University is one of the most financially demanding institutions a student will ever attend. The fact is, some people are from well-to-do families and others are not. But we all have to find a way to survive. How then can do you so with what feels like few funds?
To begin with, be yourself! You must understand and accept your financial status. Do not try to live above your standards because a fake lifestyle is demanding. Where are you going to get funding for this fake you? You will end up being a serial borrower and bad debtor, a conman, just to sustain this fake self. Female students (and a few males too), may end up in unhealthy intimate engagements to keep up the posh lifestyle. So avoid all this and just be yourself. You will save yourself a lot of trouble.
Embrace cost sharing; it will also enable you to manage and live within your finances. Imagine there are two students, Sandra and Sarah, who study BBA. The two decide to rent a room together. They each pay half the fee to meet the cost. They also split the bill for basic items such as gas, electricity and water. Given the fact that they are both business students, they need the same reading materials so they agree to split the bill and share the material between themselves. They will have cut down their costs and most likely save something for a rainy day. Borrow a leaf from them.
Stay away from demanding relationships. This does not mean that you should not date. Simply avoid those whose lifestyles you cannot keep up with. Remember, a number of students are looking for partners who can pay their living costs. Avoid this lot, otherwise they will drain the little you have. If you must get into a relationship, find someone who is considerate. Similarly, be firm with friends or roommates who are always asking you to buy them something. Learn to say no, without offending them.
Another thing you can do is minimise internet expenditures. Use the campus WiFi for your work, and when you load those costly bundles, ensure you are using them well, or put a cut off time for when to stop scrolling endlessly on social media. Each MB is costing you, so use them well.
Harry Mukhooli
Image source: Pixabay
