Working your way through college is really, really hard. Sometimes we’re appreciated and given credit for our hard work by the people around us, but most of the time we aren’t. College. Is. Hard. Paying for everything on top of having to focus on school doubles the stress load. Here are 10 lessons you learn from working your way through college.
1. College is nothing like high school.
For the first time, we have to pay all our own bills, and it makes the transition 10 times harder. Classes require a lot more work time outside of class than high school did, which is why finding a balance is the first step to getting into a comfortable groove.
2. School and work come before social time.
The day is productive if you get a lot of studying done, or you work a shift. Your job and your homework come first. Time is money. You learn the cold reality of missing out on some pretty fun social events because you have to work, and over time, you realize that there is always an excuse to socialize. Skipping Mardi Gras, Cinco de Mayo or one night of Halloween isn’t going to hurt you in the long run.
3. The little things add up.
So many overlooked little amenities like Advil or an umbrella have to be re-bought if you didn’t pack them from home. Things cost money. Starbucks every day or eating out all the time can really pinch your bank account. Too many times I have taken how nice it was to have Mom and Dad buy laundry detergent, milk or the good shampoo and conditioner for granted. Now I hate even buying toothpaste.
4. Cut corners when you can.
You can rent Macbooks from College Library if your ancient HP moves like a turtle. Instead of buying or renting a textbook, many are available on reserve at the library for two hour checkout times. Goodwill is my new best friend, and the dollar store is my second best friend. I’ve also heard that Tindr can mean free food…
5. Plan to save up for the expensive things you really want, or let it go.
You always wanted to join a sorority until you realized how expensive it actually is. The money you saved from paying dues can go to gas, rent or textbooks. When we are dead set on something expensive, we learn how to plan ahead and save money far in advance. You can make your own dreams come true when you fund Spring Break entirely on your own, and in a way, it makes you proud to be on that vacation. You treat the Macbook you spent so many months saving up for like gold.
6. Keeping up with trendy luxuries is a waste of money and simply unrealistic.
Hi. I’m poor. I can’t keep up with some of you rich kids. Sure I’m jealous, you look awesome in that outfit! But I’m strictly here to graduate, and once I do, then maybe I’ll get a job that makes me rich too. So, for now, let’s take a raincheck.
7. The money somehow gets spent either way, so spend it on the main priorities first.
Missing out on taco night might suck, but at least your bills are already paid. This is where that whole appreciation for free pizza on campus thing comes in handy. Sometimes adulting feels so unfair. I’ll check my bank account and feel like Squidward:
8. Having to ask Mom or Dad for $20 kills you inside.
But it is so nice when they offer it first.
9. Having a great support system is critical.
It really sucks when you have to put school second due to an extenuating circumstance. Something could go wrong; you might have a giant medical bill or get an underage drinking ticket that sets you back. Surrounding yourself with encouraging and understanding friends makes it so much easier to get back up on your feet. Note to self: you literally cannot afford to go to detox.
10. Graduating will make all the stress and effort worth it in the end, and you know exactly what your next moves are.
Since you know you’re going to have to start paying off your college loans, knowing your exact career path was critical from the start. “I don’t know, I just want a job” was never a thought. You knew you didn’t have time to waste, and that quickly propelled you forward.
All college students have similar worries; the “broke college student” cliche covers basically everyone here on campus. The difference is that those who work their way through college don’t have a backup plan if we get too drunk and spend our rent money. Being broke is literally not an option because we don’t have anyone to come to the rescue if we’re irresponsible with our cash. There are sacrifices that need to be made, and that is the hardest lesson we learn.