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The Broke Student’s Guide to Surviving the Last Week of the Month (Without Asking Parents!)

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1. Introduction: The Last Week’s Struggle is Real

It’s the 24th of the month. You open your wallet, or instead click on ‘check available balance’ in the UPI app, and you have just enough money for a chai and a samosa. But you still have more of the week until your next allowance. Welcome to the last week of the month survival struggle every college student knows too well.

On the other hand, in a country like India, students often spend their entire lives managing small amounts of pocket money or earning money from part-time jobs. The problem? Rent, mess fees, travel costs, and social outings will make short work of that budget before you know it. Suddenly, add in some unexpected expenses, a birthday treat for yourself, a spontaneous trip out of town, or that irresistible online sale, and now you are counting coins instead of making plans.

Indeed, not making it to the end of the month is a story as old (ish) as time, and nearly everyone has been there in their student days. But the good news is you don’t need to go hungry, ditch your friends, or cry to your parents for an emergency transfer.

In this guide, we’ll share practical, realistic broke student tips to help you survive the last week of the month with your dignity (and your friendships) intact. These student budgeting hacks will show you how to survive on a tight budget in college, without giving up fun or good food.

2. Why Students Go Broke Before the Month Ends

If you’ve ever wondered why students run out of money before payday, the reasons are surprisingly predictable—and they tend to repeat month after month.

  1. Overspending Early

It’s like a little festival as soon as your pocket money or wages come in. You eat out with friends, buy clothes, and perhaps shop online. By the time you realize it, a large portion of your paycheck vanishes into thin air in less than a week.

  1. Unexpected Costs

That birthday present for a pal, a class trip on short notice, and a sudden requirement of academic resources will clear your budget in the very same day.

  1. Poor Budgeting Habits

A surprising number of students never bother to track their spending at all. So, when you have no clue as to where your money went, then the next thing is a surprise zero balance.

  1. Peer Pressure & Social Image

It is tempting to adjust your own budget to make it appear that you can keep up with your spendy friends.

  1. Over‑reliance on Credit/BNPL Apps

Likewise, “Buy now, pay later” services and credit cards allow you to spend next month’s money this month… often leading consumers into a downward spiral of debt.

If you do not get rid of these habits, you will always be in the same financial state as any other broke student at the end of each month. The solution is identification, identify these patterns, and act before the last-minute panic mode kicks in.

3. The Survival Mindset

Okay, let’s get the obvious out of the way; being broke by the end of each month doesn’t mean you’re useless. It is a place that almost every student visits at some point. From a broke student’s perspective, from frustration to creativity.

Rather than feeling sorry for yourself because you have no money, adopt a “make it work” mindset for managing student finances. That is what it means to focus on the ability to achieve what you can with the money and resources you have, not what you can’t. See it as a challenge, a game of sorts in which you have to flex your responsible spending muscle and practice living intelligently.

You don’t have to sacrifice fun or traveling; you just have to find all the cheap ways to do them! It may be as minor as substituting a café coffee for a homemade chai with friends, or choosing to walk across campus instead of taking a cab.

How to survive until the next allowance and cultivate savings habits that will last long after college. By reframing your Last-Week situation as a short-term experiment in frugality.

4. Food Hacks for the Broke Student

One of the biggest worries people have when they are in a financial crunch is what they will eat next. The good news? You can eat pretty well without blowing your last ₹200. Affordable and budget-friendly student meals, as well as food ideas in India, to keep you satisfied and not hungry with a smile until the end of the month.

  1. Cook in Batches

Do not cook every day; make dal chawal khichdi, pasta, or very simple one-pot curries in bulk. Batch cooking will save you money and time, and leftovers can be kept for future meals.

  1. Maximise Hostel Mess/Canteen Pass

Use your prepaid meal or canteen plan to the max. Live off it the way you should be, because it is virtually free at this point.

  1. Cheap, High‑Energy Snacks

Make sure you have these budget-friendly and filling snack options on hand, such as bananas, roasted chana, bread omelette, poha, etc., or boiled eggs. They are affordable, healthy, and great for snacking on between meals.

  1. Free Food Opportunities

Now, campus life is replete with free food, provided you know where to find it. Club events, cultural festivals, and guest lectures often come with a treat or, sometimes, a full meal.

  1. Potluck with Friends

One person makes dinner, and everybody cooks what they make. Prices are definitely lower; expect to spend far less than you would at home for a bigger variety of food.

  1. Avoid Online Food Orders

For Swiggy or Zomato, yes, they will come tempting your taste buds, but splurges in the form of delivery last week can rip shit out of your pockets faster than you thought. Save those treats for another month.

These end-of-the-month food hacks will prove that eating healthy on a budget is not just about money, but also about creativity.

5. Travel & Commute on a Shoestring

Travel costs also add up, and when money is tight, you want to save as much money as possible. You could save hundreds of rupees on your previous week’s survival plan simply by making wise decisions when it comes to traveling.

  1. Walk or Cycle

For short distances, walking or biking is typically the most cost-effective and healthful option. This not only saves you money but also provides a form of physical activity.

