If you’ve finished high school and you’re going to study further at a university or college, welcome to the next exciting chapter of your life. South Africa’s tertiary education sector attracts students from all over the country and the continent, so many students find places at institutions far away from where they live. If you’re a first-year student at a university or college in another town, it might even be the first time you’ve been away from home for months on end.

Your new environment will be thrilling, but it can also be overwhelming – especially if it’s the first time you’ve lived in a big city. We’ve put together this list of tips that can help you enjoy your newfound independence while you stay safe and responsible at the same time.

1. Get to know your new city

Familiarise yourself with your new surroundings, starting with the routes from your accommodation to campus and everyday shops and services. Use a map book or a map app on your phone to navigate until you know the area better.

Find out where the nearest police station, hospital, and fire station are, in case you need emergency services. Use public transport – buses, trains, taxis, and ride-hailing apps – to explore the city.

Join campus groups to build your social network and get tips on living in the city from locals – for example, where to find more affordable housing or shop for less. If you take part in local events and join student organisations, you’ll find it easier to immerse yourself in the community.

2. Stay safe

Your safety is paramount – join any available campus safety programmes and install a security app on your phone to share your location with rescue services if you have an emergency. Save the numbers for local emergency services as speed-dial options.

Stay alert, avoid walking alone at night, and be mindful of your surroundings. It’s also wise to take out health insurance and short-term insurance on your possessions, so that you’re protected if you fall prey to injury, illness, fire or theft.

3. Budget carefully and find ways to cut costs

The newfound freedom of student life comes with financial responsibilities. If you’re living on your own or with other students in digs, you need to create a simple budget that includes:

• Rent, water, electricity, gas (if applicable), and internet connectivity
• Groceries, clothes and essentials
• Transport
• Savings
• Entertainment

The moment you’re accepted at a university, start researching your accommodation options. Will it be cheaper to stay on campus in a student residence that includes serviced rooms and 3 meals a day, or should you look for independent student housing in shared digs? The best option might depend on which city the tertiary institution is in, as this will affect the cost of living. The safety of the area is another factor to consider when you’re weighing up off-campus housing.

However, even if food and accommodation turn out to be cheaper when you live off campus, sharing a home with other students also raises issues like cleaning, cooking, and laundry, so who you live with can be as important to your peace of mind as where you live.

Shop smart at local markets or discount stores. Check digital shopping sites like Avo SuperShop for discount deals in a range of shopping categories. If you have housemates, convince them to join you in weekly meal planning – this will help you avoid waste and cut grocery costs. If you have the storage and freezer space, buy in bulk and cook at home. It’s cheaper and healthier than eating takeaways every day.

If you’re living in a res on campus, your rent, water, power, and groceries will be covered under the residence and meal fees portion of your budget, but you’ll still need to budget separately for personal toiletries, clothes, snacks, transport, savings, and entertainment. You can work out a budget on paper, or make your life easier by using a budgeting tool on your banking app to plan and track your spending.

4. Start saving and investing

If you cut costs with smart shopping and meal strategies, you’ll have money available to start saving and investing early. Your short-term savings strategy should include an emergency fund for unexpected expenses, and it’s never too early to start long-term planning with a retirement investment. Even small amounts, saved regularly, can grow significantly over time through compound interest. If you start saving for retirement in your 20s rather than your 30s, it can make a huge difference to the nest egg you accumulate.

5. Avoid the debt trap

A credit card is a helpful tool to smooth out cash flow interruptions when you’re a student, but avoid the urge to splurge. If you don’t pay off the full balance every month, you’ll be charged interest, and you risk falling into a permanent cycle of debt. Instead, limit your credit card use to necessary expenses that you can afford to pay back within the interest-free grace period.

Start an emergency fund to cover unforeseen costs like computer repairs or an accidental injury, so you won’t need to dip into your long-term investments or take on more debt. Track and review your expenses every month to see where you’re overspending, and adjust your budget when necessary.

6. Get a part-time job

No matter how tempting the returns seem, don’t get lured into illegal activities to make money if you’re struggling financially. Firstly, it’s wrong, and secondly, a criminal conviction could destroy your career before it starts. A part-time job can ease financial pressure – and if it’s in the same field that you’re studying, it could also be valuable experience. Look for opportunities within your local community, and check if your university or college administration has on-campus jobs available.

Websites like StudentSpaza and Indeed can help you find part-time jobs that are flexible and student friendly – like tutoring, freelance content creation, bartending, waiting tables, or jobs in retail sales and management. Find out if your institution allows students to run microbusinesses on campus – there may be a gap for a spaza shop or street food stall that you can fill. Some universities also offer student ambassador jobs.  

University life is an adventure, filled with opportunities and challenges. Be mindful of your new surroundings, let Nedbank show you how to manage your finances wisely, avoid the pitfalls of overspending on a party lifestyle, and enjoy your independence. Embrace the journey and start building a future you'll be proud of!