Exploring the Indian Education System

My mom's a teacher so I spent my childhood in 12 different schools, tasting a variety of education systems from nursery to high school. I've tried everything from Convent school to alternative education - was even homeschooled for a while. Of course, it wasn't planned that way but I think this adventure has made me a more open and perceptive human being.
I have been in a class of 3 and a class of 53, a class on a tea estate in Ooty and a class on top of the hills in Sahyadri. I've been in schools where we sang bhajans at assembly and others where we sang hymns. I've studied with children of well-to-do Mumbaikars and children of poor tea pickers. I've had teachers that believed in corporal punishment and teachers that believed in open book tests. The one thing I've learnt from all of them is that you can excel at anything you put my mind to and whether you top the class or fail math by 1 mark, the most important thing is to be an honest person.

My mom says she experimented with us as kids, putting us through different experiences to mould us into better human beings. Every school taught us something different whether it was learning braille or sign language, learning Kannada or Esperanto, we were always encouraged to give it our best. When I started at the convent school at the age of 13, 'normal' was an overrated word. I had no idea how average I was, 'cos I was always treated as a unique individual. Even after I completed high school, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was special and different from everybody else.

Today, when I read stories about inspiring people, I feel small and unaccomplished. I sometimes feel like I'm not living my dream. I often say I want to travel the world and explore new places and people and food and cultures. But the truth is I could die a happy girl just knowing I inspired someone, anyone.

Currently, I volunteer part-time for an NGO that's involved in educating underprivileged children and I look forward to having a child of my own one day to experience how the education system has evolved since I was a kid. I know what it's like to be brought up by someone who refused to settle for second best and I'm grateful that she inspired me to be my own person and follow my own path, wherever that may lead.

Ultimately, everything that you explore teaches you something about yourself and my experience has taught me that there's always more to explore.

The Teachers We Always Wanted

When I entered the long dark room at Chaithanya centre, I didn’t know what to expect. U&I’s volunteer fellow, Rishika, met me and introduced me to a couple of volunteers, who were waiting for their tutees to finish their Saturday baths. The girls arrived moments later with wet hair and big smiles. They fondly call their tutors ‘akka’, meaning big sister. Soon, fat books emerged from heavy school bags and classes started.

Saturday is Social Studies and Science day, so the girls were learning about ancient Indian kingdoms and Indian Independence and convex lenses and Australia’s coastline. Not all together, of course! They were divided by age from class 6 to class 10 and each volunteer has no more than 2 girls to teach. The best part about these classes is that they are not confined to the four walls of a classroom. The girls spread out in the large playing ground outside St Anne’s School, so you’ll see a few huddled up in the corridor, a few more at the benches and only a few indoors in the common room.

I took turns sitting with each group and eavesdropping on their lessons. Some girls were better at reading than others. Some could read fluently but they didn’t understand a word of what they read. Some could spell out all the names of the temples in Hampi and others struggled to find USA on the map. But the volunteers were patient and I started to admire the way they explained concepts such as population and revenue and the nationalist movement.

One smiling face caught my attention and I headed over to see what she was learning. Divya was studying refraction, so Shubhi, her tutor, took the trouble of demonstrating the concept using a bucket of water. The most beautiful moments of being a teacher come when you see a twinkle in a child’s eye when she finally grasps a new concept and Divya not only understood refraction, but also explained it to me in her own words. I found that quite amazing.

I then shifted focus to a history lesson about the Jallianwalla Bagh incident. The shy and studious, Sneha was pouring over her book with the focus of a spider that’s trapping its prey. She finished the lesson by 4pm and her teacher encouraged her to share best moments from her week. To my surprise, Sneha opened up like a blooming flower and sang a song in Kannada for her akka. It was a beautiful moment that I got to witness.

At the end of 2 hours, the volunteers gathered for a debriefing session with the volunteer fellow, Rishika, and centre fellow, Yashaswini. They shared stories about their best moments at Chaitanya and the love the girls have for their akkas. Some of them even received Teachers Day cards and handwritten ‘Thank You’ notes.

It’s clear to see that the relationship shared here goes far beyond a teacher-student relationship. U&I volunteers do a great job connecting with the girls and making an impact not only in their education but in their lives as well.

Think You're Cut Out For Pregnancy? Take This Quiz

Are you planning to have a baby? Are you ready for the challenges of pregnancy and parenthood? If you are not sure whether this is the right step for you, this quiz can help.  Answer all the questions truthfully and tally up your scores to find out if you are ready to have a baby.

