How Students are Coping With Tough Economic Times

By SAMUEL MWAURA

Second Year BA Journalism and Mass Communication Student,  Chuka University 

In many universities today, education is no longer the only thing occupying students’ minds. Between lectures, assignments and exams, many students are also juggling side hustles just to make ends meet. For many students, financial pressure begins almost immediately after joining university. Tuition fees, accommodation, transport, food, basic personal needs and academic materials add up quickly. While some rely on support from their families or government loans, the money is often not enough to cover daily expenses. As a result, students have been pushed to find creative ways to survive economically while still pursuing their academic dreams. 

For many students, the day does not end after leaving the lecture hall. Instead, it marks the beginning of another shift. Some turn to small businesses such as selling clothes, snacks, or cosmetics within campus. Others offer services like graphic design, hair braiding and tutoring. These hustles, though small, help students cover daily expenses such as food, transport and data bundles.​ For many, the hustle is not about luxury. It's about survival.

Digital opportunities have also opened new doors. With access to smartphones and the internet, students are venturing into online freelancing, content creation, social media management and online trading. Platforms that support remote work allow students to earn money without leaving campus, making it easier to balance academics and income generation.

However, this balancing act is far from easy. Managing coursework alongside a hustle often leads to long days and sleepless nights. Some students admit that they sometimes have to choose between attending a class and attending to customers or completing orders. The pressure can be overwhelming, especially during exam periods.

Despite the challenges, these hustles also teach valuable life skills. Students learn entrepreneurship, financial management, communication and resilience. Many say their side businesses have made them more independent and confident about their future after graduation.

Economic hardship has also strengthened the spirit of community among students. Friends often support each other’s businesses by becoming loyal customers or helping with marketing through social media. This support system helps small student businesses grow and creates a sense of solidarity within campus life.

Education has traditionally been seen as a pathway to economic stability. Yet today’s students are proving that survival sometimes requires innovation even before graduation. Their determination to juggle lectures and livelihoods reflects not only the realities of modern student life but also the resilience of a generation determined to succeed despite financial challenges.

As the cost of living continues to rise, the student hustle culture is likely to remain a defining feature of campus life. From lecture halls to late-night business plans, students are rewriting what it means to pursue higher education in tough economic times.