Student life in the context of high price level
High inflation seems to be a permanent concern facing developing countries like
Vietnam. The first quarter of this year saw a dramatic increase in the price level since
Vietnamese government has decided to have price of electricity and petroleum
oriented by market mechanism recently. The high price level has been imposing
negative impacts on the daily life of all the citizens especially low- income people and
students. Today, I would like to help you to plot a picture of student life in the hard
time of high price level. First, an overview of the current situation with increase in
general price level is essential. And then, we will see how it affects student life.
Finally, the reaction of students in the hardship, it means what they do to overcome
difficulties brought about by high price level.
Let’s start with an overview of the current situations. You know, since the Tet
holiday, the price of food has risen steadily, make it more difficult for housewives. To
cook the same meal as last year, even last month, they must spend much more. You
know, the budget is restricted with the take-long-to-increase salary as the main source
of finance. In order to bear all costs of living, residents especially low income group
have been encountering numerous hardship. The high price level puts them in worry
all the time. To make the matter worse, the price of electricity and petroleum were
controlled in the upward trend, pushing all the price level up. Now, the price level
seems to stabilize a little, however, the citizens are always suffering from restricted
budget, spending decision, and expectation of worse situations. As a result, their life
becomes less comfortable.
So what are the impacts of high price level on student life? Students depend on the
financial support from parents. Although most of them take part- time jobs to increase
income, that small amount of money only help them to buy textbooks, spend on
foods without covering all the costs of living like fees, tutor fees, food, transportation,
accommodation (in case of tenants), textbook, fee of additional courses, clothes, etc.
The increase in price level affects all aspects of student life. With a fixed budget, life
is much harder, they must cut back spending which is not easy at all. Many students
can’t even make both ends meet. The high level imposes as a great concern taking the
time, effort and opportunities of students. For example, when the cost of
accommodation goes up, students can not afford it. They have no other ways but find
a cheaper one with worse conditions for sure. They have to spend time surfing Net to
find information, going around corners, searching everywhere. These cost their time
and efforts.
Last but not least, what students do to overcome the difficulties? They can ask for
support from parents of course. But in many cases, the financial condition of the
family is not good; they do not want to be a burden for parents. Also, they wish to be
independent, controlling their own life. Therefore, they try to do anything possible to
live under high price level. The most common way to fight the situation is to cut back
spending. They cut back food spending on foods by buying inferior goods only like:
vegetables, peanuts, eggs, etc. with those kinds of food, the calories intake is not
enough for students given their daily activities. To make the matter worse, they suffer
from tiredness and even diseases. To reduce transportation cost, students choose
cheaper means of transportation such as by bicycle or by bus. To cut back
accommodation cost, they find another room with lower rent. They cut back on
consumption of many other goods and services like clothes, movies, and books, etc.
‘Life is so hard’ is the common view shared by many students. In my opinion, the
young generation should spend time and effort to study, to create, to do research, take
social activities, and make contributions instead of worrying about life and reducing
cost of living. However, life is not a dream. Only and only if students receive support
from their parents or authorities (cheap accommodation provision, low interest loans,
and other allowances) can they be free to live with their creation, their dreams to
fulfill themselves, to contribute and to live a full life.
So you have been along with me to plot a picture of student life in the context of high
price level. The main color of this picture may be grey, the color of worry, hardship,
struggling to survive and much more. In my personal point of view, I totally feel sorry
and enthusiastic with all the difficulties students must encounter. However, I think all
the above listed reactions of students are short- term solutions only. To live more
comfortably without trace of worry, pessimism, complaint, students should find ways
to increase their source of financial budget. The opportunities are abundant outside,
just start and take them. I am not an optimist in any cases, but I believe acting to fight
is better than just sitting affected by hardships. Because the word ‘satisfaction’ itself
means ‘enough action’ (‘satis’- is a Latin root of word means ‘enough’) Therefore, to
find satisfaction in life, just take action. I believe you and me can do it!
