What I Wish Someone Had Told Me About Debt Before Starting Uni

When I think back to my university days I can’t help but smile at the memories. Late night study sessions, coffee fueled cramming, friendships that shaped me and the excitement of stepping into adulthood. But there’s also a heaviness I carry from that time: debt.

And if I’m being honest, debt wasn’t something I gave much thought to when I was 18 and full of dreams. Like many students, I signed papers, accepted loans. Swiped cards and believed the story we were all sold “Don’t worry, this is normal. You’ll get a good job after graduation and pay it all off easily.”

Looking back now, I wish someone had sat me down and explained the reality of student debt. How it works, how it lingers and how it impacts your choices long after the cap and gown come off. So, if you’re about to start university or you’re already there, consider this a heart to heart from someone who’s been where you are. Debt should always be as last resort and used with caution.

My Naive Start With Debt

When I first started Uni, I didn’t know much about money. I didn’t come from a wealthy family, there was no trust fund waiting for me and I didn’t have savings set aside for tuition. What I did have were offers – lots of them.

• Student loans for tuition
• Living cost loans paid weekly into my account
• Interest free overdrafts from banks that promised it was the smart choice for students
• Credit cards with enticing sign up bonuses

It felt like free money. Everyone around me was doing the same thing so I didn’t question it. I thought “It’s just part of being a student. I’ll worry about it later.” And that’s exactly what I did. I didn’t think about scholarships, grants or even using my part-time work to reduce my borrowing. I was too busy trying to keep up with the demands of studying and surviving student life.

What I Didn’t Realize at the Time

Here’s the thing. When you’re young and optimistic, debt doesn’t feel real. It’s just numbers on a screen, money that appears when you need it. But what I didn’t realize was:

• Every dollar I borrowed was a dollar I’d have to repay later.
• Living cost loans are just as real as tuition loans. Weekly payments might feel small but they add up to thousands.
• Debt limits freedom. It influences the jobs you take, where you live and the risks you can afford to take after graduation.
• There are always alternatives. Scholarships, part time jobs, budgeting and even saying “No” to certain expenses could have saved me thousands.

At the time, I brushed it off. Everyone said student loans were “good debt” because they were interest free while studying. I told myself my degree would guarantee a great job with great pay and future me would handle it.

The Reality Check After Graduation

Fast forward to graduation day. The gown came off, the celebrations ended and suddenly repayment letters started showing up. It hit me like a ton of bricks:

• I owed more than I ever thought I would.
• My “dream job” wasn’t paying nearly as much as I imagined.
• The repayments felt endless.

Debt became this invisible chain I dragged into adulthood. It didn’t ruin my life but it limited my choices. I couldn’t travel as freely, take certain risks or save for the future as quickly as I wanted. And the worst part? Much of it could have been avoided if I’d known better at 18.

What I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me

If I could go back and talk to my younger self before signing those loan papers, here’s what I’d say:

1. Debt is not free money – It feels easy in the moment but it’s borrowed money you’ll eventually have to repay. Think of it as your future paycheck being spent today.

2. Always look for free money first – Scholarships, grants, bursaries even small community awards. These are funds you don’t have to repay. Spend as much energy applying for them as you do scrolling social media.

3. Work part-time if you can – Even 10 to 15 hours a week at a casual job can cover groceries or rent. It’s tiring, Yes but it’s worth it to reduce borrowing.

4. Budget like your future depends on it, because it does – Student life is full of temptations. Nights out, new clothes, the latest tech. Create a simple budget and stick to it. Future you will thank you.

5. Be careful with credit cards – Just because a bank offers you one doesn’t mean you should take it. Credit cards can quickly spiral if you’re not careful.

6. Think about your future self – Imagine graduating with little to no debt. What doors would open for you? What choices could you make more freely? Keeping that vision in mind makes it easier to say “No” to unnecessary borrowing.

How I’m Using My Experience Now

I can’t go back and undo the choices I made but I can use them as lessons. Today, I’m more intentional with money. I teach my kids about finances early so they’ll be better prepared when it’s their turn to navigate university and beyond. I also share my story openly because I know how easy it is to fall into the “everyone’s doing it” trap. If my experience can save even one student from unnecessary debt, it’s worth telling.

Final Thoughts

University is an incredible opportunity and I’ll always be grateful for my education. But the way I handled money during those years left me with lessons I wish I’d learned earlier. If you’re heading into university or you’re already there, remember this: debt should always be your last resort not your first option.

Explore every scholarship, grant and part-time job you can. Learn to budget, live within your means and only borrow what you absolutely need. Because here’s the truth. Freedom after graduation feels so much better when you’re not carrying the weight of debt. So, to every student reading this. Be wise, be cautious and think of your future self before signing that loan form. Your financial future is worth protecting.

If this topic resonated with you, you might also find this post helpful: Breaking Free from Student Load Debt. Read more about Breaking Free from Student Loan Debt here.