10 ways to get free stuff as an international student

As ABBA once said, “Money, money, money. Must be funny. In the rich man’s world.” 

In an international student’s world, money is everything. But the question is, how does one save when living abroad — and is it even possible? 

Well, yes, it is.

You can most definitely save while studying abroad, especially if you leverage the ways on how to get free stuff. 

Studying abroad can lead to financial stress

The skyrocketing increase in prices abroad can feel like an unwanted plot twist in the grand adventure of living overseas.

One minute, you’re planning a picturesque life of exploring cobblestone streets and sipping on lattes in the town square, and the next minute, you’re realising that the sandwich you just ate costs as much as a a three-course meal back home. 

Financial stress is real — with the rising cost of higher education and the cost of living abroad, it’s starting to take a toll on international students worldwide. IDP’s research reveals that escaping the cost of living poses major issues for students hoping to study abroad.

The rise in costs may also mean that many students may have to forgo or defer plans to study overseas — or choose more affordable universities than their number one preference.

Additionally, the most popular countries students wish to further their education in are some of the most expensive countries for international students: Canada, Australia, the US, and the UK. 

Should you still be moving abroad in this economy?

Studying abroad in this economy can feel like a risky move — but one that could bring about high rewards as well.

After all, those who study abroad aren’t just happier — employers find them more desirable too. 

And the thing is, education has always been an investment, and opportunities to study abroad can open doors you never knew existed.

Plus, it’s kind of a rite of passage for all students abroad to budget for ramen dinners, right?

However, this Quora user believes that it all boils down to what you want to pursue to excel in life and to do that, you’ll have to assess credibilities in your homeland. If you can’t find much help for professional growth, it’s best to move abroad. 

“It’s never a waste of time and money if you have figured out what you want to pursue,” they shared. 

“Obviously some countries will have a broader outlook in terms of certain fields. And if you want to pursue them, it’s always a good choice to be in an international set-up for some time. It will not only help you grow as a person but also make your CV richer due to your international exposure.”

They’re right.

Moving abroad is more than just about lectures and assignments; it’s a chance to experience different cultures, make new friends, or even pick up a new language. Sure, inflation might make everything more expensive, but some of the most valuable lessons come from outside the classroom — and those are free.

At the end of the day, it comes down to how much you’re willing to bet on your future.

Yes, the economy is unpredictable, but so is life and there are ways for you to go about the rising cost of living. One way of doing that is through getting free things.

How to get free stuff while studying abroad:

1. Transportation

It’s no secret that many cities in the US offer free public transportation to university students. 

Take Denver for example.

As of 1991, every fee-paying University of Colorado Boulder student can ride any regularly scheduled Regional Transportation District (RTD) route fare-free with their Buff OneCard, thanks to RTD’s partnership with College Pass.

In 2017, the Connecticut Department of Transportation partnered with the University of Connecticut and Connecticut State Colleges and Universities to launch a U-PASS CT programme to provide students with free public transportation for its students.

If you’re planning on studying at the University of Washington in Seattle, you’re in luck. You’ll be entitled to unlimited free rides on regional buses, commuter trains, light rail, and water taxis, as well as full fare coverage on vanpools through fully subsided U-PASS.

2. Entertainment

Did you know that if you’re a student you’re entitled to a free month of Spotify and HULU (with ADs), and just US$5.99/month in subscriptions after that? 

Well, in the US, you’ll be eligible for the promotion if you’re a student at an accredited higher education institution and if you haven’t tried Premium before.

Amazon Prime is free for students too, and you’re eligible for a six-month free trial. In addition to that, you’ll be eligible for massive discounts such as US$5.99/month (up to four years) for Amazon Music Unlimited and two months of free Kindle Unlimited.

3. Stationery

Freshers’ fairs are a way to go if you’re looking to get several free products, especially stationery. There’ll be many free stuff available you’ll be spoiled for choice.

The types of freebies you’ll be able to get during freshers’ week, however, vary on which university you’re attending. But you could get free pens, pencils, notebooks, t-shirts, caps, vouchers, and more.

Try to collect as many free things as possible, but do get those that will be of use to you. Otherwise, you’ll find yourself throwing them away once you’re packing up to leave. 

You’ll also be able to get free advice on what clubs to join during your time at university.

