Your Ultimate Guide to Shopping in Germany as a Student: Budget Tips, Discounts, and Must-Visit Stores
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Updated on: Jan 2025
TL;DR: Studying in Germany as a student? You can save money by shopping at discount stores like Aldi, Lidl, and DM, and by using student discount platforms like UNiDAYS. Plan your shopping around sales, use price comparison apps, and take advantage of second-hand shops to stretch your budget even further.
Moving to Germany as a student is an exciting experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges—one of which is managing your shopping budget. From groceries to clothes and tech gadgets, understanding the cost of living and finding affordable options can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking to stretch your budget or score the best student discounts, this guide will help you navigate the German shopping scene like a pro.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about shopping in Germany as a student, from budget-friendly stores to essential shopping tips, all designed to help you save money while studying abroad.
Budget-Friendly Stores Every Student Should Know in Germany
Germany has an abundance of discount stores and supermarkets that are perfect for students on a tight budget. Here are the top places to shop without breaking the bank.
Discount Supermarkets: Aldi & Lidl
Aldi and Lidl are Germany’s top discount supermarket chains. Both offer a wide range of groceries, household goods, and snacks at unbeatable prices.
Tip: Aldi and Lidl often feature weekly special offers that can help you save even more. You can find everything from fresh produce to inexpensive household essentials.
Personal Care: dm, Rossmann, & Müller
For toiletries, skincare, and everyday essentials, dm, Rossmann, and Müller are three of the most popular stores. With their competitive pricing and regular promotions, they are perfect for students.
Tip: Look out for “weekly offers” as well as loyalty discounts.
Second-Hand Stores: Thrift Shops & Flea Markets
Various thrift shops and flea markets across Germany are great options for finding affordable, second-hand clothing, books, and even furniture.
Finding Student Discounts and Deals in Germany
As a student, you’re eligible for many discounts that can help you save on clothing, tech, and even food. Knowing where to find these discounts is key to stretching your budget.
Student Discount Cards: UNiDAYS & Student Beans
UNiDAYS and Student Beans are two platforms that offer exclusive discounts for students on a wide range of products, from clothes to tech gadgets.
Tip: Sign up for these platforms to access deals at stores like Zalando, Nike, and Apple.
Discount Days: Seasonal Sales & Special Events
Germany has several major sales events throughout the year, including Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Winter Sales. These sales can offer massive discounts, especially on fashion and electronics.
Tip: Plan your purchases around these sales events to save big on items like winter jackets, shoes, and electronics.
Smart Shopping Tips for Students in Germany
It’s not just about finding discounts—it’s about making smart decisions when you shop. Here are some tips to help you save money while still getting the products you need.
Price Comparison: Use Apps and Websites
KaufDa and Idealo are excellent price comparison tools in Germany that can help you compare prices across various stores, both online and offline.
Avoiding Impulse Purchases
It’s easy to overspend, especially when stores are full of tempting deals. Set a shopping list and stick to it.
Tip: Download budgeting apps like Monefy or Spendee to track your spending and help you stick to your budget.
Grocery Shopping in Germany: How to Save on Essentials
Grocery shopping is an essential part of student life. Here’s how you can keep your food costs down without sacrificing quality.
Discount Supermarkets: Aldi & Lidl
These discount stores are perfect for students looking to save money on groceries. They offer a wide selection of fresh produce, dairy, snacks, and pantry essentials at low prices.
Meal Prep: Cook at Home to Save Money
Buying ingredients at the supermarket is a lot cheaper than eating out at a restaurant. Cooking a meal at home will cost about the same or even less than eating at your Mensa (university’s canteen).
Not very keen to cook daily? Try meal prepping—cooking larger portions at once and storing them for later to cut down on your grocery bill and preparation time.
Tip: Plan your meals for the week to minimize food waste and avoid costly last-minute takeout orders.
Student-Friendly Grocery Apps
Too Good To Go is a popular app that allows you to buy leftover food from local restaurants and bakeries at discounted prices, helping to save money and reduce food waste at the same time.
Shopping for Clothes: Where to Find Affordable Fashion in Germany
If you’re looking to update your wardrobe while studying in Germany, there are plenty of affordable options without sacrificing style. In addition, you will also need to buy suitable attire for the different seasons in Germany.
Affordable Fashion Stores
Stores like H&M, Zara, and Primark offer fashionable clothes at affordable prices, making them perfect for student budgets.
Tip: Look out for seasonal sales, which can offer deep discounts on fashion items.
Pro Tip: Some Malaysian students are able to fit into children clothing, including Zara’s.
Second-Hand Stores
Thrift shopping is a great way to find unique and budget-friendly fashion. In Germany, there are many stores selling second-hand clothes that are in great condition and often much cheaper than new items.
Tip: Check out local flea markets for hidden gems like vintage jackets and accessories.
Navigating Online Shopping in Germany
Online shopping is incredibly convenient, especially when you can access discounts and student deals. Here’s how to shop smart online in Germany.
Popular Online Platforms
Amazon.de, Zalando, and eBay are popular German platforms where students can find everything from books and clothes to electronics at affordable prices.
Delivery & Shipping Tips
Shipping costs can add up when shopping online, so always check if free shipping is available or if you can combine purchases to save on delivery fees.
Tip: Look for local delivery options to save on international shipping fees when ordering from abroad.
Important: You will have to look out for bad actors when shopping online. If a deal is too good to be true, it’s likely to be scam.
Conclusion
Shopping in Germany as a student can be fun and affordable if you know where to go and how to shop smart. By taking advantage of discount stores, student deals, and online sales, you can save money on groceries, clothes, and tech. So, start planning your shopping strategy today and make the most of your student life in Germany!
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