Denmark Diaries: Study Abroad on a Budget

2 days ago
4 min read

13/06/2026: written from the window seat of Bar'ista, sipping a free coffee...

It goes without saying that studying abroad can be a dauntingly expensive experience. Before I even began my application, one of my first concerns was “how am I actually going to afford this?” Another year of university, of potential unemployment, travel and visa expenses, upholding a social life and just generally living independently in one of Europe's most expensive countries. By no means am I an expert, nor the best budgeter myself, but overtime I have learnt a few simple tips and tricks to try to save a little extra money.

This may not be an option accessible to everyone, but every single travel grant, scholarship or bursary I could possibly apply to, I did. With the somewhat optimistic “you don’t ask, you don’t get” mentality, it turns out there was a lot more help available from my university for people from a lower income background than I originally realised, including both travel and visa reimbursements. With this, I would definitely recommend having a folder of paperwork, receipts and bank statements, you never know what you might be asked for!
Saying no (sometimes). Since arriving in Denmark, there have been so many opportunities coming by each and every day: new trips across Europe, cafes to try, places to explore, souvenirs or clothes to buy. I am quite often caught in the fear of missing out on a lot of events, some of which I wouldn’t have ever really considered going to before. Whilst I am a huge advocate for spontaneity and embracing everything you can, I also have learnt it is important to differentiate between what you really want, and what you may be doing just to avoid FOMO or follow suit of those around you. By saying no sometimes, money can be saved and put towards the things you would really want to do, some of which can even be done for free!
I have always found food shopping, no matter how intentionally I plan, swallows so much of my money. Meal prepping is wonderful in theory but personally just doesn’t ever become a reality for me. Instead, a non-effort habit I have formed is utilising the freezer as much as possible. It may sound simple but it saves perishables (bread, fruit, vegetables) or any reduced, close to expiry foods a little longer and prevents the need to restock. Another habit is making granola (my go-to recipe: https://cookieandkate.com/healthy-granola-recipe/) to last 2-3 weeks of breakfasts, with the added bonus of removing the decision of what to eat each morning. Final food tip, the website https://www.getregulars.com/ was recently recommended to me, where you can find QR codes for many free coffees around Aarhus!
Another money saver here and potentially anywhere in the world, is cycling. Ubers are expensive, buses can add up without you realising, but having a bike is super useful, often more reliable and definitely integrates you into Danish culture!
Also in terms of public transport, Flixbus and Ryanair are my first point of call for travel journeys (top tip: purchasing an ESN card also comes with discounts for both). Romanticisation comes fairly naturally to me and is very handy for budgeting: headphones on and journal out, this kind of daydreaming is needed to face the trials of packing super light, wearing many items of clothing through security, and an inevitably bumpy ride several hours longer and a few pounds cheaper...
Remember that you are a student! Student discount extends to so much more than I originally realised and it never hurts to ask if you can get a little extra off. Use your status as much as you can, while you can.
Another habit I have developed not just for studying abroad is hand-making birthday cards and even presents. Although it can take a bit more time, it can be a simple, personal way to incorporate more creatives into everyday life, whilst reducing costs too.
As a literature student more specifically, there always tends to be endless lists of books required to purchase. To be perfectly honest, it is rare that I actually ever buy a physical copy. Online PDFs are a big money saver for me. My friends also bought me a Kindle before I came and I couldn’t recommend it more. It can save both on postage and the extortionate prices of a physical book, and is perfect for maintaining my hobbies whilst abroad. You didn’t hear this from me, but you can find a lot of free downloads online… particularly on ‘Anna’s Archives’.
Recycling is very common in Denmark and is actually quite a worthwhile habit! Within my house, we have become very accustomed to returning beer cans, bottles, anything and everything we can to supermarkets, and using the credit to buy household items such as toilet paper or washing up liquid. Super simple but also a strategic way to make the most of hosting parties and gaining some profit whilst also helping out the environment!
Speaking of drinking, an embarrassing amount of my money disappears on a night out. A few drinks in and tapping my card feels entirely natural and completely inconsequential. As most uni students do, pre-drinking at home isn't just for fun, it actually becomes rather strategic, and you save a lot more money than you realise. Rage-cage in reusable plastic cups with any alcohol found left in the house is actually a tactical money-saver… at least that’s how I choose to view it!

I can’t say I haven’t worried about money: studying abroad can be a huge dent in your pocket, but one that, to me, is worth every penny. It is only with many overtime hours worked before I came, a generous student loan, and a slightly overpowering #yolo mentality, that I felt in the position to say yes. Now I am here, I try not to worry so much and embrace everything I can – money can be made again but memories cannot!