Surviving Exam Season on a Budget

It’s that time of the semester again, where you’re really going through it. Your brain is working overtime; you’re sleep deprived, and your bank account is not left out in all of these because it’s starting to whisper, “it is finished”.

Exam season no doubt always leaves a dent on everyone’s account because you’re either buying something, or buying data, or even paying for a field trip that should’ve happened long ago. You’re wondering how you can manage yourself for the entire exam period that is to last almost 3- 4 weeks, without breaking the bank?  Then read on:

1.       Have a budget:

Make a simple budget, and make sure it’s arranged with a scale of preference (your non- negotiables come first) e.g. food, transport, emergency printout then maybe that Fearless drink that keeps you up and active during your overnight study sessions. Cut out the extras/ impulse purchases, because no, you don’t need shawarma every evening because “you’re stressed.”

2.       Cook or Collaborate:

I know that you’re very tired and do not have the time to cook this period, but believe me, eating out every day for the duration of your exams is you setting yours up for serious sapa. Why not team up with roommates/friends to cook meals and split costs

3.      Avoid Impulse Printouts:

Don’t wait till 11:58 a.m. to print notes for a 12 p.m. exam. You’ll end up printing the entire textbook out of panic. When you find yourself in that kind of situation, all you’ve to do is read it online or borrow a friend’s own.

4.      Don’t do things spontaneously:

If your exam venue is 10 minutes away, don’t spend ₦800 on a bike “because you’re tired.” Trek it (trust me, it’ll help calm your brain and nerves) and use that money for lunch or data.

You, convincing your friend to give you their handout

5.      Stay on your lane:

This is more or less a posh way of saying dey your dey. Don’t be where your friends, who are moneybags are spending money on 10k suya. Chances are that you’d be pressured to spend that 5k that you don’t have. So, stay on your lane and read your book, because your life depends on it.

In summary, you don’t need to be ‘rich’ to pass your exams. You see that 5k in your account, it can last you for the entire period. You can survive the exam season on a budget. Yes, I said what I said.