One thing I have come to realize is that saving as a student is one of the hardest things to do. It actually sounds simple in theory—just put a little money aside—but when you’re actually in school, the reality is very different. There are always so many things demanding your money, and most times, the allowance or pocket money you get is not even enough to cover the basics, let alone extras.
For example, I attend a private university, and one of the rules is that students are not allowed to cook. That might not sound like a big deal at first, but when you really think about it, it makes life more expensive. The only option is to buy food, and while the cafeteria is cheaper, you can’t eat there all the time. Sometimes the food there just doesn’t appeal to you, so you end up buying takeaway. But takeaways cost more, and before you know it, your money is running out faster than you expected.
Transport is another major issue. Moving from one place to another, especially if you don’t live on campus, can be quite expensive. Personally, I sometimes just decide to trek, even if it’s tiring, because it helps me save money. Other times, if I’m lucky enough to be with friends who are kind enough to pay for everyone in the cab, I happily jump in. Little things like that really me save some money I have at hand.
If I’m being honest, I don’t really have a special or perfect saving trick. What I usually do is try to limit how often I spend on food. Most days, I eat at the cafeteria just once, usually in the morning. Then, later in the day, I’ll look for something lighter and cheaper, like garri and tofu, or even suya at night. Sometimes, I just grab a few snacks before bed instead of spending money on a full meal. It’s not the healthiest lifestyle, but it works when the goal is to make sure I don’t go completely broke.
One thing I always try to avoid in school is hitting that point where I have no money at all. I’ve always found it difficult to ask my parents for more pocket money, mostly because I don’t like disturbing them when I know how much they already spend on school fees and other expenses. That’s why I am really grateful for Hive. It has honestly been a lifesaver for me in ways I didn’t even expect.
There are times when I suddenly need money for something urgent, like printing a presentation or handling a project that costs more than I budgeted for. In moments like that, instead of calling home to ask for more money, I can simply check my Hive wallet, withdraw some funds, and take care of the bills myself. It gives me a sense of independence and relief, knowing that I have another source to fall back on when things get tough.
If I’m being sincere, Hive has really supported me in covering my school expenses. It may not solve every financial problem, but it has made a huge difference in my student life. At least now, even though saving is still a struggle, I have a way to reduce the stress that comes with money issues in school.
Thanks for reading.