Some Tertiary Student Express How They Struggle to Survive on Campus In Ghana

 

Title: Surviving University Life: The Story of Liam

Liam had always dreamt of going to university. It symbolized freedom, new experiences, and the chance to build a better future. But as he stood in his small, dimly lit dorm room, reality hit him hard. The money he had saved was vanishing faster than he had anticipated, assignments were piling up, and loneliness crept in during quiet nights.

Financial Struggles and Budgeting

The first challenge Liam faced was managing his finances. His parents could only afford to send him a small allowance, so he had to stretch every penny. He quickly learned to budget by dividing his money into essentials: rent, food, and transportation. Luxuries like eating out and buying new clothes became rare treats.

To make ends meet, Liam took up a part-time job at a local café. Waking up at dawn to work before classes was exhausting, but the extra cash helped cover his expenses. He also discovered student discounts, meal prepping, and second-hand stores, which became his survival tools. Despite the hardships, he found pride in his ability to support himself.

Academic Pressures and Time Management

University academics were another battle. Assignments seemed never-ending, and deadlines approached like unstoppable trains. In his first semester, he struggled to balance studying and work. Sleepless nights and caffeine-fueled study sessions became a norm.

After failing his first major test, Liam knew he had to change his approach. He developed a study routine, set reminders for deadlines, and formed a study group with his classmates. Slowly, his grades improved, and he learned the importance of working smarter, not harder.

Loneliness and Building Connections

Living away from home meant leaving behind childhood friends and family. At first, Liam found it difficult to socialize. His dorm room felt isolating, and he often missed home-cooked meals and his mother’s comforting words.

Determined to change this, he joined university clubs, attended social events, and started conversations with classmates. Over time, he built a strong circle of friends who became his second family. They supported each other through tough times, shared meals, and made unforgettable memories.

Mental Health and Self-Care

The stress of university life took a toll on Liam’s mental health. There were moments of self-doubt and overwhelming anxiety. He realized that taking care of himself was just as important as excelling academically.

He found solace in journaling, evening walks, and calling home whenever he felt down. The university also provided counseling services, which he eventually sought when things felt unbearable. Accepting help was a turning point in his journey, teaching him that seeking support was a sign of strength, not weakness.

Graduation and Reflection

Years passed, and before he knew it, Liam was walking across the graduation stage, accepting his degree. He had survived university life—financial struggles, academic pressures, loneliness, and mental health battles.

As he looked back, he realized that the journey had shaped him into a stronger, wiser person. University had been more than just an academic experience; it had been a test of resilience, independence, and self-discovery. He had learned that survival wasn’t just about getting by but about adapting, growing, and thriving despite the odds.

With his degree in hand and a heart full of dreams, Liam stepped into the next chapter of his life, ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead.