She Strengthens

Living Life to the Fullest on a Budget

As a self-proclaimed frugal enthusiast, I’ve always believed that living life on a shoestring doesn’t mean sacrificing joy. In fact, I think it’s quite the opposite. During my three years at university, I learned to prioritize my spending and make conscious decisions about where my money went. It wasn’t always easy, but it was worth it.

The Importance of Budgeting

Of course, budgeting is a crucial aspect of student life. With tuition fees and living expenses piling up, it’s natural to worry about making ends meet. But I was fortunate to have a university fund set up by my family, which helped alleviate some of the financial burden. I also worked part-time jobs to supplement my income and reduce my reliance on loans.

Treating Myself Right

While responsible spending is essential, I believe it’s equally important to make room for indulgences that bring happiness. Here are some of the luxuries I splurged on during my university days, with no regrets:

Quality Over Quantity

• Good Quality Stationery: Investing in reliable pens and sturdy notebooks was a must for my Creative Writing course. It may seem like a small thing, but it made a big difference to my overall experience.
• A Mattress Topper: A comfortable night’s sleep is essential, especially when you’re studying hard. A memory foam topper was a worthwhile investment for my dorm-standard mattress.

Personal Touches

• Printing Photographs: Decorating my room with memories of loved ones helped me feel more at home. I used apps like FreePrints to get high-quality prints at an affordable price.
• Visiting Friends At Other Universities: Exploring new parts of the country and catching up with friends was a great way to break up the semester.

Self-Care Essentials

• A Good Haircut: I deserved to feel confident and pampered, even on a student budget. Shopping around for student discounts and loyalty programs made it more affordable.
• Quality Nightwear: Sleeping in comfortable, cozy pajamas was a game-changer for me.

Experiences Over Material Possessions

• Traveling: Exploring Europe and experiencing new cultures was a highlight of my university days. It may have been a significant expense, but it brought me immense joy.
• Take Out When I Needed It: A perfectly timed takeaway night, complete with wine and Netflix, was the perfect pick-me-up after a tough day.
• A Polaroid Camera: Capturing memories and gifting physical prints to friends was a unique and thoughtful way to preserve moments.

The Little Things

• “The Good Brand”: Treating myself to a few branded items, like tea or jam, added a touch of luxury to my daily routine.

Looking Back

Now that my degree is complete, I’m proud to say that I lived life to the fullest while still being mindful of my budget. It’s not about depriving yourself of joy, but about making intentional choices that bring happiness and fulfillment.