1. ALWAYS bring along your student card

Regardless is it your Singapore university access pass or your partner university card, many countries in Europe accept them. Do keep a soft copy on your phone too! In case you forget to bring it out. A picture of it works just the same. Tried and tested. You get to save so much on entrance fees and transportation. 

2. Learn some basic cooking 

It'll go a long way towards saving money on meals. If you have no interest in picking up cooking, bring along some Singapore pastes or instant noodles/porridge that you can find in our local supermarkets. Those can curb your cravings and are friendly on your pockets too ;)

3. Shop at discount supermarkets

Aldi and Lidl can be found in many countries around Europe and their prices are much cheaper than other supermarkets e.g. grapes for 1 Euro, shampoo for 0.80 Euro. The quality may not be fantastic but if you are not fussy and are on a budget, it will be worth it to write a shopping list and make a trip down from time to time. If you are looking for clothes, Primark is a good suggestion.

4. Crash your friends' hostel/apartment

I did it on my Oslo trip (Norway is super expensive!) and only spent SGD100 for 2 days. Not only can you save money on accommodation but also food cause you get to cook at his/her place. And if you have to book a place, as much as possible plan your trips with others, preferable in even numbers, so you get to share the cost.

5. Sign up for newsletters of budget airlines, buses and trains.

Sales (e.g. SNCF winter sale) occur from time to time so you don't wanna miss any of them out! Flights on Ryanair can cost as low as 4.90 Euro!

6. Compare prices before booking

Some useful websites are skyscanner, google flights, captaintrain.com (France & Germany), busradar.com. Trains are not necessarily cheaper than flights and the time taken is much longer. Do not make any assumptions and do some homework to get the best deal. Sometimes, buying tickets over the counter is cheaper than online too (or vice versa).

7. Useful things to bring along

• Rubber bands/Airtight clips
• Ziplock bags
• Tupperware
• Hangers
• Laundry bags
• Some washing powder (to tide through first few weeks)
• Mini sewing kit
• Recyclable bags

It may not be as intuitive to bring along the above but being well equipped can also help you to save money. You don't have to work have to worry about buying plastic bags when at the supermarket, or that you don't have any container to store your food should you decide to bring some food to school etc.

8. In general, do your homework and plan, plan, plan!

That way, you'll know the most optimal route to take, the best time to travel and the best way to do so :D