How much is life in Malaysia

Modern, dynamic and fast developing cities of Malaysia attract more and more people from all over the world every year. With about 70,000 international students from over 100 countries around the world, this Asian nation also boasts a relatively low cost of living.

 Student life in Malaysia

 Our article will help you find out more about how much you will spend in Malaysia and calculate your student budget correctly.

 RM1 = € 0.23 = 12.5RUB

 Accommodation

 Universities in Malaysia usually offer students accommodation on campus. The cost of such housing is RM600-RM3000 (7.000-37.000 rubles) per semester. Some universities also offer a student meal supplement option of RM10-RM20 (RUB 125-250) per day.

 The cost of living on campuses depends on the city, educational institution and type of accommodation, usually the cost of a single room is about RM100-RM500 (252- 6.264 rubles) per month. At some universities, students are also asked to pay a deposit upon check-in, while at others a registration fee is required. For example, Monash University of Malaysia offers single rooms with amenities in a residence at a price of RM1150 (RUR 14.408) per month and also charges a deposit of RM1500 (RUR 18.794) and a registration fee of RM300 (RUR 3.758).

 If you prefer a different type of accommodation, you can always find off-campus apartments through your university or local real estate agencies. For example, you can rent an apartment on your own or with your friends.

 Typically such housing costs less than campus housing, but it is important to remember that utility costs are not always included in the rental price and can be a significant amount. Different types of Malaysian housing imply different degrees of access for residents to public areas such as kitchens and laundry facilities, so it is worth knowing in advance all the features of such accommodation and deciding whether you are ready to pay the proposed amount for it.

 In Malaysia, you will need to pay about RM350-RM500 (4.385-6.264 rubles) per month for renting a room in an apartment, and about RM1500-RM2500 (18.794-31.323 rubles) per month for renting a whole studio apartment.

 Additional living expenses

 Additional costs while living in Malaysia are inevitable, but they are also relatively small. Standard list of additional student expenses: Utilities (if they are not included in the rental price) - RM164 (2.054 rubles) per month

 Internet (6MB) - RM145 (1.816 rubles) per month

 Mobile operator services - RM148 (1.854 rubles) per month

 Transport

 Malaysia's cities are very modern and have an excellent transport system. The international ports of the state are connected with bus and railway lines, and you can get around the country's major cities by taxis, buses, route taxis, cycle rickshaws and trains.

 As an international student in Malaysia, you cannot qualify for the National Concession Pass, but in some cities in the country you can count on student discounts. For example, in some cities you can top up the credit of your travel card, from which the cost of each trip you make will be deducted.

 The cost of transport services in Kuala Lumpur:

 Bus ride (1 zone) - RM1 (12.5 rubles)

 Myrapid pass (including student discount) for 7 days - RM45 (563 rubles)

 Myrapid pass (including student discount) for 1 month - RM125 (1.566 rubles)

 Taxi ride (standard rate) for 1 km - RM1.66 (21 rubles)

 Nutrition

 In Malaysia you can find supermarkets from all major international chains, but it can be even cheaper to buy groceries in local markets and in small shops. At Tesco and Carrefour supermarkets in Malaysia, you can purchase groceries at the following cost: Milk 1 l - 100 rubles

 Loaf of white bread 660gr - 42 rubles

 Chicken fillet 1 kg - 186 rubles

 Spaghetti 500gr - 42.4 rubles

 Coca-Cola 1.5l - 41.3 rubles

 White rice 5kg - 275 rubles

 Eggs 10 pcs - 56.3 rubles

 Olive oil 250ml - 213 rubles

 Big Mac - 125 rubles

 Other expenses

 Fortunately, there are many places in Malaysia where you can spend time away from home. There is everything here: restaurants, budget cafes, concert halls and cinemas. By the way, all these entertainments are quite accessible for any student: Large mug of beer - 213 rubles

 A cup of cappuccino in a cafe - 135 rubles

 Water bottle 330ml - 27.5 rubles

 3-course lunch in a mid-range restaurant - 313 rubles

 A bottle of wine in a restaurant - 752 rubles

 Cinema ticket (no student discount) - 150 rubles