With exam season in full swing, many expatriate families in Asia will be preparing for their children to leave for university abroad in a few short months. Plan ahead with our handy financial planning checklist for parents of rookie undergraduates.
Planning ahead for university
Going to university is a huge financial undertaking. Planning ahead can help students and parents alike avoid unnecessary expenses. If your child is heading off to study abroad this September, work through our handy checklist to make sure that you and your child are financially ready for their exciting new adventure.
- Teach your child to budget
Budgeting is an essential life skill yet most of us are forced to wing it when we first become independent because it is rarely taught in schools. Giving your child a crash course in how to budget will help them avoid the fate of one of my hapless university housemates back in the day, who powered through her allowance in the first term and was constantly renegotiating her overdraft with the bank, and no doubt paying a small fortune in fees.
Sit down with your future undergraduate and list all their sources of income and expenditure and consider which budgeting tools or apps to use to track spending and stay in the black. Ensure your child understands the difference between wants and needs and teach them to prioritise the former, remind them to take advantage of student discounts, and encourage them to avoid debt traps such as credit cards and payday loans. Teaching them to cook a few basic dishes will also save them money on takeaways and eating out.
Check out our article on budgeting for more tips.
- Take out comprehensive health insurance
It’s a parental rite of passage to worry about young adults taking their first steps toward independence and possibly living away from home for the first time! They may not always make the wisest decisions and you won’t be physically present to support them.
You can, however, make sure they have timely access to any medical treatment that they need with comprehensive health insurance. This will also ensure that the financial risk of any health problems is borne by an insurer, giving you peace of mind that you won’t have to face astronomical bills as a result of illness or accident. Find out more about health insurance for expatriate university students here.
- Open an international bank account
International offshore banking facilities offer several advantages for students studying abroad. A multiple-currency account makes it easier to manage finances and keep banking costs down. International accounts also facilitate access to funds through online banking, mobile apps, and widespread ATM networks.
- Learn to manage currency exchange
You should make your young person aware of how to avoid high fees and unfavourable exchange rates when converting money and show them how to time conversions to get the best rates and save money.
Currency exchange issues are simplified by having an international bank account, which makes sending and receiving money between countries more straightforward and cost-effective. Parents can deposit money directly into the student’s international account, reducing delays and additional charges.
- Set up a credit card for emergencies
For peace of mind, it’s a good idea to provide your child with a credit card linked to your account to be used in case of emergency. You’ll want to set a limit to ensure responsible credit usage. Select a provider that offers favourable terms for international transactions.
- Arrange for a local SIM Card and data plan
Compare offers and arrange for an affordable local SIM card and data plan in the university’s country. This helps manage communication costs and avoids expensive roaming charges.
- Understand and plan for tax implications
It is important to research and plan for any tax implications of your child studying abroad, both in your home country and the country where the university is located. Ensure your child understands their tax obligations, especially if they are planning to work in tandem with studying. And don’t forget to check that they have the right to work with a suitable visa, if relevant.
- Make your child fraud-aware
Teens may think they know it all but financial scams targeting students are prevalent and many young people fall for them. Educate your child on how to recognise and avoid financial scams and protect themselves against online fraud.
- Plan for travel expenses
Travel expenses are bound to rise with a student flying back and forth to uni. You will probably also want to visit your student in their new home. We recommend budgeting and planning for travel expenses, including for emergencies, and taking out travel insurance to cover unexpected cancellations or delays.
- Review university financial services
Financing a university education can be a stretch, but there is lots of help available. Home students in the UK will be eligible for a student loan to cover fees, and possibly maintenance. The Scholarship Hub is also a useful resource for finding out about additional sources of funding. Encourage your child to make use of the financial services offered by the university including payment plans and financial counselling services.
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Expatriate parents who can tick off each item on this list will ensure their children are financially prepared for university life abroad.
Your financial consultant will be happy to discuss how Infinity can help with education fee planning, health insurance, offshore banking and currency exchange services. Why not book an appointment for a chat?
A leading provider of expat financial services and wealth management services across Asia.
