How to Survive the Semester Without Borrowing a Kobo

Being a student is hard, managing your finances doesn’t have to be hard too.

Written by Miriam Onyemenam

At the beginning of every semester, there’s always that tendency to overspend; buying new clothes, ordering food every other day, or attending all the resumption parties. Until reality hits, and your account don dey red. Suddenly, you’re calculating what you can eat with your last 1k, and the thought of borrowing starts creeping in.

But don’t worry, surviving a whole semester without borrowing is very possible—you just have to be smart about it.

Start with a Budget

Before you start spending anyhow, sit down and map out a budget. How much money are you starting with? What’s urgent and what can wait? Start with your essentials: rent, feeding, and transport. Trust me, if you don’t organize your money, campus life will finish you before the semester even starts. Budget like your academics depend on it because technically, it does.

Cut Costs Where You Can

Yes, campus life is expensive. From buying textbooks to feeding every day, things add up fast. But there are ways to dodge some of the unnecessary costs. For example, if nothing is wrong with your phone, why are you planning to change it just because a new model is out? Focus on what truly matters and use the 

Cooking Is Not Only For Caterers

Let’s be real, buying food outside every day is a sure way to finish your pocket money before mid-semester. Learn to cook! You don’t need to become a master chef; even basic meals can save you a lot. Buy foodstuff in bulk, plan your meals, and you’ll see the difference. And if you must eat out, make it once or twice a week. Let your wallet breathe small.

Cut Down on Expensive Fun

You don’t have to go broke to have fun. Instead of going to expensive parties or hanging out at expensive spots, try a movie night with your guys or take advantage of free campus activities. After all, a good time is all about the company you keep, not the cash you spend.

Another way to have a good time without breaking the bank is to subscribe to our newsletter for more fun tips and relatable content that will keep you entertained. It won’t cost you a kobo either!

Forget Impulse Buying

We all love nice things, but before you buy the latest Air Jordans or a new perfume bottle, ask yourself if it’s really necessary. Impulse buying can mess up your budget faster than you think. That thing you want? Sleep on it first. If after a few days, you still feel like you need it, then maybe go for it. But if it’s just a “want,” resist the temptation.

Plan For Emergencies

No matter how well you plan, life has a way of bringing surprises. Whether it\’s extra printing costs or unexpected assignments, an emergency fund will save you. Even if it’s a small amount, setting money aside for emergencies can keep you from borrowing when things go south.

Hustle on the Side

If you have the time, finding a side hustle could help you stay afloat. You take up a gig like graphic design or social media management. And if you have a skill like hairdressing or catering, you can also turn that into a source of income. Just ensure it doesn’t interfere with your academics because that should always be your main focus.

At the end of the day, surviving a semester without borrowing is about being smart, planning ahead, and using your money wisely. With these small changes, you’ll make it through the semester without begging anyone for urgent 2k.

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