Various challenges face Kenyan college students. These challenges range from financial instability, drug and substance abuse, depression and mental health issues, peer pressure, and academic problems.
Most who have been to campus, college, or TVET institutions can relate.
They say it is always darkest before dawn, so it is normal to encounter these challenges before receiving the prize—graduation. Here are some life hacks one can use to survive the storm:
Avoiding Drugs and Substance Abuse
Substance abuse has had a devastating impact on young people in Kenya, both physically and financially. Individuals struggling with addiction often find themselves trapped in a cycle of substance abuse and financial instability.
One of the most significant financial consequences of substance abuse is the exorbitant cost of maintaining a habit.
When individuals lack the necessary resources, they may resort to desperate measures such as theft or borrowing heavily, further worsening their financial problems.
Impaired judgment is another common consequence of substance abuse, leading to careless actions like losing valuable belongings or engaging in risky behaviours that can result in legal trouble.
These consequences can be costly, both financially and emotionally.
Additionally, substance abuse can impair decision-making abilities, making individuals more susceptible to peer pressure and impulsive spending. This can lead to unnecessary expenses and further drain their finances.
Visiting Home More Often
A student can save a significant amount of pocket money by visiting home occasionally, especially if they live nearby. Some students overlook the importance of going home, yet it is the best way to clear your head, see your family, and return with some extra money and shopping.
In most instances, when one goes home, they get to come back with farm produce such as potatoes, maize, beans, eggs, or even fruits. By going home, one can avoid spending too much money on food since you get to eat as much as you want for free.
Another benefit is a change in one's state of mind. Whatever mental health issues or sickness one may be struggling with at school, going home provides an opportunity to relax and focus on family. Sometimes, love from family can significantly improve one's mental state.
Avoiding Unnecessary Relationships
By avoiding unnecessary relationships, one can reduce stress and save money.
An example of an unnecessary relationship is having friends who strain your budget. Some friends rely on you for food and drinks, even though these expenses were not part of your budget. Other friends may pressure you into buying unnecessary items.
It’s also important to avoid friends who borrow money but cannot afford to return it. You should not spend all your student loan money trying to please your friends or partners.
Investing in a Business
Investing in a business is one of the best ways to save and make money while in school. Through investment, you can ensure that you will always have some pocket money throughout the semester.
Pulse spoke to Shalin Chepkemoi, an alumnus of Moi University who had a clothing business while on campus:
“I started my business using the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loan, and it thrived. Selling clothes to campus students was a great idea since looking good is a big priority for any student. Ladies need crop tops, mom jeans, and dresses for parties and events, while men love customized t-shirts and shoes that scream drip. I could make up to Sh1,000 a day, or Sh500 on a slow day. This helped me pay some bills and still have enough pocket money throughout the week.”
Lastly, you can live within your means and save money by cooking (where allowed) instead of spending on ‘Kibandaski’ food, and by living in affordable housing. It’s important to stay in a house that you can comfortably maintain.