Perspective: Surviving on a student budget

The next exam is the least of a student’s worries as other components of their lives become prominent like paying the monthly phone bill or rent. Sometimes what may seem like the cheapest option can actually become a financial burden.

Enjoying a simple luxury like renting a movie can become a huge dent in a paycheck when the mind of a college student can barely remember when assignments are due, let alone remember a movie rented is due back the next day. If the chance of being able to watch the movie comes up and the movie is worth buying, will students actually be able to afford it with the way prices are now?

Students who attend college have to worry about other responsibilities that come along with becoming an adult aside from classwork. Not only are they worried about how much miscellaneous expenses for class are going to cost, but they also have to keep in mind how much they have left to spend for their next meal.

Most important is learning how to manage a budget during the beginning of the school year when purchasing textbooks and other supplies necessary to excelling in a course. As these things add up, it becomes difficult for students to understand where money is going to come from especially when you’re taking care of things on a weekly or monthly basis.

How are students supposed to focus when the weight of what is happening beyond the classroom is affecting the productivity of what is going on inside the classroom?

There are services provided for students but how many students actually know they exist? Not only are students unaware of the existence of these services, but according to The Washington Post, students are reluctant to ask for help.

Students are at a time in their lives where they want to feel as if they’re adults and avoid asking for help. According to The Washington Post, it’s easier to discuss the prices of textbooks or tuition than it is to discuss what can be afforded besides what is required for college.

Also according to The Washington Post, an issue that many students deal with is being able to afford a meal. Students go hungry. While there are places to receive meals such as campus food services, how many of those are available and which students qualify?

Although it could be considered cheaper being a community college student, most students are still struggling either because they don’t qualify for certain financial aid or they don’t make enough to afford more than just the essentials.

Community college students are trying to enjoy the experience of being just that-college students. But it seems as if they don’t get to enjoy the opportunities available to them because they can’t afford it or are unaware of the various help offered to them. Most establishments offer, but don’t always advertise, student discounts. For some it might be difficult to ask, but there’s really nothing wrong with asking if a student discount is available.

For a list of places that offer student discounts visit www.rather-be-shopping.com.

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Perspective: Surviving on a student budget