What to Eat Before and After Your Workout

Everyone knows that what you eat is as important as how you exercise. Your workout will start to show results when matched with the right diet. Here are a few health tips about what to eat before a top-notch workout:

The Worst Advice I've Ever Heard About Pregnancy

From the moment you announce your pregnancy to the moment your baby is born, you will receive loads of unwarranted advice from family, friends and even complete strangers. People love sharing their experiences and even though most of their advice is useful, we’ve heard some rather questionable advice on the subject. Here’s a list of the worst advice we’ve ever heard about pregnancy:

4 Myths About Diets

When it comes to dieting, there’s no dearth of information online, in books, and even on the news. But there are a lot of people telling half-truths and whole lies. So let’s uncover the most common myths about diets.

4 Signs You Should Invest In Your Body

Would you like to feel younger, healthier and happier? It all starts with how you take care of your body. As children we are taught how to look after ourselves but as we grow older, we develop unhealthy habits that take a toll on our bodies. Here are 4 sure fire signs that your body needs your attention today:

The Sunday that Taught Me to Stop Whining

I was talking to a friend the other day and she was whining about her life. I tried telling her that there are people who would kill to have the life she does. But she didn’t seem to believe me. It made me think of the boys I had met on Sunday and what they wouldn’t do to be in her place.

My visit to the Government Home for Boys with Special Needs was an eye-opener in more ways than one. The joy that I felt from these kids is something we don’t normally get to experience in our adult lives. When they came up to me to shake my hand, they smiled and showed that they were happy to meet me. Not in the way you say ‘Nice meeting you’ to a new acquaintance but something more like ‘I’m so glad you’re here!’

These boys may look like pre-teens but some of them have a mental age of a 3-year-old and are still struggling with basic motor skills. The volunteers from U & I had organised special activities to help them interact better and learn the basics.

One group brought along coffee beans, a ball of cotton and an orange to demonstrate smell, touch and taste – a great exercise for a rainy Sunday afternoon. Another group had progressed to ABC’s and 123’s. Talking to the volunteers, I learnt that it takes a long time to see results with these boys and some of them have spent years building a good rapport with them so that they retain what they learn.

In the corridors, there was a cheerful bunch of boys performing nursery rhymes and repeating steps after their beloved akkas and annas as they fondly call the volunteers. One boy started playing claps with me – something I hadn’t done in years. It’s easy to smile around here, even easier to bring a smile to someone’s face. At one point, a little boy and I found ourselves laughing out loud without a care in the world. Some things that seem crazy to the outside world become a part of daily life here.

All in all, I found the experience truly enriching and inspiring. Everything we whine about every day is of least priority when you focus on making someone smile and helping them grow. I recently heard this quote that really captures what I experienced: Never get tired of doing the little things for others. Sometimes those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts.

5 Fragrances for a Fresh Start to Your Day

You know what’s so amazing about a fragrance? They haven’t figured out how to share it online yet! It’s the only part of you that cannot be captured or stored, except in the bottle you spray it from. A little spritz in the morning that lasts you all day. There are some fragrances that can alter your mood, make you feel more refreshed or more romantic or more relaxed. And it’s never easy to find the one that will come to define you. 

Email Marketing: Basics & Benefits

Of all the options available in the marketing world today, why choose email marketing? What benefits does it present and what are the fundamentals to keep in mind while creating a marketing plan for email? Here are some of the basics:

Objective
A clear objective will make an effective email campaign. Define your goal earlier on: is it drive traffic to your site, announce a new launch or build loyalty? Tailor your email content to your objective and give a clear call-to-action.

Open rate
Open rate refers to the number of emails that are opened as a percentage of the number of emails sent. A good subject line can lead to a higher open rate. Experiment with symbols to attract attention. Also make sure the first few words capture the essence of the email as only 4 or so words of the subject line are visible on mobile. 

Click-through rate
Click-through rate refers to the number of people who visit your website through links in your email. A good click through rate is the result of a clean database, relevant content and clear call-to-action buttons. Try out a combination of attractive images and attractive discounts to increase your click through rate. Emphasise the objective of your email and make it relevant to your audience.