  1. Student Bus/Metro Pass

You can obtain student bus passes or metro cards in a few cities in India, which offer a cost per ride significantly cheaper than what you usually spend on cabs or autos.

  1. Share Auto/Cab Rides

If you can’t use official transport, organise to split with friends heading the same way. So a ₹100 cab fare = ₹25 per person for four people.

  1. Plan Outings Around Public Transport

Avoid getting stuck late at night when buses or metros are no longer operating. Concluding trips near a transport hub saves you from unexpected Uber bills on short notice.

  1. Borrow/Bike‑Share Services

Cycle-sharing services or e-bike rentals are often available on various campuses and in cities at a fraction of the daily cost, making them an ideal option for budget-conscious commuters.

These travel hacks for students demonstrate how to save money on the commute by thinking one step ahead and opting for more affordable options.

6. Entertainment Without Spending

Just because you are broke does not mean you have to sit at home and be bored. Even if you can not find freebies, there are ways to have a good time that do not include pulling out your wallet. So, nothing helps you lift yourself and make a quick connection with any free entertainment ideas for students in the last week of the month.

  1. Free Campus Events

All colleges are alive with Free Stuff — arguments, open arenas, individual evenings, concerts. They are lighthearted and entertaining, making them ideal for the new friends segment.

  1. Host Game/Movie Nights

Have a movie night or game night with friends. Invite everyone to a potluck, so the merriment is as communal and cost-effective as possible.

  1. Public Parks, Beaches, Museums

A walk through the parks, beaches, or free-entry museums of your city may be an enjoyable and zero‑cost option. Also, it is nice to get away from campus for 3 days.

  1. Skill Swaps

Organize your own workshop, and barter your skills with a friend for hers. In exchange, you could learn photography or how to cook.

  1. Sports/Games in Hostels

Host Match One might arrange cricket matches, badminton games, or a football evening in your hostel or nearby playground. It’s free and you get some exercise.

These fun ideas on a budget are living proof that broke student activities can be even more enjoyable than paid outings.

7. Side Hustles for Quick Cash

You may be at a point where your wallet is empty, and a few extra bucks will help a ton. These student side hustles are incredibly fast, flexible, and easy to do between lectures.

  1. Freelancing

If you are skilled in writing, graphic design, video editing, or social media management, consider becoming a freelancer to businesses/startups in your area. You can also connect with remote gigs on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.

  1. Tutoring Juniors

Have juniors in school or college and teach them your best subjects. The short-term tutoring, which is common and lucrative during the exam period, is often sought after by parents willing to pay well.

  1. Selling Old Books, Clothes, Gadgets

You can sell items no longer in use on popular sites such as OLX, Quikr, or the campus buy–sell WhatsApp group, declutter your room, and earn a few bucks in the process. More space, more cash, that’s a win-win.

  1. Research Participation/Surveys

There are several online companies & also colleges that pay you to participate in their research or surveys. This is not big money, however, it is a piece of cake and fast.

  1. et/Babysitting, Other volunteer events

Care for a pet or babysit for friends, neighbors, or professors.

  1. Part‑time Campus Roles

You would typically work as a library assistant, event crew member, lab helper, and campus ambassador. All of these roles are straightforward to complete and often pay on a weekly basis.

Here are short-term ways that students can make money; these include quick cash jobs for students. In the last week of the month, even a small gig can earn you money and lessen your worries till you get your next allowance.

8. Borrow Smart (If You Must)

From time to time, even with your best effort, the last week of the month will close quicker than you can save. Once again, you can fight back by borrowing responsibly, as long as it is done so in a responsible manner.

  1. Borrow Only from Trusted Friends

Keep your lending pool small. If you choose to borrow, only ask one or two close friends. This makes things simple and eliminates any awkwardness.

  1. Always Have a Repayment Plan

Develop an effective debt repayment plan. Consider when and how you will repay the money before requesting it. Let them know what the funds are for, and your friend will likely have peace of mind in lending it to you.

  1. Stay Away From High‑Interest Loans or Payday Lenders

Quick‑cash schemes and shady lenders often charge extreme interest rates that trap students in debt. Steer clear of these at all costs.

  1. Use Student Loan Apps for Genuine Emergencies

Apps offering student microloans in India, such as StuCred, can be a safer choice—but only if you use them responsibly and for genuine needs, like medical expenses or essential purchases.

  1. Borrowing Should Be a Last Resort

But do not let it be something you make a habit of every month. Accept it only where unavoidable and improve your budgeting for the future.

The bottom line is that, if used responsibly, emergency cash for students is a lifesaver, and in the process, it won’t harm your friendships or finances.

9. Avoid These Common Last‑Week Traps

When you’re already low on cash, a few minor mistakes can push you straight into the broke student traps that make survival even harder.

  1. Impulse Food Orders

That “just one” order from Swiggy or Zomato can easily go from INR 300 to 500/-. At 2 times, you have already lost half of the money you have left. Just concentrate on those food hacks and say no to app cravings.

