Thu Apr 09 05:59:26 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Pune Students Grapple with Rising Costs, Prioritizing Survival Over Social Life

The Story

A recent report in The Indian Express highlights the financial struggles faced by students in Pune, a city known as a student hub. Many students are forced to make significant sacrifices to afford education and living expenses, including moving to cheaper accommodations further from campus, skipping meals, and carefully budgeting every rupee. The report paints a picture of students constantly balancing their academic aspirations with the harsh realities of affordability.

The article features several students sharing their experiences, illustrating the common challenges of high rents, food costs, and travel expenses. From postgraduate students at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) to Master’s students at Fergusson College and SNDT College, the burden of financial constraints impacts their social lives, dietary habits, and overall well-being. Budgeting is described not just as a habit, but as a survival skill in a city offering opportunities that are not always accessible to everyone.

Key Points

  • Students in Pune are facing significant financial challenges, forcing them to make tough choices about accommodation, food, and social activities.
  • Samiksha Goilkar, a postgraduate student at SPPU, moved to a government hostel 19 km away to save money on accommodation.
  • Shekhar Gangurde, an English student at SPPU, manages on a monthly allowance of Rs 2,500, allocating Rs 2,000 for food and Rs 500 for other needs.
  • Saheli Kundu, a Master’s student at Fergusson College, spends between Rs 5,000 and Rs 6,000 monthly, adjusting her diet to stay within budget.
  • Lakshmi Rathod, a Master’s student at SNDT College, pays Rs 10,000 in rent and relies on Rs 5,000 sent from home, resorting to cooking all meals and buying groceries in bulk.
  • Dipanwnita Mitra, an MA Psychology student at DES Pune University, caps her monthly expenditure at Rs 10,000, with Rs 5,000 dedicated to food and travel, and walks instead of taking autos to save money.

Key Takeaways

  • Rising costs of living in Pune are disproportionately affecting students, particularly those from economically weaker backgrounds.
  • Students are developing resourceful budgeting and survival strategies, showcasing resilience and adaptability.
  • Financial constraints are impacting students’ social lives and overall well-being, potentially affecting their academic performance and personal development.
  • The reliance on family support highlights the socio-economic disparities in access to higher education.
  • Universities and policymakers need to address the affordability crisis to ensure equitable access to education for all students.

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