Format
There are essentially two types of emails you can send out: HTML emails and text emails. HTML emails include graphics, colours and tables. Text emails are purely text based. You should experiment with both email formats to see which one gives you higher returns. Not all formats are compatible with mobile devices. So if you have a larger mobile user base, it’s safer to stick to text emails.

Deliverability
Email deliverability refers to the number of emails delivered to the inbox. Every batch of emails will have some junk IDs and unknown addresses. Make sure you have a good number of “clean” email IDs. Defunct email IDs are of no use and increase your potential to be flagged as spam. Also, your reports won’t be accurate. So make it a habit to regularly clean your email database. 

Keeping the basics in mind, let’s explore the benefits of email marketing over other more traditional forms of marketing:

       Personalization
Email marketing is a way of speaking directly to your consumer. Print campaigns, TV and radio advertising reach out to a mass audience and follow a "one-size-fits-all" format; whereas you can reach out a large number of people in a personalised manner through email. Use the readers’ first names, talk about trending products in their city and include recommendations based on the users’ past purchases. There are endless ways to make the email experience highly personalised.

Reduced Time & Effort

Email Marketing is not as time consuming as other forms of marketing. An email campaign from planning to execution takes less than a day. It can be accomplished by a single person with the right tools. Using email templates can save even more time, giving you the opportunity to reach out to a large number of readers in a short span of time.

               

      Real-Time Messaging

      Because of the reduced time and effort involved in email marketing, you can send timely messages, related to real-time events. For example, a flash sale can be announced through email rather than print or TV. There need not be a long gap between campaign development and implementation when it comes to email marketing. You can even send personalized messages to customers on their birthdays or anniversaries.

     

More Frequent Communication

       Emails are a great way to keep the conversation going. Since they don’t take long to execute, emails can be sent more frequently as compared to flyers or print catalogs. You can send them weekly offers and launch announcements. Mailing regularly reminds your readers of your presence but avoid sending more than one email with the same communication. At least once a month and at the most thrice a week is a good strategy to start with.

The benefits of Email Marketing are numerous and its relevance in today’s world of marketing is only increasing.

Dash the Dragon Learns How to Breathe Fire

In a giant rock cave behind the ancient forest, lived a baby dragon called Dash. He came from a long line of brave dragons, who had lived in the cave for many, many years.

Dragons are known to be ferocious creatures with thick scaly skin and pointy teeth and long pointy tails. But apart from their fearsome appearance, the thing that makes everybody really scared of dragons is their ability to  breathe fire. They say that a full grown dragon can burn an entire row of trees with just one breath!

Bustiers Vs Corsets

Combining the support of a bra with the benefits of shape wear, the boned structure of the bustier adds a subtle lift to your bust and flattens your midriff to give a smooth look. 

With supportive and strong boning, corsets are designed to reduce the waist, thereby exaggerating the bust and hips, giving an hourglass figure. So what’s the difference between bustiers and corsets? With style so sexy, it’s easy to get confused but we’re here to play spot the difference!

What Not to Wear to Your Next Interview

Interviews are all about first impressions and what you wear can go a long way in telling people who you before you’ve even started speaking. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on your outfit, but putting in a little extra effort to choose the right attire can help you in the long run. It takes interviewers less than 2.2 seconds to judge you by what you wear. 55% of your initial impression comes from the way you dress. Your decision about what to wear can tell a story about who you are at work.

Emerging Technology in Education

The classroom experience is not just about chalk and blackboard anymore. Technology makes its way into the classroom changing the way education is imparted. A new learning culture is developing which is making education more hands-on and practical. The 21st century skills that a student needs to acquire to succeed move beyond the traditional textbook and it is essential for teachers to keep up.

JOB VS CAREER

These two terms are often used interchangeably and seen as sort of synonyms. But if you’re careful with your words, you’ll soon realize they have totally different meanings. Let’s review the Oxford definitions of the 2 words:

Job: A paid position of regular employment.
Career: An occupation undertaken for a significant period of a person’s life and with opportunities for progress

Let’s take an example of my friend Andy who is changing jobs. He’s a software engineer with Yahoo and soon he’ll be taking up a new position at Intel. I use the word ‘job’ here as he is changing his employer but not his field of expertise. He will still be working as a software engineer. On the other hand, my colleague Mini has decided to change careers. She used to work with me as a Marketing Manager and now she’s planning to take up an MA and become a teacher. That’s a totally different occupation – a different career choice!

