How to Survive as a Broke Student

There are times as a student when you check your account balance, see nothing there, and suddenly even the smallest bills feel overwhelming. In those moments, it can feel like your life is about to fall apart. The feeling of helplessness can be suffocating, as if no matter what you do, there’s no way forward.

It’s not easy when you’re trying to pay school fees, rent, and still figure out how to survive daily life. It’s even harder when you have no helper, no supporter, and you’re the kind of person who finds it difficult to ask people for money—especially those who aren’t family—because you fear being mocked or laughed at. The weight of it all can be overwhelming, and sometimes it makes you question whether you can handle it at all.

I remember one morning I had only 500 naira in my account. I stared at the balance, feeling my stomach rumble with hunger. I had to make a choice: should I spend it on a small breakfast to survive the morning, or save it for bus fare to get to school? I ended up skipping breakfast, which made me feel tired, drained, and frustrated during lectures. Later that week, I had assignments to print but no money for printing. I had to improvise by using online PDFs, borrowing pens, and asking classmates for help without feeling embarrassed. These small struggles, repeated day after day, taught me lessons no textbook ever could.

It taught me patience — never take action when you’re overwhelmed, because mistakes are likely. Most times, when I feel overwhelmed, I cry in silence, then clean my tears, eat, and sleep to allow my brain to rest. The next day, I wake up with a clear mind, ready to think logically and make better decisions. I’ve learned that it’s okay to pause, to take a step back, and let yourself recover before facing challenges again.

It also taught me that survival is strength. If you’re the type who has debts to pay, no income, and no supporter, don’t let life overwhelm you. Pause, rebuild, and focus on survival — your mental health comes first before anything else. I discovered that prioritizing mental stability over everything else is not weakness; it’s preparation for solving bigger problems. Learn new skills that can give you income, using free resources like YouTube and Google. Be consistent. You don’t need motivation — motivation comes and goes, but structure keeps you moving. Once you’ve learned a skill, put it into practice. You don’t have to solve all problems at once; take it step by step.

Here are some practical tips I’ve learned along the way:

1. Manage small amounts carefully – Track every naira and prioritize essential bills first. Even small purchases can add up quickly, so knowing exactly where your money goes helps you survive month to month.

2. Protect your mental health – When overwhelmed, rest, cry if you need to, and return with a clear mind. Your mental energy is more valuable than rushing into solutions you’re not ready for.

3. Learn skills for income – Focus on free online resources, practice consistently, and apply them step by step. Start small, and build slowly; each skill is a step toward financial independence.

4. Plan meals and shopping wisely – Simple budgeting helps stretch your funds further. Cooking at home, avoiding unnecessary snacks, and buying in small quantities can make a huge difference.

5. Avoid unnecessary borrowing – Focus on what you can control to reduce stress. Loans may seem like shortcuts, but they can add pressure you don’t need right now.

6. Take small steps consistently – You don’t have to solve all problems at once. Tackling one thing at a time ensures progress without burning out.

Even when it feels like everything is against you, remember that each small step forward is a victory. Being broke doesn’t define your future; your patience, persistence, and effort do. Step by step, day by day, you can rebuild, survive, and grow stronger than yesterday.

And above all: keep moving forward, no matter how small the steps, because your story is far from over. ✅