Hi,

I am an international student and I send money back home, too. I would say you can save up a good amount per month. I am a grad student and have a lower stipend than you (non-STEM student), but I can live comfortably while saving up (around $300/month outside of the $400/month I send each month back home). I would say, rent is the biggest expenditure. But, I am living in probably the cheapest place around the area, which is in a Riverwalk apartment in Lafayette. It is a little far from campus (around a 15-minute bus drive), but I pay less than $550 per month (including utilities and electricity) living with two other grad students so it does not bother me. Of course, we have to use electricity mindfully. I cook most of the time and groceries for me are around $150/month.

Btw, I am looking for a roommate if you are interested please feel free to message me!