How to Live in Germany on a Student Budget

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Updated on: Jan 2025

TL;DR: To get the most out of studying in Germany, students can save money by cooking at home instead of eating out, shopping during sales, joining university activities like sports and events, and using their student transport pass (semester ticket) to explore nearby towns.

Studying in Germany can be an exciting adventure, but it’s also a big financial commitment. For Malaysian students, this might feel overwhelming at first. However, with a little planning and some smart choices, you can make the most of your time there without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll show you practical tips on how to live in Germany on a student budget, making it easier for you to focus on your studies without the stress of financial concerns.

1. Choose Your City Wisely

Not all cities in Germany have the same cost of living. Big cities like Munich, Hamburg, or Frankfurt are known to be more expensive, especially when it comes to rent. On the other hand, smaller cities like Leipzig, Dresden, or Heilbronn can offer a more affordable lifestyle without sacrificing quality of life.

Example:

Munich (a big city) might cost you around €1,000 or more per month for rent.
Heilbronn (a smaller city) could be as low as €350 to €400 for similar accommodation.

By choosing a city with a lower cost of living, you can save a lot of money.

2. Find Affordable Housing

One of the biggest expenses for students is accommodation. As a student, you can consider living in a student dormitory (Studentenwohnheim) or sharing an apartment with others (Wohngemeinschaft, or WG). These options are usually cheaper than renting a private flat on your own.

Example:

A student dormitory could cost between €350 and €400 per month, depending on the location.
Sharing an apartment in a WG could cost around €400 to €500 per month.

Tip:

Be proactive when applying for dorms, as they can be in high demand. If you don’t get a spot, start looking for shared apartments early!

3. Save on Food: Cook at Home and Shop Smart

Lunches at the university’s canteen (Mensa) cost between €3 to €5. It’s convenient and much more affordable compared to eating out. Eating out every day can quickly add up, but don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to save on food. There are many kiosks in Germany which are budget friendly. Kebabs or Chinese meals would cost about €7 per meal.

Tip: Cooking at home is your best friend. Germany has many affordable grocery stores such as Aldi, Lidl, and Rewe. They offer a wide range of fresh produce, bread, dairy, and ready-to-cook meals at lower prices.

Example: A typical grocery bill for one person might cost between €25 to €40 per week, depending on your eating habits. If you cook basic meals like pasta, rice dishes, or stir-fries, you can stretch your budget even further.

Bonus Tip: There are apps such as Too Good To Go where you can buy restaurant and cafe food at a huge discount.

4. Use Public Transport – It's Efficient and Cheap

In Germany, public transportation is very reliable and affordable. Most cities have excellent metro (U-Bahn), bus, and tram systems, which are perfect for students.

Tip: Use your student transport pass (Semesterticket). This is one of the benefits of paying the student fee to the university. It cover buses, trams, and trains for the entire semester. Depending on the city, this can cost between €150 to €400 per semester.

5. Take Advantage of Student Discounts

Germany loves students, and there are plenty of discounts to help you save money on everything from transportation to entertainment.

Tip: Always carry your student ID with you. Many stores, cinemas, museums, and even restaurants offer discounts to students.

Example: Students enjoy up to 50% off for visits to the public pool.

6. Use Free or Cheap Entertainment

While you might be on a student budget, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the best of what Germany has to offer.

Tip: Look out for free events like concerts, festivals, or art exhibitions. Many cities have free public events, especially during the summer.

Example: In Berlin, the “Long Night of Museums” offers discounted or free entry to many museums, and there are also free open-air movie screenings in public parks. You can also explore Germany’s beautiful parks and nature, which cost nothing!

Bonus Tip: Student discounts on theater, cinema, and even opera tickets are available. Many universities also organize free or low-cost social events, which are perfect for meeting other students.

7. Smart Shopping: Bargains and Thrift Stores

Take advantage of seasonal sales by buying items ahead of time. For example, at the end of winter, stores will discount their winter clothes to make room for summer items. This means you can get a warm jacket for a fraction of the price it was just a few months earlier. Shopping off-season is a great way to save money while living in Germany on a student budget.

Buy Second-Hand Tech
For tech gadgets, consider buying second-hand items from online platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. You can often find great deals on electronics in good condition.

Tip: Don’t forget about thrift stores! They’re a fun way to shop, and you can find amazing bargains.

Example: A second-hand jacket in great condition might cost you just €10-€20 at a thrift shop, while a new one could cost over €100 in a regular store.

8. Affordable Sports and Fitness Activities

Many universities offer a variety of sports and fitness activities for students. Be sure to check with your university to see what’s available. If your city has more than one university, it’s also worth asking if you can use sports facilities at other universities.

Tip: If you enjoy outdoor activities, Germany has many beautiful parks, lakes, and hiking trails where you can stay active for free. For example, Berlin’s Tiergarten park is a popular spot for jogging, cycling, or just enjoying the outdoors.

9. Manage Your Finances with Apps

To stay on top of your budget, it’s important to track your spending.

Tip: Use budgeting apps to keep track of your income and expenses. These apps are easy to use and help you make sure you’re not overspending.

Example: You could set a budget of €200 for groceries, €50 for entertainment, and €100 for dining out each month. By keeping an eye on your spending, you can adjust where necessary and avoid running out of money.

10. Find Part-Time Jobs

As a student in Germany, you are allowed to work part-time to support yourself. The maximum number of hours you can work during the semester is about 20 hours per week, and during breaks, you can work full-time.

Tip: Many students find part-time jobs in cafes, restaurants, or as research assistants at their university. You can earn at least €12 per hour.

Example: If you work 8 hours a week for €12 per hour, that adds up to €384 per month, which can cover some of your living expenses.

Bonus Tip: From your third semester onwards, you can already work in your own field of study. Students doing part-time jobs like this are called working students and some companies pay more than €12 hourly. You will also get to put into practice what you studied at the university, while making an impression to your company. That will help you secure a job in Germany too.

11. Plan Your Travel Smartly

Germany is well-connected with other European countries, and traveling around is part of the fun. But travel costs can add up quickly.

Tip: Book your travel tickets in advance to get the best deals. Look for budget airlines like Ryanair or EasyJet, and use trains for shorter trips. The German Rail Pass offers discounts for students, and booking early can save you money.

Example: A return trip from Berlin to Munich by train can cost as little as €29 if booked in advance, while last-minute tickets could be much higher.

Final Thoughts

Living in Germany on a student budget is absolutely possible, and with a bit of planning and smart choices, you can enjoy everything Germany has to offer while keeping costs low. By living in student dorms, cooking at home, using public transport, and taking advantage of discounts, you’ll be able to live comfortably without breaking the bank.

For Malaysian students, Germany is not only a great place to study, but it can also be an affordable one if you plan your finances carefully. By following these tips, you can focus on your studies, explore the country, and still have money left over for the occasional treat.

Good luck, and enjoy your time in Germany!

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