Managing money as a student is never easy. Between allowances from home, and the temptation to spend on food, outings, and small luxuries, it is very easy to go broke before the month even ends. Many students face what we often call the “end of semester struggle,” when wallets are empty, and survival becomes the main priority. But for me, I learned early how to manage my money and that discipline saved me from many hard times.
When I was in school, I never got broke to the point where I had nothing at all to eat. Of course, there were days when my account balance read “0 naira, 0 kobo,” but one thing I never lacked was foodstuff at home. I always go to school with enough food items. Some people would complain about carrying loads back from home, but I never minded. I carried the load, and that load carried me throughout the semester. At the end of some semesters, I even had extra foodstuff left that I gave to my friends who stayed behind in school. That little decision to plan ahead saved me from unnecessary spending and hunger.
Cooking at home was another key to managing my budget. I avoided the habit of buying food outside because I knew how fast that would drain my pocket. Instead, I cooked my meals and only spent small amounts in school on snacks or biscuits to hold me till I got home. This discipline not only saved me money but also helped me eat better. While some of my classmates would spend a large part of their allowance in food canteens, I knew that one plate of food outside could buy ingredients that would cook several meals at home. That mindset really helped me manage my finances.
Another strategy I used was to budget myself weekly. Instead of withdrawing large amounts of money at once, I calculated how much I needed for a week and only withdrew that amount. I knew that if I had too much cash on me, I would spend without even realizing it. It was not always easy because the temptation to spend is real, especially when friends are going out or when something flashy catches your eye. But self-control is part of survival as a student.
With all my careful spending, I made it a habit to save something, no matter how small. Since most of my big expenses like foodstuff and provisions were covered from home, I only bought perishable things like pepper or meat for stew. This left me with a little money that I could keep aside. My savings were not huge, but they were enough to help me in unexpected situations. Saving, no matter how little, is a culture I believe every student should adopt.
Money may not always be plenty, but with discipline and simple strategies, you can survive school without being broke before the semester ends. Trust me, it is never about how much you have, but how well you manage it.
I am inviting 