  1. Last‑Minute Expensive Outings

A quickly arranged long weekend or an impromptu late-night movie release may sound harmless; however, the immediate cost of travel, tickets, and popcorn can be huge. So say no to the last-minute, spontaneous, and expensive plans.

  1. Borrowing Without Planning

Taking money without a clear repayment plan may lead to the formation of a student debt cycle in India. This doesn’t just harm your relationships; it also fosters an unhealthy financial habit.

  1. Overusing Credit Cards/BNPL Apps

”Future money” feels relatively easy today, but sticky tomorrow. Frequent late fees and high interest rates can turn small purchases into expensive ones.

If you avoid these last-week-of-the-month mistakes, then you have a good chance of making it through without financial stress or resorting to an emergency investment.

10. Preparing for Next Month So You’re Not Broke Again

Living through the final week of one month is all well and good, but not having to do that every month, that is the prize! If you follow these few smart habits, you can say goodbye to the struggle of running out of money and relax into student life.

  1. Budget From Day One

The day your pocket money or wages are in, immediately calculate how much you can spend every week. This prevents you from overspending in the initial days.

  1. Weekly Spending Check‑ins

Pick a regimented day (like Sunday night) to review your finances. The key is to identify overspending ahead of time, making it easy to catch and make changes before it becomes a problem.

  1. Emergency Mini‑Fund

Set aside ₹500–₹1000 at the start of the month in a separate wallet or account. We even recommend avoiding it altogether for essentials. Use it only for last week’s necessities, such as food or transportation.

  1. Track Expenses Daily

Log every rupee. You can easily log all the rupees you spend on free apps like Walnut, Money Manager, or Google Sheets. Awareness is half the battle.

  1. Side Income Stream

You can manage to save some money every month if you employ yourself in a small part‑time teaching, freelancing, or on-campus job, and stop asking for more from your parents.

  1. Separate Essentials & Fun Money

Stay away from using your rent, food money, and other travel expenses for entertainment. Be sure to put this feature into use so you never “accidentally” spend your grocery budget on a concert ticket.

Use these student budgeting tips, and you may even end up with some money left over at the end of every month. This can help you have a little fun without the guilt.

11. Final Thoughts – Broke Doesn’t Mean Boring

So, please do not treat the broke week as a disaster and think of it instead as an opportunity to showcase your creativity, resourcefulness, or intelligence in spending! What you just read about is not only tips and hacks for survival, but also foundational to lifelong money discipline.

However, it is not necessary to spend a lot on student life. Fun without money, think free campus events, no price tag at all to attend, plus ways you can spend your entire last week and still have some form of social, exciting life.

The next time you feel the pinch, try these student life hacks in India and see how much lighter you feel, financially and mentally. Remember, it’s not about having less; it’s about making the most of what you have.

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Bad Money Habits We Pick Up in College & How to Avoid Them

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To download the StuCred app, click on the link:  https://stucred.flyy.in/JXR2Q13

1. Introduction
In college, there are so many firsts — your first taste of freedom, your first all‑nighter — and for
most of you, the first time budgeting with your own money. Being free, however, also means
having a great deal of spending options and a lack of choices.

College is not solely about studying and taking tests, but it is also a way to practice essential life
skills, particularly those related to managing money. Shocker alert: Schools do not teach
financial literacy, so students are often left to learn about budgeting, saving, and debt the hard
way. And while a number of these lessons are just minimally painful, others may be universal
errors that take several years to correct.

Why does this matter? You see, the money habits you establish today don’t just have an impact
while in college; these habits develop and shape your financial future. Those early bad habits
can turn into avoidable debt — that you carry with you for the better part of your career, missed
opportunities as a result of these fewer points on poor financial health, and long-term financial
stress.

Today, we will examine the everyday poor money habits that students often develop in college
and explore ways to avoid them. Whether you are a fresher running out of pocket money
midway through term, or an experienced senior working part-time alongside your studies:

 

2. Why College Students Struggle with Money

Managing money in college can feel like a juggling act, and for many students, it’s a constant
challenge. Between limited income, high expenses, and the temptation to spend, it’s easy
to see why so many struggle to stay financially stable.

2.1. Limited Income & High Expenses
Allowances, scholarships, and part-time jobs are the primary sources of income for students.
However, the bad news is that it’s often money that has to be stretched across rent, food, tuition,
transportation, social activities—and yes, the occasional travel. Even the most prudent of
budgets can start to feel a little strained as the cost of living rises.

2.2. Lack of Financial Literacy
College prepares you for a career, but it hardly ever teaches practical money skills, such as
budgeting, saving, or understanding interest rates. The result is that many students reach
adulthood without having the first idea of how to budget for living, balance a bank statement, or
handle debt properly — thus making some costly mistakes.

2.3. Peer Pressure & Social Comparison
College is a social environment, and peer pressure can strongly influence spending.
Whether it’s the latest gadgets, weekend trips, or trendy clothes, students often feel the need to
match their friends’ lifestyles, even if it means stretching their budget too far.

