Being a student is exciting, but watching every cent can feel like a full‑time job. The good news? You don’t need a finance degree to stretch your budget. Below are easy, real‑world steps that work whether you live in a dorm, a shared flat, or at home.
First thing you need is a clear picture of where your money goes. Grab a free budgeting app or just a notebook, and log every expense for a week. You’ll be surprised how many coffees, snacks, or impulse buys add up. Once you see the pattern, cut the non‑essentials and set a realistic weekly limit. This habit not only saves cash but also reduces money‑related stress.
Food is the biggest expense for most students. Cook in bulk on weekends, portion it out, and freeze meals for busy weekdays. A simple stew or pasta sauce can feed you for days at a fraction of the cost of take‑out. For transport, consider walking, biking, or a student transit pass. Those passes often cost less than a few rides a day and give you unlimited travel on buses and trains.
Next, look at your study materials. Before buying a new textbook, check if the library has a copy or if a digital version is cheaper. Many professors also post lecture slides online, so you might not need the full book at all. If you must buy, compare prices on second‑hand sites—students sell barely‑used copies at half price.
Housing can be a nightmare on a tight budget. If you’re in a shared house, negotiate utilities and internet costs to split evenly. A small change, like turning off lights when you leave a room, can shave a few dollars off the monthly bill. When it’s time to move, look for listings near campus that offer walkable access; you’ll save on transport and possibly get a lower rent.
Entertainment doesn’t have to break the bank either. Campus events, free movie nights, and student discounts at local venues are gold mines for fun without spending much. Bring your own snacks to events, and you’ll avoid pricey concession stands. Even streaming services often have student plans that cut the cost by half.
Finally, build a tiny emergency fund. Even a small stash of 2,000‑3,000 rand can cover an unexpected expense and keep you from borrowing. Set up an automatic transfer of a modest amount each payday; the money adds up without you even noticing.
Stick to these habits, and you’ll see your student upkeep become manageable rather than overwhelming. Managing money is a skill that pays off long after graduation, and starting early puts you ahead of the game.
NELFUND clarifies its loan disbursement rules, limiting upkeep to specific academic sessions to stop duplicate payouts. Director Oseyemi Oluwatuyi explains the new process, rejection stages, and what students need to do.