Young Edge: The Harsh Reality of Surviving on a Budget in Pune’s Student Hub
Daily Life and Financial Challenges
Pune, often recognized as a lively academic center, hosts numerous higher education institutions. However, beyond the bustling campus life, many students face a significant challenge: surviving on limited financial resources. Students navigate long commutes, shared accommodations, and cutbacks on essentials, learning to balance their aspirations with their budgetary constraints.
Samiksha Goilkar, pursuing a postgraduate degree in Mathematics at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), recently relocated from the university’s girls’ hostel to a government hostel for economically weaker sections located 19 kilometers away in Moshi due to rising living expenses. “It was tough to leave the university hostel,” she admits, reflecting on her involvement in campus activities. The new accommodation offers free meals and a stipend of Rs 1,600, providing crucial financial relief, albeit with the burden of a lengthy commute. “I travel by bus daily, which is tiring, yet I assure myself it is saving me money,” she notes.
Socializing on a Budget
Students like Goilkar carefully strategize their social interactions. “If my friends suggest an outing, I weigh the affordability. Sometimes I say no, or I consult my family, but I make sure not to exceed Rs 1,500,” she explains, emphasizing her desire for independence from her family’s financial support.
Similarly, Shekhar Gangurde, an English major at SPPU from Nashik, manages to live in the boys’ hostel for an annual fee of Rs 3,500. His monthly allowance of Rs 2,500, however, demands frugal living. “Rs 2,500 is quite inadequate these days,” he says, but he has adapted to this limitation. His budget allocates Rs 2,000 for food and Rs 500 for travel and other expenses. “I document all my expenditures and aim to spend less month-to-month; it has become a personal challenge,” he adds. The availability of free khichdi on campus provides some much-needed support for his meals.
Gangurde highlights the difficulty of maintaining social connections within his budget. “I dislike cancelling plans, as it feels disappointing. So, I either decline upfront or save in advance, which leads to planning my social outings as well,” he states.
Adapting to New Environments
Saheli Kundu, a Master’s student in English at Fergusson College, shares her own budgetary struggles. Residing in a three-sharing room at Gharkul PG in Shivaji Nagar for Rs 5,000 per month, her total expenses reach between Rs 5,000 and Rs 6,000. Hailing from West Bengal, she faces challenges with the local mess food. “I long for the meals from home,” she explains, often relying on a Bengali food service, though this is not always financially feasible. Her passion for cinema leads to tough choices, as she sometimes skips dinner to afford a movie ticket.
Lakshmi Rathod, studying Nutrition at SNDT College, has also had to adjust her living situation. Now paying Rs 10,000 in rent, she manages with a monthly allowance of Rs 5,000 from home. “I had to completely overhaul my lifestyle,” she says, emphasizing her newfound necessity for cooking her meals and purchasing groceries in bulk.
Dipanwnita Mitra, a Psychology student at DES Pune University, faces significant accommodation costs of Rs 12,500. With a monthly budget capped at Rs 10,000, she allocates Rs 5,000 for food and transportation expenses. “I prefer walking to avoid taking autos. Although it can be exhausting, it helps me save,” she notes, acknowledging the sacrifices she makes, including skipped meals, to stay within budget.
Conclusion: Financial Literacy Among Students
These students exemplify that budgeting is not merely a habit, but a crucial life skill, learned amid financial pressures. As they navigate their academic and personal lives in Pune, they are acquiring lessons that extend beyond classroom learning. “We are not only studying; we are understanding how to live with less,” concludes Gangurde.
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Contents
Daily Life and Financial ChallengesPune, often recognized as a lively academic center, hosts numerous higher education institutions. However, beyond the bustling campus life, many students face a significant challenge: surviving on limited financial resources. Students navigate long commutes, shared accommodations, and cutbacks on essentials, learning to balance their aspirations with their budgetary constraints.Samiksha Goilkar, pursuing a postgraduate degree in Mathematics at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), recently relocated from the university’s girls’ hostel to a government hostel for economically weaker sections located 19 kilometers away in Moshi due to rising living expenses. “It was tough to leave the university hostel,” she admits, reflecting on her involvement in campus activities. The new accommodation offers free meals and a stipend of Rs 1,600, providing crucial financial relief, albeit with the burden of a lengthy commute. “I travel by bus daily, which is tiring, yet I assure myself it is saving me money,” she notes.Socializing on a BudgetStudents like Goilkar carefully strategize their social interactions. “If my friends suggest an outing, I weigh the affordability. Sometimes I say no, or I consult my family, but I make sure not to exceed Rs 1,500,” she explains, emphasizing her desire for independence from her family’s financial support.Similarly, Shekhar Gangurde, an English major at SPPU from Nashik, manages to live in the boys’ hostel for an annual fee of Rs 3,500. His monthly allowance of Rs 2,500, however, demands frugal living. “Rs 2,500 is quite inadequate these days,” he says, but he has adapted to this limitation. His budget allocates Rs 2,000 for food and Rs 500 for travel and other expenses. “I document all my expenditures and aim to spend less month-to-month; it has become a personal challenge,” he adds. The availability of free khichdi on campus provides some much-needed support for his meals.Gangurde highlights the difficulty of maintaining social connections within his budget. “I dislike cancelling plans, as it feels disappointing. So, I either decline upfront or save in advance, which leads to planning my social outings as well,” he states.Adapting to New EnvironmentsSaheli Kundu, a Master’s student in English at Fergusson College, shares her own budgetary struggles. Residing in a three-sharing room at Gharkul PG in Shivaji Nagar for Rs 5,000 per month, her total expenses reach between Rs 5,000 and Rs 6,000. Hailing from West Bengal, she faces challenges with the local mess food. “I long for the meals from home,” she explains, often relying on a Bengali food service, though this is not always financially feasible. Her passion for cinema leads to tough choices, as she sometimes skips dinner to afford a movie ticket.Lakshmi Rathod, studying Nutrition at SNDT College, has also had to adjust her living situation. Now paying Rs 10,000 in rent, she manages with a monthly allowance of Rs 5,000 from home. “I had to completely overhaul my lifestyle,” she says, emphasizing her newfound necessity for cooking her meals and purchasing groceries in bulk.Dipanwnita Mitra, a Psychology student at DES Pune University, faces significant accommodation costs of Rs 12,500. With a monthly budget capped at Rs 10,000, she allocates Rs 5,000 for food and transportation expenses. “I prefer walking to avoid taking autos. Although it can be exhausting, it helps me save,” she notes, acknowledging the sacrifices she makes, including skipped meals, to stay within budget.Conclusion: Financial Literacy Among StudentsThese students exemplify that budgeting is not merely a habit, but a crucial life skill, learned amid financial pressures. As they navigate their academic and personal lives in Pune, they are acquiring lessons that extend beyond classroom learning. “We are not only studying; we are understanding how to live with less,” concludes Gangurde.
