As a student living in one of the most popular neighborhoods off campus, I would say the cost of living is quite fair. Based on the hivelearners topic, we are asked to talk about the cost of living in our area. So many factors affects my cost of living anywhere I find myself and now that I’m in school, it is a lot easier than I expected it to be. The only thing that I’m a little bit worried about is my apartment rent which I find quite expensive for a student area but then, it is worth it because I get all the comfort I need and I also have a roommate too to share the bills with.
Weighing the cost of living can be a bit hard because things changes daily but then, I will say my cost of living since I got admission into the university has been one that I can cope with when it comes to feeding, transportation, electricity bill and the likes. Daily, I spend an average of $1 and there are some days I spend way beyond that and other days I don’t even spend any money at all because I will be at home. I only worry about spending so much money when I have to leave my hostel either to school or elsewhere. But then, most of the time it is something that I can plan for so I won’t be affected by it that much.
Somedays when I’m going for classes, we have the option to either take a cab, take a bus or walk. If I want to take a cab, it will cost me twice as much as it will cost me if I took a bus so I most times employ the use of bus if there are buses available. Although, taking a bus sometimes might be slow especially when I’m running late so I try my best to always wake up early so I don’t go late. By so doing, I’m able to cut down my cost by half. Also, on most days, I also make use of my legs to places especially when the location is within the school and that saves me my whole money.
As for food, most times I try my best to always prepare my food myself rather than buying from restaurants since that will cost me more. One of the foods that are economical for me are beans and soups. Making these dishes can last me for a long time and save me from the stress of cooking every day or spending every day on food. All I have to do is wake up early to get it warmed up to eat before leaving for my classes. On days when I refuse to cook, I spend so much on food because I end up buying things that are expensive and not really satisfying. I regret it all the time and because of that, I always try my best to cook on my own.
As for other bills that I have to settle, they are quite expensive but since they come yearly, monthly, biweekly and weekly, it is a little easier to settle. I just prepare my mind and pocket towards them because they are basic necessities. The truth is, changing my location might not be really helpful, but who knows? This location for me, is one of the best and a lot of students wish to be in the place I’m residing so I’m guessing it is a great choice of location especially in a student environment like this. All I have need of is around me so if there is anything I need to help me cut down cost of living, it should be proper planning.
If I can be able to plan things out well, it will help me save a lot. Like buying things in bulk and always preparing more soup and beans, hehe. Also, always eating from home rather than going on an empty stomach and ending up buying something in school that is not satisfying but expensive. I believe that if I can master the act of planning ahead, my life will be two times easier than it is now. The cost of living is something that is quite a hassle everywhere but then, it is still manageable as long as we can control some unnecessary spending.
Thanks for reading through. ❤️
Images used are mine
