a monthly expense record to keep a track of your expenditures. There are many expense tracking apps available but you could just do with a simple spreadsheet as well. Keeping a track helps create a sense of accountability, and you’re less likely to splurge on something that you could do without.

2. Get a Shared Apartment

The first option many international students consider is on-campus housing or hostels when it comes to living arrangements. Even though it might sound like you are saving money, a surprisingly cheaper option would be to get a shared apartment with some other students.

Sharing an apartment with someone means you split everything two ways and save a lot of money on potential expenses like utilities, rent, and most of all, groceries. An added advantage of getting an apartment as opposed to living on campus is that you can use the kitchenette to cook for yourself. Cooking for yourself is much cheaper than eating out, which brings me to my next point.

3. Eat Smart

The best way to save money when studying in Barcelona is to be smart about what and where you eat. The cheapest way to a hearty meal would be to buy some fresh produce from a farmer’s market and cook for yourself.

If you don’t have kitchen facilities in your living setup, don’t worry! You don’t have to go broke just because you can’t cook. There are lots of authentic little cafes and restaurants in Barcelona that offer a three-course meal for lunch in just around 10 Euros, which includes a drink. So, fill up at lunch, then have a lighter meal for dinner.

Oh, and ask anyone from Barcelona who will tell you the same thing, stay away from tourist spots especially Las Ramblas! Even though it’s tempting, it is filled with inauthentic food and overpriced menus.

4. Choose Public Transport

Barcelona has a great public transport system that includes trains, buses, and trams. A single T10 ticket only costs around 11 Euros and is valid for 10 rides on either the bus or the metro, you can also save more on the unlimited monthly ticket. The metro is well maintained and actually much cleaner than many international underground train systems.

The metro is the fastest way you can travel the city, so there’s no point in taking a costly taxi. Even when getting off the airport, opt for a train ride into the city rather than paying approximately 30 Euros for a single trip.

You can easily keep a track of the routes and schedules of the trains by downloading the official app.

Barcelona is a small city that is best explored on foot. You can easily cut down the cost of commuting within the city even more by choosing to walk through the beautiful city every once in a while.

5. Entertainment

Studying in Barcelona gives you the opportunity to explore a city filled with cultural and historical sites. However, the entry fee for said places can cause a dent in your pocket. Instead of paying to go to museums and art galleries, you can schedule your trips on days or nights when the entry is free. Most famous places have information available on their websites, so be sure to check in advance and plan your entertainment schedule around that.

Be sure to carry your student card with you to avail any extra perks.

If you are more of a party-in-a-club person than a stroll-through-an-art-gallery person, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered too. Many clubs only start charging a cover fee after a certain time. So if you get to the club earlier, say around 11 PM, you wouldn’t have to spend anything at all!

6. Think Twice Before You Shop

Barcelona has a strong haggling culture. When you are buying anything from different markets in the city, never agree to pay the first price the shopkeeper quotes you. There’s a good chance you can make them come down to almost half the original quoted price, depending upon how good your game is.

If you have to buy any essentials, try to get them from the several different markets that pop up every other week. They are cheap and filled with vintage items. You can find some great things to buy to remember your time in the city from the flea markets too, all whilst keeping your wallet heavy.

Also, remember to request your bank for an international credit card instead of your local one. Every time you use your regular credit or debit card in Barcelona, you will be charged a minimal fee for using it. At the end of your term, you might be surprised at how much the amount can come when combined. It’s best to avoid these unnecessary service charges and plan ahead.

7. Get a Work Visa for Students

Your student visa qualifies you for a student work permit. This means you can take up any job that requires less than 20 hours of work per week. You can easily get a job that suits your learning schedule and earn some extra money to help with your expenses. A part-time job when studying in Barcelona also allows you to interact with more locals and absorb more of the wonderful culture the city has to offer.

Even when you can’t study in Spain for free, at least with the above-mentioned tips and tricks, you can save some serious bucks and still make the most of your time there. Have a friend who is planning for a degree in Barcelona? Share these tips with them to help them save some money too!

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