# How to save money as a student in Germany
Studying in Germany is already more affordable than in many other countries - but that doesn’t mean it’s cheap. Rent, food, and daily expenses can quickly add up, especially in expensive cities like Munich, Hamburg or Berlin.

The good news: Germany is one of the best countries in Europe when it comes to student discounts and cost-saving opportunities. If you know where to look (and how to use them), you can easily save €200–€500+ per month.

This guide combines proven strategies from real student experience - covering everything from housing hacks to hidden discounts most students never use.

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[Cheapest cities for students in Germany](/study/cheapest-cities-for-students-in-germany)
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## Housing: where most of your money goes

Housing is your biggest expense - so it’s also your biggest opportunity to save. 

### Smart strategies
- Choose a **WG - Wohngemeinschaft (shared flat)** instead of a private apartment in order to split the costs for rent, internet, and electricity with your roommates
- Look slightly outside the city center (especially in expensive cities such as Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt) if the commute is not too much
- Apply early and consistently - competition for more affordable options is high

### Insider tips (from our experience)

- **University dorm rooms** (Studentenwohnheim) are your best deal, but require patience and persistence. Apply for a room as soon as you receive your university admission, as spots fill up fast.
- Many students overpay because they rent **temporary fully furnished rooms or apartments**
    - These are often **20 to 50% more expensive that regular flats**
- **Second-hand furnishing:** Use websites like Kleinanzeigen or local Facebook groups to find cheap or free furniture, dishes, and electronics.

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[Accommodation guide for students](/study/accommodation-guide-students-germany)
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## Transportation: don’t overpay

Your biggest advantage as a student in Germany is the **semester ticket**.

- Usually included in your semester fee
- Covers local public transport
- Saves **€500 - €1,000 per year** compared to regular tickets  

### Extra savings tips

- Use the **[Deutschland-Ticket](https://int.bahn.de/en/offers/regional/deutschland-ticket) ({{< var "general.DeutschlandTicket" >}} per month in 2026)** if you do not have the semester ticket included
- When traveling across Germany be sure to use primarily **regional trains (RE/RB), which are included in the Deutschland-Ticket** coverage instead of ICE to further save on costs.
- If you need to use a bike or a car occasionally, there are a lot of bike (Call a Bike, Next, etc.) and car-sharing services (book-n-drive, stadtmobil, Share Now, WeShare, Flinkster, etc.)
- Use **FlixTrain / FlixBus** for long distances
- The International Student Identity Card - **ISIC card** has discounts for travel services across Europe. You can apply with your German university confirmation documents, and you will be eligible for a wide range of benefits through this card. 

## Groceries: easy savings every week

Food is one of the easiest areas to optimize. Cooking yourself and eating at home most of the time, is the easiest way to save from extra costs. 

### Here is what experienced students do

- Shop primarily at discounters such as **Aldi, Lidl, Netto** → this can save you up to 20% - 30%
- Buy store brands (*Eigenmarken*) instead of branded products
- Plan meals weekly to avoid food waste
- Asian/Middle Eastern stores are great to get some flavours from home - but use them selectively, since imported goods are often more expensive

### Our additional tips

- Go shopping **after 7 - 8 PM** → many supermarkets discount fresh products
- Another great alternative to get cheaper food are apps such as **[Too-good-to-go](https://www.toogoodtogo.com/en-gb)** - you can pick up bags of food from the same day from cafes, restaurants and bakeries shortly before the close in the evening. Similar alternative is **Motatos**, where you can order groceries that have short expiration dates, mistakes on the packaging or are out of season, to be delivered to your place. 
- Supermarkets like Rewe, Lidl and Kaufland also have the so called **Rettertüten** - bags filled with mostly fruits and veggies, but ofter other products as well that will expire soon or are slightly damaged. 

## Eating out & nightlife: save without missing out

Germany’s student culture is built around going out - but you don’t have to overspend.

### Smart strategies

- Look for **happy hour deals (2-for-1 drinks, student nights)**
- Eat before going out (restaurant prices are high)
- Use lunch menus (Mittagstisch) → €7 - €12 meals

### Our additional city-specific tips

- Berlin: cheapest has the nightlife in Germany (clubs often €10 - €15 entry)
- Munich: pre-drink culture is essential (bars are very expensive)
- Hamburg: many bars in St. Pauli have weekday deals

## Leisure & culture: massive discounts most students ignore

Your student ID is one of your most valuable tools. Here is what you can get in most cities if you show a student ID: 

- Museums: often **50% off or free for students up until a certain age**
- Cinema: €5 - €8 on student days  
- Theater & opera: last-minute tickets for €10 - €15  

## Pro tip: get an ISIC card

The ISIC card gives you access to over **150,000 discounts worldwide** including: 

- 10% to 12% off attractions and tickets  
- Discounts on travel, food, and shopping

## Shopping for clothes, shoes, and other essentials

Latest with the first winter you might find yourself needing a warmer jacket or shoes to withstand the German winter. Best way for students to save on those items is to look for sales or to shop second-hand. 

Some popular options to consider are: 

- Use second-hand websites and apps such as Vinted, Kleinanzeigen, Sellpy
- Shop at outlet stores or look for seasonal sales (Sale / Schlussverkauf)
- Use student discounts in online stores. Many brands offer **10% - 20% student discounts via platforms like UNiDAYS or Student Beans**

## Haircuts & personal care

This is one of the most overlooked savings categories, but it is one where costs may rack up, especially if you need to go to the hairdresser more often. A haircut at a salon can range between **€25 (for men) and €40+ (for women)**.

### Our insider tips

- Barber shops (especially Turkish/Arabic barbers) often charge less ranging from **€12 - €20** and a second benefit is that you do not need an appointment as most work with walk-ins
- Some salons offer **student-only discounts saving you 10% – 30%**, so always ask first even if it’s not advertised.
- **Cut less often (but smarter)** - instead of cutting your hair every 4–6 week, ask for a haircut that will look good even after 8–10 weeks

## Electronics & digital subscriptions

If you are planning to buy electronics to need software for your studies, these can quickly amount to a large expense at the start of your studies in Germany. To save strategically we recommend looking for refurbished electronics on sites such as **Refurbed** or **Swappie**. 

There are student discounts on software (e.g. Microsoft, Adobe, etc.) you can get **via platforms like UNiDAYS or Student Beans**. 

For subscriptions such as Spotify, Netflix, Amazon, there are also student plans available.

### Our insider tip

Many universities provide **free software licenses**. Check university services for free or discounted software, such as Microsoft Office.

## Banking, insurance & hidden savings

Many students overlook this category. Make sure to open a **free student bank account**, as soon as you arrive in Germany. You will need it to get your money from the blocked account in case you have one, and it will also help you save on transaction fees from using your foreign account.  

You should also **compare health insurance plans** - look at both public and private student rates and pick the one that offers the best coverage overall at a satisfactory price. 

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