As a first-year student in college, it’s common to feel excited about new experiences, new friendships, and new opportunities. However, unexpected financial strain can quickly turn that excitement into stress and anxiety. Many students face economic challenges, from unexpected expenses to rising tuition costs during their first year of college. Fortunately, resources and organizations are available to help students manage these challenges.
“We’ve heard from many students who struggle to balance their finances during their first year of college,” says Rahul Jain. “There are so many expenses to consider, from textbooks to housing to meal plans, and it can be overwhelming.”
According to Rahul Jain, co-founder of Reviewadda, an online platform that counsels students to find and apply to the right colleges, financial planning is a common challenge for many students. Planning for college is very important for students; Reviewadda provides counseling and guidance on managing these roadblocks. “We encourage students to take advantage of scholarships and financial aid, as well as to explore more affordable options for textbooks and housing,” says the founder. “By being proactive and planning, students can reduce financial strain and focus on academic success.”
In addition to Reviewadda, several other organizations are working to help students manage unexpected financial strain in their first year of college. Toppr, an online learning app, provides personalized learning solutions for students preparing for various entrance exams, including engineering, medical, and law entrance exams. Embibe, an AI-based online learning platform, offers personalized learning solutions to students preparing for various competitive exams, including engineering, medical, and government job exams.
Collegedekho and Shiksha are online platforms that help students find colleges and universities in India, providing information about various courses, fees, and admission criteria. They also offer guidance and counseling services to help students make informed decisions about their education and career.
Additionally, the government of India has launched several initiatives to support students facing financial challenges during their first year of college. The Pradhan MantriVidya Lakshmi Portal is an online platform that provides information about student education loans, scholarships, and other financial assistance. The National Scholarship Portal is another government initiative that offers various scholarships to students based on merit, means, and other criteria.
These organizations provide valuable resources and guidance to students experiencing financial strain during their first year of college. Students can reduce stress and focus on academic success by taking advantage of these resources and proactively managing finances. As the co-founder of Reviewadda, Rahul Jain & Prateek Bhowmick also emphasizes, “It’s important for students to remember that they’re not alone. Resources and organizations are available to help them navigate these challenges and succeed in college and beyond.”
Private and government-led organizations play a vital role in guiding students through the challenges of unexpected financial strain during their first year of college. With rising tuition costs and other expenses, students need all the support they can get to manage their finances and succeed academically. From online learning apps and platforms to government initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Vidya Lakshmi Portal and the National Scholarship Portal, various resources are available to help students navigate this challenging environment. By taking advantage of these resources and proactively managing finances, students can reduce stress and focus on achieving their academic goals.
