With all the work commitments, extracurricular activities, assignments, and many other things that need to be done, it can be extra difficult for students to maintain a healthy lifestyle and budget the little money they have. Indeed, when we enter college, we lose the cushy lifestyle we used to have with our parents. We learn to fend for ourselves, and we finally understand that life outside of our parents’ territory is not as easy as it seems.
Here’s how you can have a healthy standard of living on a shoestring budget.
Use Your Status
Being a student has its own perks: you get to purchase things at discounted prices. Therefore, before you flinch at the thought of having only a small amount of money for groceries and other things, think about how you can use your status to stretch your budget. There are groceries, boutiques, and other retail stores that provide student rates to learners. You can even get discounted movie tickets if you ask around.
Live Simply
Set a budget to track your expenses. Control your whims and purchase only what is needed. You can also stay in affordable apartments instead of the more luxurious and expensive ones. Some apartment buildings offer the perfect accommodation for students looking for cheap lodgings with excellent amenities. Eat healthy food as well. Healthy options are more affordable than those laden with preservatives.
Manage Time Well
Set a time frame for all your activities. As much as possible, avoid staying up late at night, whether you are doing assignments or staying out with friends. Free your night times from all activities and make it a time for rest and sleep. A well-rested mind and body keep your mind sharper, help you focus better, and make you more productive during the day. With enough rest, you will be able to make better decisions for your life as a student.
Manage Your Stress Levels
Being a student is undoubtedly stressful, and stress can have negative effects on your health. Hence, it is important to keep stress levels at bay. Apart from keeping yourself active, it is also important to give your body and mind a few hours of relaxation. Take a nap when you feel exhausted, take a leisurely walk across the neighborhood, or have some free time with friends. Consider taking some supplements that can help reduce anxiety and stress.
Use Online Resources
Certain assignments and activities require you to purchase certain materials. Instead of grabbing supplies from the nearby shops immediately, take some time to do your research online and see if there are stores or people who offer the same items at reduced prices. Online searches can do wonders and can take you to suppliers who have special rates for students.
Be Optimistic
According to research, a positive outlook on life has several health benefits. These include lower stress levels, greater resistance to certain illnesses, enhanced psychological and physical well-being, improved coping skills in school and many other aspects of life, increased life span, lower rates of depression, and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Student life is often beset with exhausting and anxiety-inducing events, and it can be hard to feel optimistic at times. But dealing with things in a negative light can only make matters worse. To keep yourself healthy psychologically, think positively even during those times of intense difficulties. Surrounding yourself with positive people and taking things lightly also help.
Know Your Needs and Wants
These are two different things. Knowing which one is more important can help keep you from overspending. It also keeps you from getting into debt. Splurge only on things that truly matter or which are truly needed. Learn to keep your self-control on things that you can do without. When you have mastered this, you will be surprised at how much savings you can make as a student.
College life is where you will learn how to be independent. You will have to face challenges in budgeting and other things. If you were used to having a lavish lifestyle when you were still with your parents, you need to understand that being a student away from home entails living independently.
You have to learn to keep yourself safe and make sure that you live a healthy life while away from home. You also have to make sure that you do not run out of funds and have enough to get by for each month.
