In Nigerian universities, there is always a phase when students go through alot financially, and surviving the rainy says may seem so difficult. Just like the title says, I would definitely tell you this is sapa and for those who do not know what this means, let me give you a brief talk about what it is all about.
“sapa” is a popular word every student is all too familiar with. Let’s generally call it a state of financial hardship or a dreaded period when funds run low and students must always look for a way to survive.
Don’t fret too much; there is always a way to get through times like this and that is why I have written this article to give you a glimpse on practical ways to survive sapa in every nigerian university
I know you might be doubting your money management skills every time, but even the state of the economy is not helping as well.
So, while you’re trying to survive this new academic session, keep this in mind: It’s not you, it’s Nigeria. You’re doing your best with what you have. Don’t be too hard on yourself when Sapa hits. Instead, focus on these few strategies I’ll give you and make sure to keep them in mind.
Practical Tips to Survive Sapa in a Nigerian University
1. Create a Realistic Budget:
You can start by creating a proper budget tracking your expenses and income. This helps you to know how well you are spending your money, ensuring you identify your necessary costs like rent, transportation, and food. So you can eventually prioritize them to avoid impulse spending regularly no matter how tempting it seems to be.
2. Cook Your Own Meals:
As a student who finds this really relatable, I can agree with you that buying food daily is really expensive if you are trying to manage. Make sure you try cooking your meals at home during weekends when you are less busy to save money and eat healthy. Another easy way around this should be cooking with friends or roommates, to buy ingredients in bulk and reduce costs.
3. Take on a Side Hustle:
A part-time job or a small business can provide extra income which can help in reducing financial struggle. Consider working on your skills and also let people know about what you do, because it opens door for opportunity. You can start selling products online as a WhatsApp vendor; it may not be easy, but it’s definitely worth it.
4. Be Smart About Transportation:
Transportation costs can drain all you have when you don’t move around campus strategically. If you live far away from campus, try to make sure you plan all your movement for the day to avoid moving to different places unnecessarily. Better yet, consider staying closer to school if possible.
5. Live Within Your Means:
It’s not advisable to fall into peer pressure and overspend to keep up with others. It will save you alot when you learn to say no to unnecessary expenses and focus on your priorities.
6. Avoid too much Impulsive Spending and Appreciate the help you get:
With a currency that’s losing value daily, everything costs more—except your pocket money or allowance, which probably hasn’t increased in ages. Not all students even receive allowance or pocket money, so it’s a different struggle for students who are trying to survive in school with no allowance. Whenever you see someone who can give you free money in this economy, just embrace that person and the money like someone who is deeply falling in love.
See also: 7 Experiences Every DELSU Fresher Knows to Be True
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