Hello-ji!
If you’ve ever calculated whether you can afford that second chai after tiffin, or you’ve asked your friend “bhai tu UPI kar de, main baad mein deta hoon,” then congratulations — you’re officially a student with a financial crisis.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Most students in India are experts in surviving on tight budgets, managing rising expenses, and still somehow affording a birthday cake for a friend. Let’s unravel the (empty) wallet tales of today’s youth — with a side of humour and reality.
1. Pocket Money = Pocket Panic
Let’s be honest. Monthly pocket money ends faster than a 2GB daily data plan. Rent, food, travel, recharge, sudden group outings, exam printouts, and of course, emotional damage from surprise expenses.
Parents think ₹2,000 is enough. Reality: It barely covers Maggi, mobile recharge, and mood swings.
2. Education Is Expensive, Emotionally Too
College fees, coaching fees, project fees, exam fees, re-exam fees (ouch) — education might be priceless, but it sure comes with a hefty bill.
And that’s before we even talk about buying textbooks that cost more than your entire wardrobe.
3. Part-Time Jobs? Great. Time? Not So Much.
Many students try to balance part-time gigs or freelancing to earn a few bucks. Noble effort, but managing studies, deadlines, and demanding clients — all for ₹300 an hour — isn’t exactly glamorous.
Also, you thought clients ghosting only happens in relationships? Wait till you freelance.
4. Hostel Life = Managing a Budget with MasterChef Skills
One gas stove, five flatmates, and a single packet of instant noodles. Miracles happen in hostels. Financial creativity is off the charts.
You’ll learn how to make chai for five in one teabag, and how to stretch ₹100 for a week. Financial literacy? Certified by hostel life.
5. Social Life Tax: Unexpected, Unavoidable, Unnecessary (Sometimes)
Farewell party, fresher’s night, birthdays, sudden trips, movie plans — peer pressure is not just academic, it’s economic. Saying “no” without sounding broke is an art.
Let’s be honest: You’ve attended events you couldn’t afford just to avoid looking like a killjoy.
How to Survive (Without Selling a Kidney)
- Track every rupee: Not in your head, on an app or a notebook. Yes, even that ₹20 spent on chocolate.
- Set daily/weekly budgets: And try not to break it on Day 1.
- Cook occasionally: Swiggy doesn’t love you back.
- Avoid emotional spending: Buying things when sad is a trap. So is buying them when you're happy.
- Emergency fund: Even ₹200 saved monthly can help during those "Bro, mujhe ₹50 chahiye urgently" moments.
“Being broke teaches you what a budgeting app never will: the power of saying no to cold coffee.”
🧭 Final Thoughts
Every student has, at some point, looked at their wallet and wondered, “Where did all my money go?” Financial struggles are real, but so are the lessons they bring.
You learn value, priorities, and creative survival hacks that no MBA course will teach.
So the next time you’re broke, hungry, and hustling — just know, you’re not failing. You’re just financially fluent in student life.
