4 Ways to Save $40 Every Night Out

With a manageable class schedule (understatement) and plenty of free time, life abroad provides ample opportunities to go out and explore the nightlife your city has to offer. On the one hand, going out 3+ times a week is a blast. Every night ends with a new story that you and your friends will be telling for years to come. On the other hand, you don't want to go broke by the second month of your semester long program. Here are 4 ways you can do the unthinkable and successfully budget your late-night adventures.

 

1.Pregame, Pregame, Pregame - Naturally, your biggest expense when going out abroad will be drinks. When purchased at bars or clubs, even a few beers will add up quickly. The trick? The pregame. Save your money by purchasing alcohol from the grocery store. If you and your friends can enjoy some drinks together before going out, you will be much less inclined to blow your travel money on overpriced Jägerbombs. Instead, drink as much as you’d like before heading out, then buy a beer (maybe 2 if they’re cheap) and sip on it for the rest of the night. You’ll be surprised at how much this will save you in the long run. Sobieski+Orangina = the go-to Paris Pregame. (+$15/night)

 

2. Watch The Clock - Nobody enjoys paying cover. Especially guys, who are often charged ridiculous sums of money just to enter the club after a certain hour. Make sure that before you head out, you know when you’ll have to start paying a fee. There’s nothing more frustrating than being charged a €10 entrance fee just minutes after you could’ve gotten in for free. Don’t start the night on a salty note - avoid cover. (+$10/night)

 

3. No Uber Maneuver- Ubers are great. They are essentially the easiest, fastest way to get home after a long night out. RESIST THE TEMPTATION. In many foreign cities, public transportation costs pennies on the dollar when compared to taking an Uber. It may take you a little bit longer to get home, but saving that money every night will go a lot further than you’d expect. If your city’s metro closes at a certain hour, plan in advance so that you can catch the last train home. I highly recommend the CityMapper app for easily navigating any city’s transportation system. Usually makes for some good stories too. (+$8/night)

 

4. Homemade Grub - Late night junk food is perhaps the greatest temptation of all. There’s nothing quite like a warm kebab and a heaping side of fries after a night on the town. Especially when you’re tired and hangry, it seems like a no-brainer to drop the €6. However, don’t let your impatient 2:00am alter ego fall for the trap. It is costly and 100% of the time extremely unhealthy. Do your wallet a favor and have some tasty food ready to heat up when you get home. Your body will thank you as well. (+$7/night)

 

So there you have it - 40 big ones. Follow these 4 steps, and you’ll find yourself with a little more jingle in your pocket. And who knows, maybe cutting your late-night street food habit will help you avoid the all too real abroad-15. No promises.