2.4. Easy Access to Credit
Managing Credit Cards, BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) Apps, and quick loans has now reached a
point where spending beyond your current means is as easy as tapping the tile for a purchase.
Even if they are helpful in case of an emergency, these tools can encourage students to overuse
them and incur debt.

3. Common Bad Money Habits in College
College can be an exciting time, but it’s also a place where many students develop bad money
habits without realizing it until years later, when they have dug themselves a massive financial
hole. We unpack some of the biggest ones here — and how you can avoid making those same
mistakes.

3.1. Living Beyond Your Means
It’s tempting to buy the latest gadgets, eat out every other day, or wear branded clothes just to
keep up appearances. While it may feel harmless at the moment, this habit can quickly drain
your wallet.

For example, ₹1,500/week on coffee and snacks, meals out when you could be cooking or
eating mess food. That is ₹6,000 over a month, and you can overhaul your grocery shopping or
even go on a domestic holiday with that.

How to avoid:
● Set a realistic spending limit for non‑essentials and stick to it.
● Try the “budget envelope” method — keep separate envelopes (or app categories) for
food, entertainment, and essentials. Once the envelope is empty, no more spending in
that category.

3.2. Over‑Reliance on Credit Cards & BNPL Apps
Although credit cards and Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) apps can sometimes be perceived as a
godsend, for many students they become an easy way of getting “free money” that led them to
forget that they need to pay the amount back — at times with no small change of it being
charged with high interest rates if payments are missed.
How to avoid:
● Credit is a loan, not free income.
● Ensure that you pay your entire balance by the due date to avoid interest and penalties.
● Keep debit cards for most purchases and credit cards for emergencies.

3.3. Ignoring Budgeting Entirely
It is easy to keep track of your spending if you have a budget. Thus follows the inevitable
“Where did my money go?” moments every month.

How to avoid:
● Simply use free apps, such as Walnut, Money Manager, or even Google Sheets, to track
your daily expenses.
● Take 10 minutes each Sunday to review your previous week and identify where you went
over budget.

3.4. No Savings Habit
Most students have the mindset of, “I will start saving when I get a job once I’m full‑time! Yet, if
you can’t master the formative behavior of saving now, then it is much tougher to put into place
when needed. As an added benefit, you also lose out on that little emergency fund for those
unexpected costs.

How to avoid:
● Small beginnings — even if it is ₹200–₹500 per month
● Establish Automatic Transfers to a Separate Savings Account from Your Spending
Account

3.5. Impulse Purchases & FOMO Spending
Flash sales, peer plans, and influencer recommendations — they often drive impulsive
decisions, especially when a fear of missing out (FOMO) is associated with the deal or
experience.

How to avoid:
● Apply the “24‑hour rule”: Wait a day before buying non‑essential items.
● Create a wish list to purchase later, then revisit it after a week to see if you need those
items.

3.6. Paying Full Price When Discounts Exist
Most students also forget to buy student versions of software, take advantage of discounts for
travel plans or events, and visit cafes. It’s just throwing away money to pay full price when a
discount is present.

How to avoid:
● Search online for “student discount + product name” before making a purchase.
● Always carry your student ID with you, as you never know where you’ll find a discount,
so be sure to ask.

3.7. Borrowing Without a Repayment Plan
It makes sense to take out a loan for something necessary, such as rent or textbooks. However,
borrowing for a party, concert ticket, or gadget upgrade without considering repayment can
lead to debt stress.

How to avoid:
● Borrow only when necessary.
● Find out what you are used to and how easily it will be returned before giving a loan.
● Do not take multiple loans simultaneously.

3.8. Ignoring “Small” Expenses
Those daily snacks, premium coffee shop visits, occasional rideshares, or unused subscriptions
may seem minor, but they compound over time.
Again, spending ₹2000/day on cabs versus public transport = ₹6,000/month.

How to avoid:
● Keep track of small, recurring expenses for just one month, and you will see how quickly
the total adds up.
● Cut unused expenses (stop paying for that streaming service, home delivery, and gym
memberships you do not use).

3.9. Neglecting Financial Goals
Many students have earned income through summer internships. Yet, they often spend without
considering how they will pay for a trip related to their internship, upgrade their laptop, or fund
their graduation trip. Without a plan, they end up scrambling for money later.

How to avoid:
● Establish savings goals for the shorter term (3–6 months)
● Create a new savings account labeled with your goal, like “New Laptop Fund.”
3.10. Mixing Fun Money & Essentials
If you have all your money in one bank account, it may be too easy to spend your rent or
grocery money at a whim. How to avoid:
● Have two different accounts or wallets: one for your everyday expenses and another for
when you want to have fun.
● Only ever touch your essentials account when there is a true emergency.

4. How to Build Good Money Habits in College
The good news? You can never start too early in developing good money habits. The earlier you
start doing these little things, the more relief and confidence you will feel, knowing that your
finances are being taken care of — both now and after graduation.

