How to Save Money as a Student in Enugu State

 

Maybe your account balance is crying, your parents think "mobilization fee" is a scam, and you're tired of surviving on indomie and pure luck. I’ve been there.

But here’s the good news: You can stretch your money further in Enugu without becoming a social hermit. As a former UNN student who survived on a tight budget (and even saved enough to start a small business), I’ll show you practical, student-tested ways to save money while still enjoying campus life.

Ready to become a money-saving ninja? Let’s go!

1. Why Saving in Enugu is Easier Than You Think

✅ Low Cost of Living – Enugu is cheaper than Lagos or Abuja.
✅ Student Discounts – Many shops and transporters offer student rates.
✅ Thriving Peer Economy – Buy/sell used items with coursemates.
✅ Free Campus Perks – WiFi, libraries, and events can save you money.

2. 10 Realistic Ways to Save Money as a Student in Enugu

**1️⃣ Rent Smart (Or Avoid It Entirely) 🏠

• Option 1: Live on campus (cheaper than off-campus hostels).

• Option 2: Share a room with 2-3 friends (split rent ₦10k vs. ₦30k solo).

• Pro Tip: Avoid "luxury" hostels – you’re barely there anyway!

**2️⃣ Cook Like a Boss (No More 3k Daily on Food) 🍛

• Cook in groups: 4 roommates contributing ₦500 each = ₦2,000 pot of soup that lasts a week.

• Rice is your bestie: 1 paint bucket of rice = ₦4,000 (lasts a month).

• Pro Tip: Buy foodstuffs at Ogbete Main Market (cheaper than campus vendors).

**3️⃣ Textbook Hacks (Stop Wasting Money on New Books) 📚

• Use the library (Yes, UNN/ESUT libraries have most course books).

• Buy used books from final-year students (50-70% cheaper).

• Pro Tip: Form a 5-person study group and share 1 textbook.

**4️⃣ Transport Tricks (Save 80% on Daily Movement) 🚌

• Use school shuttles (Free or ₦50 vs. ₦300 bike rides).

• Walk with friends (Safer and saves money).

• Pro Tip: If you must take a bike, negotiate student rates (say "I’m a student" immediately).

**5️⃣ Side Hustle Your Way to Extra Cash 💸

• Sell snacks in class (Indomie, egg rolls, bottled water).

• Offer typing/printing services (₦50/page adds up!).

• Pro Tip: Use free periods to make small money instead of gisting.

**6️⃣ Avoid Financial Black Holes (Where Students Waste Money) 🕳️

• Awoof (Freebies that end up costing you – e.g., following guys for outings).

• Impulse buying (That ₦1,500 shirt you’ll wear once).

• Pro Tip: Ask yourself: "Do I NEED this or just WANT it?"

**7️⃣ Phone & Data Savings (Cut Your Airtel/MTN Bills) 📱

• Use campus WiFi (Save your data for important stuff).

• Buy monthly data plans (Not daily – it’s 300% more expensive).

• Pro Tip: Download WhatsApp University materials during free WiFi hours.

**8️⃣ Party Smart (You Can Still Socialize on a Budget) 🎉

• Pre-game before outings (Drink at home instead of buying expensive club drinks).

• Attend free campus events (Concerts, movie nights, etc.).

• Pro Tip: Be the "fun roommate" who hosts dorm hangouts instead of going out.

**9️⃣ Health = Wealth (Avoid Medical Emergencies) 🏥

• Drink more water (Saves money on soft drinks and prevents infections).

• Use the school clinic (Free or heavily subsidized).

• Pro Tip: Buy drugs in bulk (E.g., 10 packs of paracetamol = ₦1,500 vs. ₦300 per pill).

**🔟 The 50-30-20 Rule (Budget Like a Pro) 💰

• 50% Needs (Food, rent, school stuff).

• 30% Wants (Outings, new clothes).

• 20% Savings (Emergency fund or side hustle capital).

• Pro Tip: Use a simple notebook or Excel sheet to track spending.

3. Real-Life Example: How Chisom Saved ₦100k in 6 Months

• Monthly allowance: ₦30,000

• Saved by:

• Cooking with roommates (Saved ₦5k/month on food)

• Using free school shuttle (Saved ₦3k/month on transport)

• Selling airtime (Made ₦2k/month profit)

• Total saved: ₦10k/month = ₦60k in 6 months + ₦40k from side hustle = ₦100,000!

4. Common Money Traps to Avoid

🚫 "Owambe Squad" Pressure – Don’t let friends guilt-trip you into spending.
🚫 Fake Online Jobs – No, you won’t make ₦100k/day from "clicking links."
🚫 Gifts for "Sponsors" – That "uncle" promising favors for iPhone gifts is scamming you.

Saving money as a student isn’t about suffering – it’s about making smart choices so you can enjoy today AND secure your future.

What’s your best money-saving hack as a student? Share in the comments – let’s help each other!

🔥 Tag a course mate who’s always broke – they need this!