70% of campus students are always broke, but not because they lack money.We often hear about HELB loans being insufficient, little or no parental support, and the famous “kuinama.” But here’s the strange part. ‎Most of these same comrades are the ones going to parties every weekend saying “sherehe ni sheria.” ‎So the real question becomes: ‎Are the funds not enough, or are the needs too much? ‎Many people recommend saving and budgeting, which is good, but it’s not always the best solution. Why? Because when you compare saving vs investing, investing often wins. Saving helps you keep money while investing helps you grow money. ‎Now someone might ask: ‎Where do I get money to invest? ‎What can I invest in as a student? ‎Will it really help me earn? ‎Let’s look at some options. ‎(a) HELB Loan ‎For students receiving HELB upkeep, this can be the first source of capital. ‎Instead of spending everything, apply the 50–30–20 rule: ‎50% – Needs (food, rent, essentials) ‎30% – Wants (entertainment, outings) ‎20% – Savings or investment ‎That 20% can start a small campus business. ‎(b) Laundry Services ‎Some students have very busy schedules and don’t have time to do their laundry. This creates an opportunity. A hardworking comrade can offer laundry services for a small fee and earn consistent income every week. (c) Parental Support ‎If you receive monthly funds from parents, you can also apply the saving/investment rule. Instead of spending everything, set aside a portion to start a small side hustle. Even a small business can grow with time. ‎(d) Using Your Skills ‎At some point in life, we all gain one or two skills. ‎This might include: Freelancing, cooking or baking, graphic design, data analysis, photography, writing, among others. ‎If you don’t have a skill yet, you can take an online course and learn one. That skill might just be your way out of “kuinama.” (e) Campus Employment ‎Many students assume jobs require experience, but that’s not always true. Most institutions offer employment opportunities for students, such as: kitchen assistants, ICT assistants, library assistants and event helpers ‎Students can also participate in campus tenders, such as: running a tuckshop, a salon or barbershop, a small food stall ‎These opportunities can provide steady income while studying. ‎ ‎Final Thought ‎Campus life doesn’t have to be about constant financial struggle. ‎Sometimes the difference between broke and stable is simply seeing opportunities where others see problems. ‎Remember: ‎Don’t just spend money in campus learn how to make it.

70% of campus students are always broke, but not because they lack money.We often hear about HELB loans being insufficient, little or no parental support, and the famous “kuinama.” But here’s the strange part. ‎Most of these same comrades are the ones going to parties every weekend saying “sherehe ni sheria.” ‎So the real question becomes: ‎Are the funds not enough, or are the needs too much? ‎Many people recommend saving and budgeting, which is good, but it’s not always the best solution. Why? Because when you compare saving vs investing, investing often wins. Saving helps you keep money while investing helps you grow money. ‎Now someone might ask: ‎Where do I get money to invest? ‎What can I invest in as a student? ‎Will it really help me earn? ‎Let’s look at some options. ‎(a) HELB Loan ‎For students receiving HELB upkeep, this can be the first source of capital. ‎Instead of spending everything, apply the 50–30–20 rule: ‎50% – Needs (food, rent, essentials) ‎30% – Wants (entertainment, outings) ‎20% – Savings or investment ‎That 20% can start a small campus business. ‎(b) Laundry Services ‎Some students have very busy schedules and don’t have time to do their laundry. This creates an opportunity. A hardworking comrade can offer laundry services for a small fee and earn consistent income every week. (c) Parental Support ‎If you receive monthly funds from parents, you can also apply the saving/investment rule. Instead of spending everything, set aside a portion to start a small side hustle. Even a small business can grow with time. ‎(d) Using Your Skills ‎At some point in life, we all gain one or two skills. ‎This might include: Freelancing, cooking or baking, graphic design, data analysis, photography, writing, among others. ‎If you don’t have a skill yet, you can take an online course and learn one. That skill might just be your way out of “kuinama.” (e) Campus Employment ‎Many students assume jobs require experience, but that’s not always true. Most institutions offer employment opportunities for students, such as: kitchen assistants, ICT assistants, library assistants and event helpers ‎Students can also participate in campus tenders, such as: running a tuckshop, a salon or barbershop, a small food stall ‎These opportunities can provide steady income while studying. ‎ ‎Final Thought ‎Campus life doesn’t have to be about constant financial struggle. ‎Sometimes the difference between broke and stable is simply seeing opportunities where others see problems. ‎Remember: ‎Don’t just spend money in campus learn how to make it.