4.1. Create a Simple Budget
● Follow the 50/30/20 rule:
● 50% for wants (rent, food, tuition)
● 30% want (clothes, going out, fun spent)
● 20 per cent for savings or debt pay off

4.2. Track Your Spending
Whether it’s budgeting apps or just a notebook, writing helps you identify where your money
leaks. The first step is awareness.

4.3. Start a Mini Emergency Fund
All it might take is, say, ₹2,000–₹5,000 saved up to cover emergencies like medical bills or
last-minute travel or replace a broken phone charger — and there will be no need for debt.

4.4. Borrow Responsibly
Use short‑term student loans like StuCred only when you need support, and always have a
repayment plan in mind if your financial position changes from the budget you set for yourself.
Do not borrow for consumption or impulse buys

4.5. Maximise Free & Low‑Cost Options
Utilize student discounts and library resources, and attend free campus events. Opting for
no-cost or low‑cost options means that there is more money left over for savings and the basics.

5. Why Breaking Bad Money Habits Early Matters
Your money habits, for better or worse, have a cumulative effect. In the same ways that savings
has compound effects, overspending will grow from little leaks in a boat to gaping holes costing
you money hand over fist as the years go by.

The earlier you break bad money habits, the more you will save now and in the long term. Not
graduating with a burden of debt allows one to concentrate on their career, travel, or invest in
further studies rather than dealing with loan repayments.

Unsurprisingly, a corollary of good money habits is an improved credit score, which matters
more than you might think. A good credit record facilitates housing leases, automatic financing,
and visa applications for traveling to other countries.

By starting now, you’re giving yourself a financial advantage that most people only realise they
need when it’s too late. You don’t have to be rich to be financially savvy; just start making
intentional choices today.

6. Final Thoughts + Takeaway
Understanding is the first step forward in better money management. Once you have identified
the bad money habits that were learned in college, you can then make new choices. And keep
in mind, the small stuff does add up in the long run.

You don’t have to be perfect with your finances. You just need to keep at it! It does not matter
whether you follow a budget, save a few hundred rupees each month, or give up on something
you don’t need.

Every rupee you save or spend wisely today buys you more freedom tomorrow — freedom to
travel, to take opportunities without financial stress, and to build the life you want after
graduation.

So start now. Your future self will thank you.

To download the StuCred app, click on the link below:

https://stucred.flyy.in/JXR2Q13

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DUB Speak

Digitisation of Currency: India and Its Financial Future

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With the advent of plastic money, e-banking, Paytm, cryptocurrency, and other digitised methods of payment, can India become a cashless economy?

With the rise of Digital India Campaign, and the growth of e-commerce in the country, it looks like the future of the Indian currency is moving forward in the digital sphere. However, this is not as easy as it may seem. With problems such as the country having an internet penetration rate of just 27%, as compared to the global average of 67%, only 60% of the country having bank accounts, and with 98% of the economic transactions by volume being done through cash, it is evident that the journey ahead is long and difficult.

Adding on to all this, India is a developing country with a very high poverty rate, as a student from the University of Delhi (DU) points out, “I don’t know what our Government is trying to achieve by Digital India when half the people in this country can’t even afford the internet. There are people suffering all over the country but nothing has been done about that”.

Along with this, cryptocurrency has been virtually banned by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), as stated in a circular, prohibiting banks, and financial institutions from rendering all services related to cryptocurrency in 2018. This, in turn, has also led to criticism from many who argue that the RBI has no right to pass this legislation on cryptocurrency, as it is not within the ambit of the Banking Regulation Act, through which the RBI draws most of its power.

In the face of all these statistics and opinions, why is the digitisation of currency even in the conversation? The positives of greater digitisation include paper trails which would make it harder to hide income, and would make finding black money easier, which was also one of the failed objectives of the infamous demonetisation done by the Modi administration. It would save the Government money, with the RBI currently spending INR 2,700 crores in the fiscal year 2018 on just currency issuance and management, it would be easier to conduct international payments, and the entire problem of fake currency would essentially disappear.

One of the arguments put forward against digitisation in India is that India is a majorly agrarian country, with most people depending on rural cooperative banks, most of which might not have an internet connection and the Government would not have the funds to provide it. However, this statement at its base can be proven wrong. According to the Indian Brand Equity Foundation, there are around 94,384 rural banks in India, as of the fiscal year 2017. Assuming all these banks do not have internet service, calculations of the initial cost can be made. Internet service would cost around INR one lakh for the initial licensing and legal admin fees, along with INR three to four lakhs to set up the infrastructure covering one square kilometre of the area around the tower. This leads us to a total cost of INR five lakhs on the highest end of the spectrum. Now, making the assumption that all rural collective banks do not have internet access, multiplying the number of rural banks with the initial cost would amount to around INR 4,719 crores or around USD 655 million. To put this into perspective, the Statue of Unity cost around INR 3,000 crores, and therefore, it is evident that funding this is not out of the reach of the Indian Government.