4. Computer software

One big benefit of being a student anywhere in the world is that you’re eligible for free software, including Adobe Creative Cloud and Office 365 Education — including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Microsoft Teams. 

At the University of Utah, all current Utah Tech students are entitled to a free license to use Adobe Creative Cloud. 

Monash University, the University of Melbourne, and Victoria University (VU) offer free Office 365 Education to their students, and for VU, you’ll be able to download it onto five devices. 

If your university does not offer free Office 365 Education, Google Docs, Slides, and Spreadsheets or LibreOffice is a good free alternative.

For those looking to store references for their assignments, EndNote Basic is a free browser-based interface with up to 50,000 references and 2GB storage.

Engineering students, you’re in luck. Ansys, an engineering simulation and 3D design software, is offering free software for students to use to help make homework, capstone projects, and competitions easier.

5. Menstrual products

Women do not have a choice when it comes to getting their periods. Take that and combine it with how expensive menstrual products can get and it’s yet another financial stressor. But have no fear, menstrual products can now be free for you.

For the academic year 2024 to 2025, the Department of Education in the UK is partnering with Personnel Hygiene Services Limited to provide free menstrual products to girls and women all over England.

The University of Edinburgh, King’s College London, the University of Dundee, and many more are taking part in the initiative by providing free period pads, tampons and Mooncups on campus.

It’s not just the UK too — in Germany, the University of Hamburg and the University of Bremen are also taking the initiative to supply free menstrual products at their campuses.

6. Sexually transmitted infection (STI) kits and condoms

Sex can be an awkward conversation and taboo for many, but it’s important to always be aware of your sexual health while studying abroad, no matter if you’re currently sexually active or not.

In the UK, universities such as the University of Bath, the University of Bristol, and the University of Exeter are offering students free sexual health advice, STI kits, and condoms. 

Plus, you don’t often need to be present at clinics to take an STI test, you can order a kit through Unity Sexual Health, get one from a free vending machine, or simply retrieve it from waiting rooms at clinics.

For international students in the US, many universities including Case Western Reserve University and the University of Michigan Ann-Arbor offer STI screenings and condoms on campus.

Over in Japan, particularly in Kyoto and Osaka, HIV/AIDS tests are free at the Public and Welfare Health Centers.

7. Electronic gadgets

Apple gives away free Airpods, an Apple Pencil or vouchers to students, but on the condition that the student purchases an iPad or MacBook and it’s limited to selected countries.

Another way of getting free electronic gadgets is by applying to Computers With Causes. This charitable organisation helps students in need to get free laptops or computers. 

Product review gigs are also a way to go for free gadgets. Philips and Microsoft are offering individuals a chance to review their products for free, depending on their eligibility. 

8. Home appliances or furniture

Moving abroad doesn’t necessarily mean you can ship your entire bedroom to your dorms. But, there’s a way for you to get furniture without breaking your bank account.

Facebook marketplace is a way for you to get free furniture or home appliances like bed frames, couches, microwaves, kettles, and more. Craigslist and Carousel are other platforms that you could use to score free furniture. 

But the real treasure trove can be found during college-move-out days, garage sales, or curbside sales to bag yourself some decent free home goods. 

9. Food and drinks

Students often spend 98% of their money on groceries and 79% on takeout, according to Three Streams Media’s poll. When students start to save, food is often the first thing to go as it’s the easiest to cut down.

But here are ways for you to get free food and drinks without worrying about missing out on your nutrients.

Australia’s Victoria University has partnered up with SecondBite, a local not-for-profit organisation, to provide free healthy frozen meals to eat at home. 

Food chains such as Dunkin Donuts, Boost, Auntie Anne’s, Krispy Kreme, and more offer customers the chance to claim free food and drinks on their birthdays.

10. Therapy and counselling

Anxiety, depression, psychological distress, and stress are the most commonly reported mental health issues experienced by international students, according to research. With that, universities around the world are offering free mental health support through therapy or counselling.

In New Zealand, the University of Auckland, the University of Canterbury, Massey University, and more offer free counselling and mental health support, and can be done in person or remotely over video conference or by phone.

For international students in Malaysia, the University of Nottingham and Taylor’s University offer free and confidential counselling for all students from all walks of life. Group counseling and psychological and well-being consultation are also offered by the universities.