A job is a regular activity through which an individual earns money. It is a short term commitment. Whereas a career is a long term commitment in which one pursues a lifelong ambition. Education or special training might not be required for a job but are absolutely paramount for a career.

A career is a series of connected employment opportunities which build a ladder to more lucrative employment opportunities. Someone looking for a job would just be looking for a good paycheck but someone who’s looking to build a career would have specific goals in mind to fulfill a list of skills they wish to acquire. A career would give you the opportunity to meet with people who you would like to add to your network for business opportunities.

Jobs provide stability, something to fall back on. Careers may involve more risk and also more frequent change. Most people tend to be less emotionally invested in their jobs as all they want to do is stay out of trouble from the boss and bring home the bacon. In careers, the goal is not just to get the task done but to learn the best possible way to be efficient and gain experiences and build connections that would help you advance.

Many people identify themselves with their careers. They like saying “I am marketing professional” or “I am a baker” but you’ll find most job-oriented people saying “I work at XYZ” There’s a sense of belongingness that comes with a career that cannot be compared to that of a job.


The bottom line is to know going in whether your current employment opportunity is a job or a career opportunity. Ask yourself whether you’re in it for the paycheck or if you hope to have a business just like this someday. And there’s nothing wrong with doing it for the money. In this case do not get too involved. Invest your emotional and mental energy in other things that matter to you, like your family or your book club. If you’re hoping to build a career, put your all into it and turn up the passion. 

Upgrade to Active Learning

Some learn best while following instructions, some learn best while reading and others learn while doing.  Active learning is anything that involves students doing things and thinking about what they are doing. Anything that engages the student in an experiential activity-based lesson can be classified as active learning. In this method, the responsibility of learning lies with the student. Studies show that active learning strategies are much better recalled, enjoyed and understood as compared to passive learning or the lecture format.

Active learning is based on the simple principle that people generally remember 90% of what they do as compared to 20% of what they hear and only 10% of what they read. Students absorb new knowledge through organizing information and manipulating material rather than just reading, listening and note-taking. Active learning increases student interest, motivation and attendance. The best part is that the student learns to take learning into their hands. They learn how to monitor their own learning and invest in class to succeed.

Active learning can be used in a number of cases to supplement traditional teaching methods. Create opportunities to involve students in the process of learning. Here are a few useful examples:

1.       Peer Teaching: Assign a topic to students, ask them to research, gather information and prepare a presentation. The presentation can be done in groups, pairs or individually. Students feel more comfortable and open interacting with their peers.

2.       Field Visit: This is a chance for students to learn outside the classroom. The activity can be planned as an incentive and an opportunity to further their learning. Take for example a visit to a neighboring dam to learn about the importance of water for living and agriculture. Allow time for pre-visit research and class discussions. During the visit, groups of students can experience various elements of what goes into building a dam, measuring the width of the dam, drawing the kinds of vegetation surrounding the dam, participating in a talk by one of the government engineers. After the visit, groups can exchange information through presentations or reports.

3.       Flipped Classroom: In the traditional model, teachers give lectures in the classroom, students take notes, teachers assign homework, students complete assignments and are graded accordingly. In the flipped classroom, lectures are delivered online at their own pace, communicating with peers and teachers via online discussions and the classroom is used as a place for activity and engagement-based learning. This method gives students the chance to absorb information in a relaxed environment, taking the time they need to grasp new concepts and in the classroom it gives them the opportunity learn through activity. The classroom becomes a safe learning environment where questions are encouraged and doubts are cleared. Teachers can be more hands-on with concepts that students don’t understand and support students in solving problems in class.

4.       Minute Paper: Even in a regular lecture based class, teachers can make an effort to include active learning practices. One of the techniques found to be exceptionally rewarding is the one minute pause. In this method, the lecture is paused just for a minute and students are asked to hand in a short assignment on what they have just learnt. Introducing a writing activity in the middle of the listening activity not only provides a much-needed change of pace, but also makes sure the students attention span is maximized.

5.       Think-Pair-Share: Have students first work on a problem individually and then compare answers with their partners and present their findings to the class. This technique incorporates peer learning and group work.

6.       Brainstorming: Pose a problem and ask for solutions from the class. Provide enough time for teams to collate possible solutions and discuss the best possible outcomes. Interactive learning techniques can help boost the confidence of the students and encourage teamwork.