In this age of globalisation and technological revolution, the world economy and, more importantly for us, the Indian Economy is constantly changing and evolving. While digitisation of currency might be a part of this evolution further down the line, there is a still a long way for this country to go in order to make that possible, with work required in every sphere to even think about fully implementing it.

 

Feature Image Credits: 

Prabhanu Kumar Das

[email protected]

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DUB Speak

Keeping Up with the College Finances

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Having bid adieu to uniforms, daily lunchboxes, and travelling in school buses, college is when you learn how and where to spend money.

Coming to college is a step towards becoming an adult; but it can be a tough nut to crack when it comes to managing finances. Here are some tips to manage all this, smartly and efficiently:

Budget

In all the excitement to go to college all prepared, we do not realise how much money has been spent. When the realisation begins to kick-in, it is best to not have an ambiguous figure in your head; rather, a clear image of how much money is spent on different four major things – clothes, travel, food, and books or other resource material. You can also modify this budget list by adding or removing fields, based on your spending or interests.

Spending Smartly and Saving

Now try and identify expenses which can be moderated. Instead of purchasing books every semester, borrow these from your seniors or even buy them second-hand. This is a smart choice, given that there is a possibility they will have notes, or important points marked.

Instead of buying whatever clothes please your eye, make sure you try them on in the store, so there is no possibility of them being the wrong size, or something you are not comfortable in.

Ishita of Kamala Nehru College (KNC) gave a good tip and said, “I live in Dwarka where ricksha wallahs ask for a lot of money even if you go in the shared ones, I discovered that Ola and Uber cost less and were more convenient.” It is important to try out different routes or transports to rule out the most tedious ones.

Student Discounts and Offers

Today, there are endless online stores, apps, offers and combos that allow you to spend smartly, and save plenty. You only need to become aware of these avenues, for example, waiting for sales to buy clothes. Devyani Arora, a student of KNC, shared, “Many food apps have discounts that can be availed, and there are coupons that reduce the cost further. If you do not have coupons, you can also pay through Amazon Pay or Paytm to get some cashbacks.”

When going out with friends you can look for restaurants offering “1+1” deals. Arora went on to add, “Using online portals or payment through credit cards can also help get points for you to redeem later.”

 

Feature Image Credits: Skymet Weather

 

Shivani Dadhwal

[email protected]

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DUB Speak

Misery and Materialism

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Materialism can either refer to the simple preoccupation with the material world, as opposed to intellectual or spiritual concepts, or to the theory that physical matter is all there is. In today’s world, people are more concerned with what they have instead of who they are which is what materialism stands for.

Materialism can be defined as a dominating sense of desire to pursue wealth and other tangible things that can provide physical comforts that ignores the importance of spiritual values. Researchers define materialism as a value system that is preoccupied with possessions and the social image they project.

Materialism stands in contrast to idealism, which takes spirit, idea, mind, thought, the psychic, and the subjective as its point of departure. Recognition of the primacy of matter implies that it was not created but always existed, that space and time are objectively existing forms of its being, that thought is inseparable from matter that thinks, and that the unity of the world consists in its materiality.

However, materialism is considered to be a part of human nature and thus, it is inseparable from the human self. There is a good side of materialism too. Material objects can be said to play a positive psychological or spiritual role in our lives when more positive ideals are ‘materialised’ in them, and so when buying and using them daily gives us a chance to get closer to our better selves. When they are contained in physical things, valuable psychological qualities that are otherwise often intermittent in our thoughts and conduct can become more stable and resilient. This is not to say that all consumerism just conveniently turns out to be great. It depends on what a given material object stands for. An object can transubstantiate the very worst sides of human nature – greed, callousness, the desire to triumph – as much as it can the best. So one must be careful not to decry or celebrate all material consumption: we have to ensure that the objects we invest in, and tire ourselves and the planet by making, are those that lend most encouragement to our higher, better natures.

There has long been a correlation observed between materialism, a lack of empathy, engagement with others, and unhappiness. Researches show that as people become more materialistic, their well-being, autonomy, and sense of purpose diminishes. But when they become less materialistic, the same rises. Materialism promotes many other negative feelings as well like lust, selfishness, jealousy, sense of hopelessness, etc. Materialism also blocks one’s inner growth.

Materialism also leads to an increase in anxiety and depression. People also become more competitive and more selfish, have a reduced sense of social responsibility and become less inclined to join in demanding social activities.  However, these are the temporary effects and are only triggered when people are continuously exposed to images of luxury and messages that cast them as consumers in the first place.

There is a two-way relationship between materialism and loneliness: materialism fosters social isolation; isolation fosters materialism. The main reason behind this is that people who cut off themselves from others are the ones who attach themselves to material possessions. Materialism also forces people into comparison with the possession of others. The material pursuit of self-esteem reduces one’s self-esteem.

However, it can be said that too much of materialism is never good.Thus, to prevent the influence of materialism from blocking our inner growth, we need to set ourselves free from the material world, and recognize the real self that lies within us. It is only in this way that individuals can benefit the society.

As quoted by Anthony J. D’Angelo, “The best things in life aren’t things.”

