Why Students Struggle to Ask for Money from their Parents

However, constantly calling home to ask for money can make some students feel like a burden. Many end up suffering silently. This pressure comes from two main reasons: the fear of being seen as too demanding, and the awareness that the parents they are asking from may also be struggling financially.

As for me, Joseph Gaitho, a second-year student pursuing a B.A. in Communication Studies at Chuka University, I have experienced this feeling personally. Although I have never reached a point of complete bankruptcy, there have been moments when I simply could not bring myself to pick up the phone and ask for help.

Having studied in a day school for most of my secondary education, I was used to being somewhat independent. I often found work at construction sites and other casual jobs to cater for my personal needs. I rarely asked my parents for money. University life, however, changed that reality. Suddenly, I had fewer opportunities to work and more financial responsibilities.

Many of my colleagues face the same challenge. The transition from independence to dependence is not easy. As a result, many students look for ways to earn extra income to reduce their reliance on their parents. Some set up small stalls selling fast foods, clothes, or groceries, while others engage in door-to-door selling.

Parents and sponsors also play a role in this dynamic. Often, they expect students to call whenever they need financial help. While this may seem reasonable, it sometimes creates pressure for students who hesitate to ask. A better approach might be for parents to regularly check in and try to estimate how long the money they send can sustain their children.

As the long holidays approach, many students see it as an opportunity to work. Some return to construction sites or take up other casual jobs in hopes of earning enough to buy foodstuffs such as maize and potatoes, and perhaps save a little money to support themselves during the next semester.

For many students, this is not just about money. It is about dignity, independence, and the desire to reduce the burden on the people who sacrifice so much to support their education.