I am in college and everyone except me seems to have money...is college only supposed to be for rich people?

Question

I know I am poor, so I try not to notice what other people have. But sometimes I just can't help it. Like I can't help but notice that everyone else on campus seems to have a cell phone and think nothing of it, when here I don't even have one because I cn't afford it. Other people probably have parents who pay their bills, but my parents can't do that. They are both unemployed, and this past May my mother moved from Maryland to Troy, NY and is living with a woman who hates me. In addition, I had no choice but to come with her when she moved since I had nowhere else to go, and much of my stuff that I was able to take with me remains in the NY apartment but the woman who my mother is living with will not allow me to return to the apartment even to get it. And other students here can drive and have their own cars and their parents are living together in a house in the area. But you know, houses in this area are so darn expensive and jobs are so hard to find. And it seems like all

other people are just worried about themselves and what they are doing...like as long as they have a good paying job and can afford a house then there is no need to worry about other people, regardless of their circumstances. Things are so expensive, and everyone is trying to make money any way they can. Is it any wonder this is a primarily black area and I am at a historically black college? Whenever I get any money I save it. When I took out a student loan they sent me a refund check for the amount that was left over after my college cost was paid for, and I saved all of that until my mother used $300 of it to pay bills for the apartment where she and the woman who hates me are living. I subsequently had to use most of what was left to be able to get into a dorm with a roomate. So now I don't even have that money, and I am still going to have to pay all of the loans back when I get out of college. And it just seems like everyone except me just has money, and can just buy things.

and here I am just trying to save money, wearing the same clothes I have had for years, and using the same purse. I need a new purse so bad right now it is not even funny. I also need a coat. And everyone else has all these very expensive designer clothes, cell phones, and everything else, and just seems to be able to buy anything. I don't even think there is anyone else at this college who is like me. And most of the people are black, but my mother is white and my father is black. And I couldn't even believe this...someone actually said that this is the only historically black college where most people do NOT recieve financial aid, meaning that they are all able to pay ON THEIR OWN! You have got to be kidding me. If I could do that I would not even be at this college. I would be somewhere I actually WANT to be. I just wish I could find someone else who is like me, who does not just seem to be able to drive and just have money and everything...

And I really wish there were some people of other races at this college. I have already grown up around all black people and I had hoped that college would be an opportunity for me to meet people of other races/ethnicities, too. I only went here because it was the most convenient and least expensive college available to me at the time. But I really want to meet people of other races, too, especially since my parents are of 2 different races. I kind of feel like I should try to meet someone of a different race, like asian or something. But I know that is not going to happen at this college.

Answer 1

Those kids probably have parents who have extra money to spend on them. Don't let it trip you out. College is for EVERYONE, not just rich people. Just pay attention to the essentials -- school, books, homework, tests -- and you will graduate with a degree that is just as valuable as the degree the more financially well-off students get!

There will always be people who are better off than you, and people who are worse off than you. You can't compare yourself to them. Just do what works for you, without regard to what other people have or do.

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

I was the first person in my family to go to collage. I went after I did a hitch as a medic in the Army. I went to nursing school. I was one of the two males in the class. He was an ex navy boy. Almost everyone in school with me had came right out of high school and had tons of money. I worked from 10 at night until 6 in the morning at a local hospital as a housekeeper. Back then you got no credit for any medical education you got in the service. I did not have a car and rode the city bus back and forth to work and school. I was the only person in my class that did not have a car. I did 4 years of that. When we graduated they had lots of parties and celebrations. I was saving money to buy uniforms for my first job. But I showed up for the graduation and I passed nursing boards with a good score the first time. Since then I have made a very good wage. I have gotten more education and started my own medical software business on the side. I own a house and my wife and I have nice cars. Best of all I can buy all the books I want. It is worth it. You don't know how many people I saw who had mom and dad paying the bills drop out or flunk boards. You will be rewarded when you get out of school. You just have to keep your eye on the goal line. Trust me it is worth it and more. You will have everything you want if you finish your plan. Good Luck

Answer 3

I am in my first year of university. I am poor. The only way I am even able to take classes is by qualifying to have a student loan. I am hoping to be a doctor, and so I really do hope that I make it that far seeing that if I don't, I will NEVER be able to pay my loan off, and then the government will be after me.

