The Hidden Cost of Being a Student

By Angel Egharevba Osaretin

The alarm rings at 6:30 a.m., but getting out of bed is not the hardest part of the day. For many young people in higher institutions, the real challenge begins when they start calculating expenses. With limited money in her account, Jessica must decide whether to buy breakfast, subscribe for data to complete an assignment, or save the cash for transportation to class. It is a choice she faces almost every day.

Like thousands of undergraduates across Nigerian campuses, Jessica has discovered that earning a degree costs far more than tuition fees. Behind every lecture attended, assignment submitted, and practical session completed are countless expenses that often go unnoticed. From food and transport to data subscriptions and accommodation, the hidden cost of living continues to rise, making campus life increasingly difficult for many.

Feeding has become one of the biggest challenges. What once bought three meals a day can barely cover one. As food prices continue to increase, some learners skip meals and eat only twice a day, while others survive on the cheapest options available. It is not uncommon to hear jokes about drinking water to suppress hunger, but behind the laughter lies a reality many struggle to escape, especially those with little or no monthly allowance.

Transportation is another burden. Those who live off campus often spend a significant amount of money moving between their hostels and lecture halls. A journey that once seemed affordable now requires careful planning. For those who attend classes daily, transport expenses can consume a large portion of their weekly allowance, particularly when they receive only ₦5,000 to ₦10,000, an amount that is becoming increasingly difficult to manage.

Then there is the issue of data. In today’s educational environment, internet access is no longer optional. Assignments, research materials, class updates, and communication with lecturers often depend on being online. Yet, many find it difficult to stay connected because of the rising cost of data subscriptions.

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Accommodation also contributes to the financial pressure. Rent, utility bills, and maintenance costs continue to rise. Some undergraduates share crowded rooms to reduce expenses. Mercy, a 100-level undergraduate, explained her experience of living with two other girls, making them three in a room, because she could not afford the ₦350,000 rent for a private apartment. For now, she has no choice but to manage. Others take on side jobs to keep up with payments. Living conditions may not always be comfortable, but many have little choice.

Surviving in the university sometimes requires becoming an entrepreneur. From selling clothes and cosmetics to offering photography, graphic design, and online services, side hustles have become common on campus. It is not unusual to come across undergraduates selling cupcakes, zobo drinks, or pocket perfumes .While these activities provide extra income, they also demand time and energy that could otherwise be devoted to academics.

Despite these challenges, education remains a priority. Many attend early morning lectures, meet deadlines, complete assignments, prepare for examinations, and continue pursuing their dreams. However, resilience should not be mistaken for comfort. The fact that they are coping does not mean they are not struggling.

The journey through higher education is already demanding enough. When young people must constantly worry about food, transportation, accommodation, internet access, and the absence of a steady allowance, learning becomes even more difficult. Limited sources of income affect concentration, well-being, and academic performance. As the cost of living continues to rise, addressing these challenges is essential if education is to remain a pathway to opportunity rather than a daily struggle for survival.

Submitted by Angel Egharevba Osaretin, a 200 Level, Journalism and Media Studies student, Delta State University, Abraka

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