7.       Pass the problem: Add a twist to the brainstorming sessions by introducing a folder in which one group’s solution is collected and passed on to the next group for the next level of problem-solving. This way the more complex the question, the more participative the solution becomes.

8.       Icebreaker Review: Best suited to the first class of the term, this activity serves as an introductory crash course. Write a set of 10-20 questions pertaining to topics you would expect the students to know about from the previous term. Each student gets a card with one question and its answer. The task is to find the answer to all the questions. Students exchange information and review answers together until all the required information is with each of them.

9.       The Fish Bowl: A simple and easy-to-implement technique to encourage students to ask questions without hesitation. At the end of the class, each student writes down his/her question and places it in the fishbowl/cardboard box/hat. The most asked question can be the topic for discussion in the next class.

10.   Student Debate: An interactive method to provoke research and discussion. Students have to present their point of view with relevant supporting arguments. This technique not only encourages verbal presentation but also shows both sides of the story when it comes to challenging topics.

Active Learning Techniques are not only beneficial to the students but also the teacher. Active participation from the students ensures that concepts are understood not only in their rudimentary form but also in their application in problem-solving. Methods like peer teaching and the flipped classroom save precious time on both sides of the classroom.

10 Ways your Co-curricular Activities can Lead to Post-college Success

Keeping your grades up and keeping your nose in the grindstone is important for every graduate but it’s not the only thing that ensures post-college success. More colleges are focusing on the all-round growth of a student where you have the chance to excel inside as well as outside the classroom.

To some co-curricular activates seem like a distraction from course work and an unnecessary one at that but others find it essential to stay active in various clubs and after school programs.

How to Deal with Procrastination: The 7 Step Guide

Procrastination is the practice of carrying out less urgent tasks in preference to more urgent ones, or doing more pleasurable things in place of less pleasurable ones, and thus putting off impending tasks to a later time, sometimes to the "last minute" before the deadline.

10 Absolute Deal Breakers when it comes to Choosing a College

The tiniest things can be the most pivotal while making such a life-changing decision. But really there are just a few questions you need to ask yourself before zeroing in on the perfect college. Here are 10 absolute deal breakers and what you can do to figure out what works for you:

1. “It’s too close to home!”

Getting as far away from home as possible can sound like the best idea when you’re looking to party away your college life. And obviously you don’t want your parents to be close enough to drop in at your dorm! On the other hand, being close to home means mom’s food everyday and not having to leave the friends you grew up with.

Ask yourself: Where do I want to spend the next 4 years? Do I want to stay close to home or explore a whole new state? Are there any places I don’t want to go?

2. “It’s in the back of beyond!”

Even if you do choose a college out of your state, there are several location-based factors to look into. Some colleges are located near cities, others are in small suburbs or towns and some even have wooded forests close-by. Go for one that suits your personality and upbringing. Getting away from the city can be a good change in lifestyle as long as the college suits your other requirements.

Ask yourself: Is it in a small area where the university takes up half the town? Or is it a city college surrounded by clubs, stores, movie theatres and malls?

3. “It’s too small! No one knows about it.”

Larger universities have better options – more classes, more clubs, and better sports facilitates. But smaller ones are known for their more student-friendly environment with better student-to-teacher ratios.

Ask yourself: In which environment would I learn more? Is this school accredited?

4. “But it doesn’t offer dance as a major!”

If they aren’t offering the major you’re interested in, just don’t go! What’s the point of studying in an absolutely fab college if you don’t get to do what you want? That’s one way of looking at it! If you’re confused, start by eliminating what you don’t want to study and then work backwards. You don’t have to decide it all right away – this is just a starting point for your college search.

Ask yourself: Will a degree from this college get me the job I want? Will I earn a certificate, or a 2 year degree, or a 4 year degree? What is their graduation rate?

5. “It’s too expensive!”

Cost is an enormous deal-breaker for so many of us! Look into scholarships, student loans, online programs and part-time courses. Choosing a college should be about the best education and not about the best price. Compare graduation and loan default rates, tuition and expenses, average debt at the school using ED’s college Navigator tool.

Ask yourself: Will spending this much on my education help me earn more? Does my dream job require specific qualifications? How long will it take me to pay back a student loan?

6. “I can’t become the best fashion stylist if I study there!”

If your goal is fairly specific and you aim to be the best in your field, it’s important to choose a college that will give you every opportunity to excel.