I wear lots of the same clothes to the university. Who cares? You're there to be educated.

Try to stay focused on your studies and on your life goals. This should help to keep your mind on the REASON you are in college, and care less about why and how others are there. Staying focused will also help you with your home situation. Be tough as balls!

Be proud of yourself. I know I am. And I am poor just like you.

It takes a stronger person to get through life trials without all the extras. You'll come out educated, level-headed and strong minded as opposed to lots of others.

Hope this helps :)

Answer 4

Some thoughts that might help you:
1. You are not the only "starving" college student on that campus or on any campus.
2. Get off the pitty pot, pull yourself up by your boot straps and spend ALL your spare time looking for a job. Don't quit until you get one. In the time it took you to type your question with details, you could have applied at 3 places for a job.
3. Your circumstances will not change until your attitude changes. Take pride in yourself and your old clothes (today, who can tell the difference between old and new clothes?) Take pride in who you are and what you are capable of. I'm not saying you should be arrogant or obnoxious, I'm saying carry yourself with pride and dignity. Get a sense of humor. Develop an attitude of belonging to one of the greatest countries in the world
4. Count your blessings and stop crying about what you don't have........yet.

Answer 5

I understand your soreness. All i can advise is probably moving to a distinctive college or attend a 4 3 hundred and sixty 5 days college the place there are events. so as which you will meet new human beings and can work together with people who you share worry-unfastened interest with. do not stop going to college, look at it interior the long highway, you're able to have executed your purpose. In on the instant's financial gadget it quite is confusing attempting to get a descent interest without an education or formal guidance such as you're receiving. you do not opt for to finally end up working a low paying interest for something of your existence. I also have a grasp's degree and Bachelor of technology degree, so i think your pay on the loans. although, I even have been waiting to barter my earnings for my interest, I even have greater opportunities for promotions because of the fact of my education and mutually with journey. you're able to even have the capacity as quickly as you end college to bypass into organization for your self or perform a little representative artwork on the ingredient for extra funds.

Answer 6

Consider yourself in a much more better position than others who wish they could even attend college. And I'm pretty sure there are some at your school who's on the same boat as you are and are having to pay everything for themselves. You sound like you have a bright mind and with that, you can achieve almost anything. Remember that material fades, but wisdom lasts a lifetime. Keep that chin up!!!

Answer 7

No it is not suppose to be for rich people because just because they have money doesn't mean they suppose to be there. They may just attend college to say they are doing something with their lives except spending money or just want an audience to show off to. Don't let any of those people discourage you. I am having trouble now paying for my college tuition and everything else. If I didn't have a certain amount credit to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner, I would probably starve because I have no money to eat something else. Try to apply for scholarships and grants to get as much money you can, stay away from loans if you can help it. Here are some websites to try and apply for grants and scholarships:
www.nui.org, www.nucf.org, www.gmsp.org, www.all-ink.com/scholarships, www.adellson.com/awards, www.fastweb.com

Answer 8

I know a lot of college students who work their way through. Both of my older sisters did. It is an accomplishment for you to be in college so be proud of that and make the best of it. Envy can be stressful and your focus might change. Other students may have more money and advantages related to it but that doesn't mean that they will be successful. You continue to work hard to get the things that you want and look back on these times with wisdom.

Answer 9

I HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM! EXACTLY! people in university seem so stuck up but it's odd cause it's not suppose to be like that...hunn dont worry about not having money cause 'i'm in that case also...dont worry just make sure you get good grades and take care of yourself..if you ever wan tto chat contact me! good luck and thanx for your answer man, it did help!

Answer 10

no its for people who want a better life than their parents had its hard right now but it gets better hang in there everyone seems to have a better life than you but that will change stay focused on your goals and keep a positive attitude and you will reach your goals keep yo head up