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Student independence
Independence is one of the biggest changes at university. Without parental reminders, it’s up to you to handle everything—from budgeting and cooking to scheduling your study sessions. Embracing independence can be challenging, but it also builds confidence and life skills you’ll carry beyond graduation.
Managing Day-to-Day Life as A Student
Learn how to embrace student independence at university, manage your budget, plan meals, handle chores, and thrive without parental guidance. Managing Day-to-Day Life as A Student is not easy but we have a few tips to get you started.
Budgeting Basics for students
Track Your Spending:
Tip: Monitoring every cent helps you understand your spending patterns. Knowing where your money goes each month allows you to adjust and save more effectively.
App Suggestion: 22seven – A popular South African budgeting app by Old Mutual. It links to local bank accounts, categorizes expenses, and provides insights into your financial habits, making it easier to stay on top of your budget.
Prioritize Essentials:
Tip: Ensure tuition, textbooks, accommodation, and groceries are covered before spending on non-essentials. Prioritizing basics secures your academic progress and day-to-day comfort.
App Suggestion: FNB Banking App – If you bank with a local provider like FNB, their app can help set budget categories and track essentials. Built-in budgeting tools and notifications help you stay focused on your priorities.
Seek Financial Aid:
Tip: If funds are tight, explore bursaries, scholarships, or grants that can ease the financial burden.
**App Suggestion: Check your university’s website and financial aid portal or use find bursaries here, a local platform that assists students with study loans and financing solutions. You can also visit the NSFAS site (via mobile browser) for South African government funding options.
Meal Planning & Chores for students
Simple Meal Preps:
Tip: Cooking in bulk over weekends saves time and money—no more costly takeouts during busy weekdays.
App Suggestion: Checkers Sixty60 – This grocery delivery app helps you shop for ingredients without leaving your residence. Schedule a weekly grocery delivery to ensure you have everything needed for simple meal preps.
Basic Cleaning Routine:
Tip: A neat space reduces stress and distraction. Spending a few minutes daily tidying up keeps you focused and more productive.
App Suggestion: SweepSouth – While not a chore-tracking app, SweepSouth is a local on-demand cleaning service. If you’re overwhelmed, occasionally hiring professional help can reset your space. For tracking chores yourself, a simple notes app or reminders on your phone can do the trick.
Laundry & Linens:
Tip: Pick a laundry day each week to avoid last-minute scrambles. Keeping your linens and clothes clean ensures you always feel fresh.
**App Suggestion: While there isn’t a specific mainstream laundry app in SA, you can use Google Keep or your phone’s built-in Reminders to schedule laundry days. Set recurring alerts to stay on top of your washing routine.
Time Management & Discipline for students
Use a Planner or Calendar:
Tip: A visual overview of your classes, study sessions, gym time, and social events helps you avoid over-commitment and last-minute cramming.
App Suggestion: Google Calendar – Widely used in South Africa, it’s free, syncs across devices, and integrates with your email. It’s perfect for scheduling lectures, tutorials, and group study sessions.
Set Realistic Goals:
Tip: Break big projects into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrating small wins keeps you motivated and reduces the overwhelm of large assignments.
App Suggestion: Trello – Although not exclusively South African, Trello is popular here too. Create boards for each subject and break down assignments into actionable tasks. Customizable columns (To Do, Doing, Done) help you track progress easily.
Be Flexible:
Tip: Life happens—illness, load shedding, or unexpected events can throw off your plans. Adapt by reshuffling your schedule, asking for extensions if needed, and staying calm under pressure.
App Suggestion: Any.do – Popular worldwide and easy to use locally, Any.do lets you quickly rearrange tasks as circumstances change. Drag and drop items to new time slots and adjust reminders with just a tap.
Read Navigate Campus to learn about how to adapt to university life
Problem-Solving Mindset
- Learn to Ask for Help: If stuck, approach tutors, advisors, or mentors.
- Embrace Trial & Error: Each challenge you solve alone is a confidence boost.
Embracing independence at university doesn’t have to be a struggle. By using local and universally popular apps and services, you can simplify budgeting, streamline meal preparation and chores, and improve your time management. Over time, these small steps translate into smoother days, better focus, and the confidence to navigate varsity life successfully—right here in South Africa.
