Students need to face reality and plan for the future
Legend’s View
College has always been a place where students existed in a bubble somewhat separate from the real world, but in these economic times, students need to take a hard look at what’s going on around them.Even if the economic crash isn’t affecting them directly at the moment, it will in the very near future and is most likely making it tough for their parents to help support them right now.
Students need to realize that the decisions they make now will impact them later in life.
Traditionally, students have moved out of their parents’ homes in order to gain a sense of independence from their families, but this may no longer be feasible.
What’s the harm of living with your parents for a few extra years and putting the money you save into an account that will serve as a safety net after you graduate?
Your monthly bills will be more affordable than renting an apartment or house and trying to pay for everything on your own, so you might be able to work less, go to school more and graduate before tuition hikes get too out of hand.
There are also many, smaller ways students can reduce their expenses.
Maybe you don’t need the new iPhone everytime it’s released. Maybe you can get along without trendy new clothes every time the seasons change. Why purchase over-priced specialty coffee when you can make it at home for a fraction of the price?
There is absolutely no reason to constantly empty out your checking account just to keep up with a lifestyle you can’t actually afford.
Yes, it is more fun to go out every weekend with your friends than it is staying in, but are you maxing out your credit card to do so?
Students need to come to terms with the fact that their college experience is going to be different than it was for students a few short years ago.
With tuition hikes and the increasing difficulty in finding scholarships, financial aid and student loans, there won’t be the same amount of economic freedom there may have been for students in the past.
Students can no longer afford to ignore the world around them. You don’t live in a bubble protecting you from the economic crisis going on all around you and parents are going to be less and less able to finance your fiscal irresponsibility.
College is supposed to be the best years of your life, but does anyone want to graduate up to their ears in debt? Or worse, not be able to afford graduating at all?
