Behind the grinning faces of university students, their high fashion senses, expensive electronic gadgets, lies heartbreaks, depression, injuries from hard knocks and blows of life and starvation.

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The lives of university students tend to be divided into three phases during a semester. The first two phases of the semester are the easiest because a comrade is loaded with money. Therefore during the first two phases of the semester, they feast and party a lot. The third phase is the longest, most unbearable and tough phase.

Comrades being the masters of 'Desperate times calls for desperate measures', have devised survival tactics during the tough phase.

1.One meal a day rule

A comrade's allowance from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) ends as fast as it comes. During this period, a comrade minimizes his/her expenses and eats only one meal a day. Two KDFs (deep-fried bun) and a cup of strong tea will sustain them at this period.

Any university student who affords three meals a day is considered well-off.

2.Visiting friends who stay outside the school

Cooking in hostels is prohibited in most universities, thus exposing comrades to hunger pangs.

Therefore, another way to survive the hard times is by visiting your friends who live outside the campus. Then they will share what they have cooked or gotten from home. 

3. Selling personal items

When life trades you with cruelty, your possessions come in handy. Comrades sell their most cherished possessions at a throw-away price to sustain themselves. Besides, all is vanity.

4. Eating at the school mess

The prices of food at the school mess (cafeteria) are the most affordable. This comes in handy especially when you don't have much to spend. 

During the tough phase of the semester, this area becomes crowded, thanks to the affordable prices.