Quick answer: your first month abroad costs about 1.5× a normal month — typically €1,400–€2,400 where a regular month runs €700–€1,200. The difference is one-time costs that all land in weeks 1–2: deposit, agency fees, setup, transport cards and the social sprint of arrival. None of it is covered by your grant, because the grant hasn’t arrived yet. Here’s the line-by-line, and how to not get ambushed.
In this guide
The first-month bill, line by line
| Cost | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Housing deposit | 1–2 months’ rent | Returned at the end — but frozen cash now |
| First month’s rent | €280–€1,800 | Often demanded with the deposit, same week |
| Agency / contract fees | €0–€400 | Country-dependent; residences usually skip it |
| Arrival setup | €100–€250 | SIM, bedding, kitchen basics, adapters |
| Transport card + deposits | €20–€80 | Card fees, bike deposit, first top-ups |
| Admin & registration | €0–€150 | Town-hall registration, residence permit fees, photos |
| Social sprint | €150–€300 | Welcome weeks, first dinners, meeting everyone |
Add your flight (€100–€700) and visa costs if applicable — those hit even earlier. Run the full model, one-time plus monthly, in the cost calculator.
Why month 1 hurts: the grant timing trap
Every cost above lands in weeks 1–2. Erasmus+ and most national grants pay their first installment 4–10 weeks after arrival — the details are in the grant guide. That mismatch, not the totals, is what actually breaks students’ budgets: the €2,000 you’ll eventually receive doesn’t help in week 2. Fly with the first two months fully covered in accessible cash.
Five moves that shrink the first-month bill
- Sort housing before you fly — calmly. Panic-booking on arrival is how you overpay for six months. Compare verified options in the housing search and read your city’s guide for typical prices and scam patterns.
- Never wire a deposit before verifying the landlord exists. Video call, contract, reviews — deposit scams target incoming exchange students specifically, every single semester.
- Ask what “furnished” includes. Bedding and kitchenware usually aren’t. That’s the difference between a €100 and a €250 setup bill.
- Join your destination’s student group before landing. Leaving students sell bikes, kitchen kits and transport cards for almost nothing — the best deals are gone by week 2. Find yours in the WhatsApp groups directory.
- Budget the social sprint on purpose. Welcome weeks are where friendships form — don’t skip them to save money; just give them a line so they don’t eat month 2.
Sources & References
- European Commission — Erasmus+ (grant payment schedule)
- Numbeo — Cost of Living & rent deposits by city
- Erasmus Student Network (ESN)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much cash should I land with?
Two months of full costs, accessible: deposit + 2× rent + €400–€600 of setup and living buffer. For most mid-tier cities that’s €1,800–€2,800.
When do I get the deposit back?
Legally within weeks of moving out in most countries — in practice, document the room’s condition on day 1 (photos, dated) or you’ll be negotiating from zero.
Is it cheaper to book housing after arriving?
Sometimes on paper, rarely in practice: hostel nights while searching (€30–€60/night) plus panic pressure usually cost more than booking a verified room ahead. If you do search on arrival, budget 2 weeks of temporary accommodation honestly.
What’s the most commonly forgotten cost?
Overlap rent: your lease abroad starting the 1st while you arrive the 20th, or paying rent at home and abroad the same month. Check your dates before signing both contracts.