Feature Image Credits: Nicky Cullen

Priya Chauhan

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Campus Central

Disguised Scamsters Terrorise DU Students

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Mutiple accounts of women dressed in green salwar-kameez, terrorising and exploiting students from across the university have surfaced online in the last couple of days.

The University of Delhi’s (DU) students have become subjects to various disguised scamsters soliciting money from students by terrorising them. A message was shared by a student from Ramjas College which started doing rounds on social media around 26th February, 2019. The message exposed a group of women dressed in green salwar-suit robbing money from the students in North Campus; all in the name of blessing the money with good fortune.

The incident shared by the Ramjas student happened on her way back to the metro station in front of Hansraj Hostel (Kamla Nagar). The student mentioned that first, a woman came to her, dressed as described above. The woman asked the student to give her a rupee or two as she waved a basket at her and claimed that the donated money was to be given at the dargah. The student was followed by the woman who consistently asked for money. After multiple denials by the student, the woman in green reportedly said that she would swear on her Baba that she had no intention to steal her (the student’s) money. The woman insisted that the student’s touching of her money to the basket would yield good fortune.

At this moment, two more women dressed similarly backed the student into a corner and forced her into taking out her money. Anxious and scared, by her own admission, the student took out a ?50 note which was snatched by the three women who pretended to pray for the student, and performed a ritual chant, as if they were blessing the student. Subsequently, the three women snatched a 500 note from her wallet and refused returning the money when asked to do so. Thankfully for the cornered student, another girl passing by observed the problem and came to assist her. However, the three women created an interruption by pushing the other girl away and took off rapidly from the scene. The victim who reported the event was shook after the three women took off.

However in the same message that has been shared by her, the student explores the intensity and terror of the situation. The same gang of scamsters were seen in the vicinity doing similar performances with other chosen vulnerable students. They were spotted around Kirori Mal College, and later near Sudama Tea Stall near Delhi School of Economics. Strangely enough, the attempt to follow the three women to thwart their exploitative targeting of students was reportedly met with obscene curses, ridiculing and insulting her future and family.

After the circulation of the aforementioned account, various students from the North Campus have narrated their own experiences with these women wearing green salwar-kameez. Most of the accounts follow a similar pattern wherein the student, mostly girls, are chosen and cornered by these scamsters who then take off with their money. The possibility of the robbing women carrying weapons has not been corroborated yet but it cannot be ruled out as well. Multiple accounts of North Campus students have exposed the deep concern that this explosive scamming mandates. No action has been taken against the identified thieving women.

However, the dargah women are not exclusive to the North Campus. Various incidents of their terror have been shared by students from Kamala Nehru College. Gargi and Rishita from Kamala Nehru College shared their experience with these women who chased them in Greater Kailash’s M-Block Market, asking for money. When denied, the women hurled abusive curses at the two unsuspecting girls. This rampant exploitation of students in the university at the hands of these women concerns us all. The fearless violations carried out by them in such active areas, in broad daylight, propose questions on the safety of students in the campus.

DU Beat appeals to everyone to stay safe and vigilant in campus until these disguised terror-inspiring women are tried legally.

Feature Image Credits: Akarsh Mathur for DU Beat

Kartik Chauhan

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Penny Hacks: 4 ways a college student can earn some money!

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No one likes asking their parents again and again for extra pocket money (especially when it is followed by your father and mother giving you judging looks). So why not earn a little bit on the side?

Read on to know about some simple ways you can earn money, while attending college!

  • Do a part-time job: There are a lot of options where you can work as a part-time employee and get paid well. Check if your time table allows you to work for four-five hours at a stretch and apply to a few places near your college/home that have the job for you. This is not only just good for the money, but also the experience will teach you a few things about corporate jobs and be a bonus point on your CV.
  • Sell your previous semester books: There is a very good chance that the bookstore you got your last semester books from will accept them and pay you half the price. There are many bookstores in the Kamla Nagar market and the Patel Chest area in North Campus that you can go to for queries.
  • Teach young students: You can home tutor young students and you can either teach them subjects like math, science, English or you can teach creative skills like playing an instrument, painting, creative writing or dancing. Ask your friends and family to help you reach out to some kids aged between 10-16 years and spend two to three days a week with them and you’ll have a fun experience!
  • Walk dogs for your neighbours: Who doesn’t like soft, furry animals? People in your locality who have dogs would probably not have time to take them out on walks and for playtime and would certainly be willing to pay someone to do it for them. If you’re a dog lover and would want a daily 20 minute time with a fluff-ball, then start asking your neighbours already!

Yes, now you can splurge a little too much on junk food, clothes and gadgets!  

Featured image credits: FilmEdge.net

Anagha Rakta
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News

Delhi University witnesses hike in fee structure

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In the past three years Delhi University has undergone such radical changes that now one does not bat an eye when the university announces another one of its “reforms”. The news of the hike in fees of almost all the colleges has remained unmentioned. Where the raise in amount is not much in Colleges like Daulat Ram, Miranda House and Hindu, it’s quite considerable in others like SRCC, St Stephen’s, Kirori Mal, LSR and Ramjas.

Yearly fee structure of Shri Ram College of Commerce is a record breaking Rs. 27,000 for third year students and Rs. 26,600 for students of second year. SRCC has always been one of the top paid colleges owing to its air conditioned class rooms but from the last time’s annual fees of Rs. 20,000, a leap of seven thousand is a bit too much. St Stephen’s College, on the other hand, increased its fee by 5 to 7 percent with the effect that a student of Humanities will now have to pay Rs. 22,435 annually as opposed to Rs. 19,925 last year.

The fee hike in Hansraj College is not so drastic in comparison. “There would be a hike but it won’t be more than 10 percent. The hike would be for all the courses except for the Bachelors of Technology (B.Tech) in Electronics,” Hans Raj College principal K.V. Kavatra was quoted saying. A student of B. Com (Hons.) for instance needs to pay Rs. 10,540 instead of last year’s Rs. 9000.

Miranda House, Hindu College and Lady Irvin College have not hiked their fee at all. Where Miranda House charges around Rs. 8000 annually, Hindu still remains one of the most affordable colleges with a fee structure ranging from Rs. 5000 to Rs. 7000. Sri Venkateswara College in South Campus is comparatively cheaper, when compared to LSR and JMC, and a student of Political Science and B. Com (Hons.) has to pay just Rs. 6505 yearly.  With a fee structure of Rs. 5000, Daulat Ram College is one of the most inexpensive colleges of Delhi University.

Reportedly, the university has nothing to do with the fee structure and the hike. The decision lies entirely with the colleges. Quite naturally, the students of colleges like SRCC are not happy. “We don’t have teacher assigned for some of the very basic subjects! There are ad-hoc teachers but we are not satisfied with any of them and we have to pay extra for that?!” said a second year student.

Image courtesy: www.frontiertreksindia.com

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DUB Speak

Money Matters: Budgeting your college expenditure

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For most of us, the first thing which comes to our mind in planning our four year stay in the capital is the budget. Even for those who already reside here, college is a huge turning point. What pesters us are the daily expenses because that is something within our domain. Since our parents are usually unaware of the daily requirements of a college student, we feel responsible for keeping our “pocket money” enough to sustain us and at the same time not act as a burden on our parents. Here is a quick look at how much college life and not education can cost you at Delhi University:

Accommodation
To begin with we must make our peace with the fact that studying out is expensive even if comfort isn’t our first priority. Most of the outstation students prefer privately owned PGs and hostels for that give them more freedom as also comfort. In North Campus, finding a high end PG which provides all the imaginable services is easy if you are ready to shell out 14000 to 20000 monthly. If you want to save up on this front then college hostels and even private PGs are available which will cost you maximum 10000 per month.

Travel and coaching classes
For students, travelling expenses are inevitable. Thanks to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited, you don’t need to spend an unreasonable amount for making a daily trip to your coaching centers or just “hanging out” with friends in cafes or movies, although I can’t promise you how much either movies or cafes or coaching centers might charge you. All you need is a metro card which is much more convenient than buying a token every time you travel, a 10% discount is an added benefit. Bus fares are fair with something between Rs. 5 -15 for Non-AC and Rs. 10-25 for an AC ride. One can also opt for an all route DTC pass that costs Rs. 100 for Non-A/C travel with student concession. For an all route A/C  DTC pass, you might have to shell out Rs. 1000. (Also see: Delhi University Colleges Metro routes)

Talking about coaching classes, some of the “elite” centers do charge exorbitantly but then they are “necessary evil” and you’ll rather want to pay more now than repent later.

Food
Food in either north or south campus is not an issue at all. College takes more than half of your day and naturally you can’t starve in that duration. There are uncountable food joints in and around the college campus which are not only delicious but also cheap. Bhel puri walas and Maggi stalls can be found in abundance, with the college canteen always being an option. If you care more about health then you can rely on fruits and juices as well.

On an average, with everything included you can expect to spend something between Rs. 100- 200 per day. If thinking about these expenses sends a chill down your spine, let me assure you that it’s not as bad as it sounds and you can always cut down on unnecessary expenditure. What you must care about now is enjoying these golden four years even if that means exceeding a little on your budget.

Image credit: freedigitalphotos.net

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Top 5 ways to make use of your Rakhi money

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5. Let the shopaholic in you take control. Waltz into random malls and buy everything you see!

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4. Remember the nasty shopkeeper who refused to bargain when you were broke? Stomp right past his shop and buy two of whatever it was you wanted from the shop beside it.shop 2

 

3. Take out your loaded wallet every time a hot girl/guy walks by and loudly say “If only I had a girl/boyfriend to splurge all this money on…”

shop

2. Convert all the money into chillar, fill your bath tub with them and have a money-bath like that demented duck in some cartoon show

money

1.  If you still have money left, spare some thought for your kind brother who made this all possible. Buy him the weirdest and most useless thing you can find!

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