Postgrad Chronicles #3: How do I budget as a Broke Postgrad Author without grant money?

Budgeting as a grantless researcher is like running a low-budget experiment on the edge of chaos: you make the most of what you have, improvise when necessary, and occasionally laugh to keep from crying. Fortunately, I’ve picked up some tips and tricks along the way that might just help you survive—and maybe even thrive—on a shoestring budget. Think of this as your guide to broke postgrad life, complete with tested strategies and the occasional questionable anecdote.

First, let’s talk about food, because you can’t research—or write—on an empty stomach. Eating out is expensive, so cooking becomes a necessity, not a hobby. The trick is meal prepping and buying in bulk. Start with staples: rice, pasta, lentils, beans, and oats. These are cheap, filling, and versatile. Frozen vegetables are your best friends—they’re cheaper than fresh, last forever, and don’t taste terrible when cooked properly. For protein, eggs and canned tuna are budget-friendly and incredibly useful. Add some spices (you can find budget spice packs in international grocery stores), and you’ll have meals that taste decent without breaking the bank.

If you live with roommates, consider this strategy: collaborate on groceries. I have persuaded my roommates to contribute to the ingredients while I handle the cooking. It is a fair—they save time, I money, and everyone is well-fed. My preferred dishes are those that can be easily scaled, such as curries, stir-fries, chili, or pasta bakes. instance, a simple lentil curry can cost under $10 for a large that serves four people. You will need red lentils, a can coconut milk, some canned tomatoes, onions garlic, and spices like cumin turmeric. Cook everything together, let it simmer, and voilà: an inexpensive,, and surprisingly delicious meal. If you wish to add a touch of elegance, serve it rice flatbread. P.S. I do not have any recipes because I am an improvisational cook

Café visits can become costly, so it is advisable to invest in a basic coffee maker or French press (or share the expense with your roommates). Instant coffee is cheaper, but if you’re a bit of a coffee snob (like me), brewing at home gives you better quality for a fraction of the cost. Pro tip: if your university library has free coffee refills, bring your own travel mug and take full advantage. No one’s judging; they’ve probably done it too.

Now for the big expense: conferences. Registration fees, travel, and accommodation can drain your wallet faster than you can say “poster presentation.” One of my favorite strategies is hitching a ride on labmates’ grant-funded trips. If a colleague is presenting and has funding for travel, ask if they have room to split costs. Share a hotel room, offer to pitch in for gas, or just generally make yourself useful. Most people don’t mind as long as you’re polite and considerate (and maybe bring snacks for the road).

If freeloading isn’t an option, go full hustle mode. Many conferences offer volunteer opportunities that waive registration fees. Yes, you might spend a few hours handing out name tags or pointing lost attendees to the right lecture hall, but it’s a small price to pay for access to talks and networking events. For accommodation, hostels or cheap Airbnb rooms are the way to go. Pro tip: message Airbnb hosts directly to ask about discounts for longer stays or shared arrangements. If you’re traveling with a group, splitting costs for a big rental can sometimes be cheaper than booking individual rooms.

Food at conferences can also be a hidden expense, so don’t blow your budget at overpriced cafés. If your registration includes free coffee and snacks, load up when you can. For meals, scout out local grocery stores and pick up cheap, easy-to-carry options like sandwiches or fruit. And don’t be afraid to crash networking events with food—just be sure to engage in actual networking so you’re not “that person who only came for the hors d’oeuvres.”

When it comes to making extra money, side gigs are your best bet. Writing, tutoring, or freelance editing are great options because you can usually do them on your own schedule. Websites like Upwork or Fiverr can help you find gigs, but you can also tap into your academic community. Offer to proofread papers, help undergrads with problem sets, or create science outreach content for local organizations. The key is finding something that doesn’t take too much time or energy away from your research.

Finally, learn to love secondhand and free stuff. Thrift stores, university swap meets, and buy-nothing groups are goldmines for clothes, books, and even furniture. For textbooks, check your university library first. If you need your own copy, look for free PDFs online (legally, of course) or buy used editions—they’re often much cheaper than the newest version.

Being a grantless researcher isn’t glamorous, but it does teach you how to be resourceful, creative, and resilient. You find joy in small victories: a perfectly brewed coffee, a successful budget meal, or snagging a free conference pass. It’s not easy, but it’s survivable—and maybe even rewarding in its own weird way. After all, if you can handle this, you can handle just about anything the universe throws at you. And isn’t that what physics is all about?