In my first year, I used to get really confused and honestly a bit insecure seeing people on campus looking like they stepped out of a fashion magazine while I was recycling the same three jeans and a hoodie. It didn’t make sense—these were the same people complaining about being broke or asking for HELB top-ups. I’d wonder if I was doing something wrong or missing some secret source of money. The pressure to keep up had me spending on clothes I didn’t even need, just to feel like I belonged. But the truth is, many students hustle behind the scenes—some sell clothes, do online jobs, get support from home, or just really know how to thrift and style what they have. A lot of it is presentation, not how much you actually have. Eventually, I learned not to let appearances stress me. I started budgeting better, thrifting smartly, and finding my own style instead of copying trends. I realized some people wear labels to cover up their struggles, and looking good doesn’t mean they’re not broke—it just means they prioritize their image. I stopped comparing and started doing me. Now, I can appreciate someone’s outfit without questioning my own worth. Campus pressure is real, but peace of mind beats looking expensive.

In my first year, I used to get really confused and honestly a bit insecure seeing people on campus looking like they stepped out of a fashion magazine while I was recycling the same three jeans and a hoodie. It didn’t make sense—these were the same people complaining about being broke or asking for HELB top-ups. I’d wonder if I was doing something wrong or missing some secret source of money. The pressure to keep up had me spending on clothes I didn’t even need, just to feel like I belonged. But the truth is, many students hustle behind the scenes—some sell clothes, do online jobs, get support from home, or just really know how to thrift and style what they have. A lot of it is presentation, not how much you actually have. Eventually, I learned not to let appearances stress me. I started budgeting better, thrifting smartly, and finding my own style instead of copying trends. I realized some people wear labels to cover up their struggles, and looking good doesn’t mean they’re not broke—it just means they prioritize their image. I stopped comparing and started doing me. Now, I can appreciate someone’s outfit without questioning my own worth. Campus pressure is real, but peace of mind beats looking expensive.