Hostel life is more or less a bumpy ride! We do not have luxuriant comforts of home such as homemade food, tea & snacks served hot at every hour, late night television parties and a long circle of siblings and relatives. We leave behind the comforts of our home to travel to a new and exciting destination.
Living in a hostel is fun, freedom, no hassle of homely responsibilities! You live an independent life where you have a lot of exposure and scope to excel. But a hosteller faces a lot of pits in his way.
The basic necessity of life-money! Hostellers are usually short of money a number of times. Having spent a few bucks more at the weekend, you might end up having empty pockets the next week!
So, how to save some quick handy bucks while you live in a hostel?
Here are some practical measures how you can save your money:
Do not spend on an impulse:
Avoid spending lavishly even if you have a lot of money in hand. Always save up for there might be an unknown emergency ready to knock at your door!
Save while buying study materials:
Since you are a hosteller, make friends within seniors and younger faculty members so that you have an easy access to books and notes. This way you don’t have to spend on buying textbooks. Even if you buy books, go for some second hand editions to that you can save a few bucks.
Utilise college facilities:
A number of over-enthusiastic students end up screwing their finances. If you are a gym freak, try to use the college gym rather than joining it somewhere else. Try to use the college recourses to save money in your pocket. Take advantage of what your campus has to offer in terms of activities, rather than spending money on going out.
Skip expensive spring break and summer trips – look into alternatives, like volunteering, instead.
Cope up with the food of the College mess:
Accept the fact that college messes do not serve lavishly cooked food. Do not expect much taste and spice from your college food. But enjoy it; it is what others are having too! Avoid spending much on pizzas, coffees and stuff! Make your own coffee. While coffee shops are convenient, they charge hefty prices that really add up over time.
Shop where they offer student discounts:
A number of shopping malls, bookstores and even grocery stores give you discounts on a student’s id. Plus -Never go grocery shopping when you’re hungry!!
Make friends with the Hostel Staff:
Hostel Staff have the key to everything... Soaps, Bath Towels, Internet! You get the idea. Having good terms with the warden and the mess incharge gives you an edge above those whom they don’t even know!
Be smart, make money:
When you are in college there are a number of ways to make money. If you are good at a skill then market it! Do not waste your talent; rather put it to your own use. There are website designers, literary honchos, guys who make music, while some make money out of completely different ways, all you got to do is to think one for yourself!