Ask yourself: Does this college offer the best placements? Will studying here help me grow only academically? Or will it help me increase my overall competency?

7. “The recruiter won’t leave me alone”

Stay away from colleges that keep hounding you to apply. If the recruiter keeps luring you with dangling carrots, making it difficult for you to think straight, it’s a cue for you to look elsewhere. There’s no reason to let anyone else make this decision for you.

Ask yourself: Is the recruiter giving me enough time to explore my options? Am I facing any pressure to enroll?

8. “But what if I change my mind mid-way?”
You’re not expected to know exactly what you want to do immediately after high school. More than 50% of students change their majors half-way through college, so choose a university that allows flexibility.

Ask yourself: Are my credits transferable if I switch to another school?

9. “I’ve heard the teachers aren’t friendly”
This can be an important one, especially if you aren’t the kind that studies on your own. A professor can make or break your motivation to do well in college. The ratings given to teachers by ex-students can help you make an informed decision. Try reading reviews on RateMyProfessors.com.

Ask yourself: Am I willing to put in extra leg work even if the teacher isn’t? Does my motivation to study XYZ subject come from my great school teacher?

10. “There aren’t any cute girls around!”
You know you’re thinking about it. Even on your campus visit you couldn’t help noticing that there wasn’t a good chance of you dating anyone you saw. So don’t deny yourself a good college dating life. It can be as important to keep you focused on what you want to achieve at college. But going to a Co-ed school just for the cuties might not be the best choice career-wise.

Ask yourself: Does dating distract me or do I study better in pairs?

7 Ways to Save Money as a Freshman

In your freshman year, college seems like a key to freedom. The first year away from home can be the most empowering and terrifying year of your life!
It starts off all nice and dandy – your own apartment or dorm room, cool newroommates replace annoying siblings, parties carry on without curfews. Credit cards get swiped left, right and center and before you know it, you could be in a huge pile of debt by the time you graduate.
According to Alexa von Tobel, personal finance expert, credit card debt in college senior amounts to about $4,000 on an average from credit cards, without counting $30,000 in student debt.
Start early and nip the spending in the bud. Establish a simple and practical plan for your expenditure and start save money as a freshman. Here are 7 quintessential tips to save money in your freshman year:

1. Make a Budget, Check It Twice
The easiest way to spend money is to lose track of it. If you’re getting a certain amount every month from you part-time job or your parents (lucky bum!) make sure you have a plan as to how you’re going to spend it. Rent, food and transport take up a major chunk.  Once you subtract the essentials, you have a clearer idea of how much disposable income you have at hand. Always withdraw in small amount, so your wallet has just enough for the week and you avoid overspending.

2. Get Appwise
Making a budget is as good as making a New Year’s resolution! It can all collapse unless you take action to execute it. Dollarbird and Expensify are great expense tracking apps for your iPhone. Try Pennies or You Need a Budget for a more detailed look at your spending habits. Keep a tally of every bill on your phone and get reports every month.

3. Don’t Spend. Invest.
While buying a high priced item, like a laptop or a mobile phone, make sure it’s durable, it has a decent warranty and it comes with the latest software. This way you won’t have to bother about buying a new one until you’re out of college. While choosing which items to invest in and which ones to go low cost, just think of how many years you would like to be using the product.

4. Rent textbooks
Avoid your college bookstore, where textbooks are known to be marked-up for convenience.  Rent books online at TextbookRecycling.com (they donate to charity from every sale) or even better rent the more expensive textbooks from BookRenter.com for a semester or entire year.

5. Take advantage of student perks
studentuniverse.com helps you save on travel. They even offer deals on J Crew and iTunes. A free 6 months membership to Amazon Prime and 25% cashback on Lenovo PCs are perks meant only for students. Take advantage of your ID, whenever and wherever you can! Cafeteria meals and college meal plans can save you a wad of cash and they’re usually much healthier than outside food.

6. Avoid the spend crowd
This could be one of the toughest challenges. Peer pressure leads to an unnecessary amount of spending and it’s harder than you think to avoid hanging with the spend crowd. Having to drop out of a holiday/party plans can be a tough call. But avoiding the crowd that parties more than studies could go a long way in saving the big buck.

7. Carpool
Pool your resources. This happens most often with roomies and the fridge but it could extend to your fuel budget as well. Cut down on individual expenses by using a common car to get to your campus every day.