<prompt> Human: Hi All,Im an international student in US. I came to US for my Masters at a top US school. I took huge students loan worth 40K at high interest rates back home. I found a good job after graduation 5500 per month take home pay. My intent was always to pay off student loans as soon as possible. There was also this uncertainty about US work visa due to lottery system. I had 12 months of OPT periodwork authorization without the need of a work visa.I came up with a plan to save atleast 3500-3800 per month. Although I could have brought an old car, I car pooled with my colleague to work everyday. I made up my mind to continue living like a student. For me saving was critical since I work in pricey Bay Area. I lived in a shared room paying 850 a month. I set aside 150 for nightouts with friends. Rest was spent on grocery every month.I did minimal shopping during this period. I bought only essential stuff. I hardly ate out. I kept track of my monthly expenses in Excel. I ensured I dont take any unnecessary debt. I have 20K in CC limits. I ensured I pay off completely my credit card bills every monthLiving like this was difficult initially. But it became a habit over time. By saving almost 3500 every month, I was able to pay all of my student loan in just 12 months. I was lucky to get work visa the next year. If this had not happened, I would have had to go to my home country. It would have taken alteast 5 years to pay all this debt. Im glad to pay all this debt so soon. I bought a car only this month. This is my story. I hope this post helps all people here, especially international students in US who take massive student loans to study here.  <response>: Great job! You put together a plan and managed to stick to it through completion. Congrats! 