How to Romanticize Your Life
...As a Broke International Student
We all know the struggle: living on a budget, counting every coin, and paying the rent don’t wipe out your entire bank account. As an international student, life can feel anything but romantic when you’re trying to juggle classes, internships, and surviving on instant noodles.
But who says you can’t find beauty in the chaos? Romanticizing your life isn’t about having a fat wallet or designer candles it’s about finding joy in the little things. Here’s how I’m learning to make my broke-student life feel like a masterpiece, one small moment at a time.
1. Turn Ramen into a Five-Star Meal
Listen, we all know instant noodles are a student’s best friend. But that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. Add a soft-boiled egg, some frozen veggies, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Boom! gourmet ramen that feels worthy of a food blogger’s Instagram.
Pro tip: Eat it in your comfiest hoodie, with fairy lights on and your favorite playlist in the background. Suddenly, it’s not just dinner; it’s an experience.
2. Take Yourself on Free Adventures
When you’re broke, “adventure” means finding joy in the free things your city has to offer.
Explore a local park and have a DIY photo shoot.
Spend a quiet afternoon in a public library (yes, they’re underrated and magical).
Visit museums or art galleries on free-entry days.
It’s not about the money, it’s about the stories you create along the way.
3. Romanticize Study Time
Studying doesn’t have to feel like a chore. Set the scene:
Find a cozy café (order the cheapest coffee, and make it last).
Play some lo-fi beats, or that playlist that makes you feel like the main character in a European film.
Write notes in aesthetic fonts or colors that make you smile.
It’s all about turning your everyday hustle into something that feels intentional and beautiful.
4. Celebrate the Tiny Wins
Got through a tough class? Sent out 10 internship applications today? Made it through another week without crying? That deserves a celebration.
Light a candle, call your best friend, or treat yourself to your favorite snack. Romanticizing life as a student is about celebrating everything, even the small stuff.
5. Create a Cozy Space Without Spending a Fortune
Your dorm or shared apartment might not scream “Pinterest-worthy,” but a few small touches can make it feel like home:
Add some $1 fairy lights or cheap posters that bring you joy.
Rearrange your desk to make it feel fresh.
Repurpose items you already own to add personality to your space.
Even a little creativity can turn the most basic room into your personal sanctuary.
6. Find Comfort in Routine
Life feels less overwhelming when you find joy in your everyday rituals. For me, it’s waking up early, making a budget-friendly coffee at home, and writing in my Notion Gratitude Diary (yes, I made this template, and yes, it’s amazing).
The little moments like folding laundry or planning your meals in Notion can feel romantic if you approach them with the right mindset.
7. Make Time for Yourself
As an international student, life moves fast. But romanticizing your life is about slowing down and reconnecting with yourself. Whether it’s taking a long walk, dancing alone in your room, or journaling your dreams, make time for the things that fill your cup.
You Deserve a Romantic Life—Broke or Not
Being an international student isn’t easy, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful. Life is made up of small moments the way the sunlight hits your desk, the laughter you share with a friend, or the comfort of your favorite hoodie on a rainy day.
So here’s my reminder to you: romanticize the heck out of your life, no matter your budget. Because at the end of the day, the best things like joy, peace, and hope don’t cost a thing.
How do you romanticize your life on a student budget? Share your tips with me I’m always looking for inspiration! 🌟