Students Struggle to Keep Up With Rising Costs

Autumn Clewell | Writer

The fact of the matter is: being a broke college student isn’t just a stereotype, it’s a reality. Between paying for books, gas, fancy drinks, and other living essentials, money can evaporate from your bank account in no time. And for those students who do have part-time jobs, sometimes they don’t make enough to live comfortably. 

The biggest challenge however, is finding a balance between spending and saving. It is quite easy to say, “Budget better,” but when unexpected expenses come up, such as a car repair or fees at school, it’s not always easy to budget better. Therefore, sacrifices have to be made in whatever way possible, such as skipping meals at restaurants, eating less expensive food, and using recycled materials instead of buying new ones. 

On the other hand, there is a feeling of obligation or pressure to keep up socially. Hanging with friends, events, or even something as simple as having a cup of coffee with people can become a luxury rather than everyday activity. This can make it difficult for students to keep up socially or enjoy their college lives. 

Despite all of this, students manage to adjust. Whether it’s getting extra shifts, finding deals, or just learning to live with what they have, being a broke college student can be a big aspect to building character. It’s not always easy, to say the least, but it’s something that many people can relate to, and something that will affect them for a long time to come.