How college students struggle with managing their finances

Financial management skills are crucial for everyone, including college students, as they navigate the transition to greater independence and responsibility.

Many often struggle with managing their finances effectively, and they are not to blame. For many, if not all, college is their first money management experience. Many are usually not adequately prepared to handle their own finances.

This lack of money management skills can have significant implications for students and their overall university experience. Some even drop out of college due to poor personal money management.

Without proper budgeting skills, some students find themselves overspending on non-essential items, leading to financial strain later in the semester.

This jeopardises their ability to cover essential expenses such as textbooks, accommodation, or food, impacting their academic performance and mental well-being.

Fausta Abasi, a student at the Tanzania Institute of Accountancy, says she struggles with budgeting her finances. She rents a room off campus and finds it hard to balance between essential expenses like rent, food, transportation, and discretionary spending on social activities or personal treats.

“Sometimes, I find myself overspending on non-essentials early in the semester, which leaves me scrambling to cover necessities later on. I wish I had learned more about managing money before coming here. It would have saved me a lot of stress and helped me make better financial decisions," she shares.

Fausta is not alone. Lilian Benson, a student at Dar es Salaam Tumaini University (DarTU), says financial stress affects her studies.

“I work part-time to support myself, but it's tough juggling work demands and studies. There have been instances when I've had to take on extra shifts just to make ends meet, which leaves me exhausted and impacts my grades at the end of the day. It's a constant cycle of working to pay bills and struggling to find time to study," she explains.

Similarly, a student at Ardhi University, Victor Sebastian, shares that he often finds himself running short towards the end of the semester.

According to him, budgeting becomes a challenge when unexpected expenses arise or when one underestimates certain costs.

“Learning how to stretch one’s budget effectively would make a huge difference in their ability to make it through the academic year without financial strain,” he observes. He suggests that universities should offer seminars on financial management.

Financial literacy is not a skill that parents or even educational institutions consider imparting to the young, but it’s a skill that many learn the hard way.

Mary Sabuni, also a student at Ardhi University, says that although she gets financial support from her parents, she still struggles with managing her allowance.

She says no matter how hard she tries, she usually ends up overspending, after which she’s forced to request more money later in the month.

“It’s frustrating because I know I should be more responsible with the money, but sometimes the temptation to spend is hard to resist.” 

Mary knows that her parents don’t like the habit, but she says they have never taught her how to spend wisely.

According to experts, parents may recognise the need for their children to have basic personal finance knowledge, but many don’t know how to teach their children good money management skills.

Ali Kibiriti, a student at the University of Dar es Salaam, has learned the hard way about the importance of saving for emergencies.

“A sudden expense, like a textbook I forgot to budget for or an unexpected medical bill, can throw off your entire budget for the month.”

He now makes it a priority to set aside a portion of his money for unforeseen circumstances. It's a lesson he wishes he had learned earlier, but better late than never, he notes.

Ali says financial planning skills are essential for navigating the challenges of university life.

Parents, too, face concerns when students struggle with financial management. They worry about the misuse of funds allocated for educational purposes and the overall financial stability of their children.

Robert Kimwaga says it's important for students to learn how to prioritise expenses and make responsible financial decisions.

“I try to offer my daughter guidance and support, but I also believe that universities should provide more comprehensive financial literacy programmes to empower students with the necessary skills for financial independence," he notes.

Stella Peter concedes, sharing that supporting her children through university comes with concerns about how they manage their allowances.

“I want them to learn the value of budgeting and saving for the future. It's essential for universities to collaborate with parents and students to ensure that financial education is integrated into the curriculum and accessible to all," she states.

Another parent, Dr Annabelle Laurent, understands the challenges students face in balancing their finances. She, too, thinks universities should equip students with the skills they need to succeed both academically and financially.

She encourages students to prioritise financial planning and seek guidance when needed.

Rozalia Alfred has always made an effort to teach her children how to manage their funds responsibly. She calls upon universities to provide students with practical tools and resources to help them make informed financial decisions and avoid unnecessary debt.

She is supported by Reuben Gelesha, who opines that universities need to recognise the challenges students face as a result of their lack of financial management skills and offer support services to help students develop effective budgeting skills and reduce financial anxiety.

He believes that practical lessons on budgeting, saving, and investing would benefit students immensely and prepare them for financial independence after college.

“I encourage universities to prioritise financial literacy education to empower students to make smart financial decisions. It’s an essential life skill that can contribute to their overall success and well-being.”

Financial literacy programmes should, according to him, be integrated into the academic curriculum to support students in their journey towards financial independence

According to experts, poor financial management can lead to distractions and reduced performance. Financially stressed students may experience difficulties focusing on their studies, and they may take on part-time work that interferes with their academic responsibilities.

This can result in lower grades, delayed graduation, or even dropout rates, perpetuating a cycle of financial instability.

“It’s evident that many students struggle with managing their finances effectively, which can lead to attendance issues, decreased engagement in class, and ultimately, lower grades,” says Dr Isack Safari, a lecturer at St. Augustine University of Tanzania.

He says that financial management is a critical aspect of student success that is often overlooked.

Ms Lois-Singa Metili, a lecturer at DarTU, says that many students enter university without a strong understanding of budgeting, saving, or investing. 

“By integrating financial literacy into the curriculum, universities can empower students to make informed financial decisions and achieve greater financial independence,” she shares.