WHY MINIMALISM IS IMPORTANT FOR A COLLEGE STUDENT?

WHAT IS MINIMALISM?

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.”– Helen Keller

Minimalism is a recently grown idea of life founded by Joshua Fields Millburn and Reyam Decomus.  It is about bringing value to your life. It is about giving value to those things which are efficient in your life and getting rid of those things which are not important in your life. It is characterized by clarity, purpose, and intentionality. 

We often don't value what we have at present and look forward to further luxury and happiness. Sometimes, the distraction of the will of possessing more things in your life can have a serious impact on acquiring a happy and peaceful life. But everyone wants to be happy and everyone wants to earn peace. That’s why minimalism is important. Being a minimalist, it teaches us to be happy what we have and removes the distraction of possessing more things that are not important to us. 

Every day we saw hundreds of things in the stores and markets, minimalism is controlling yourself from being attracted to those stuffs and to buy exactly what you actually need. It is also about not getting distracted for not buying those extra stuffs. All comes from your inner voice and your intention to control your desires. It saves your money, it brings value to your relationships. You become happier with your family and the few friends you have rather than searching for a bunch of new people in social media.

If you see around the world, you can see that sometimes people in a small hut are happier than people in a big beautiful building just because the first ones choose to be minimalist. But the second ones have the quest for more money and more properties. 

HOW IS IT IMPORTANT IN STUDENT'S LIFE?

Being a minimalist is very important for the students, especially for college students. As the colleges are so much expensive and many parents cannot afford the admission fees but manage somehow for their child's future. Many takes education loan to make up his college fees. So, it is a good idea to be a minimal student while you are in college.

College life is meeting people from different status and background and there are many things which can create distractions. Sometimes these distractions can cause serious issues like suicide. Most of them are related to the financial crisis. As you are just a student, many stuffs attract you and you want to possess them. But you can’t afford them. It distracts you every day and make you feel guilty for not having the money to satisfy yourselves. Here, comes the need for minimalism. Be happy with what you have and utilitie the stuffs you have to their best. Value them and avoid having things that are actually not important for you. 

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO TO BE A PERFECT MINIMALIST STUDENT?

1. TAKE THE ADVANTAGE OF TECHNOLOGY:

The recent growing technology is providing a lot which is helpful to the students. And you can take advantage of it to become a minimal student. You can use e-books to minimize your book demand as e-books are easy to access and carry and last forever than the paper book. And you can make notes on the notepad to minimize your use of papers. Use different folders for different topics and subjects to minimize your use of time. It is eco friendly and great for the environment. During this time of technological growth and environmental collapses, this is a very good step you can take as a person. 

2. RECYCLE THE PAPERS AND MINIMISE THE USE OF PAPERS:

Though technology is accessible for some of the students but there are so many students who are not getting this efficient way. Also, there are some students who like to use papers and paper books for their studies. And for them to be minimalist, reduce the use of papers as much as possible and recycle the papers you used which are not important in the future. That can save millions of trees and also your cost of study.

3. USE SCHOOL OR COLLEGE LIBRARIES:

Every schools and colleges possess a library in which you can find all the books related to your course. You can borrow the book you want for a week or a month and minimize the cost of buying a book. Just read the book and note down the important things and if needed borrow it again for another week or month. But it works good, especially for the college students whose books are too much costly and just can’t afford all of them. Everyone knows how expensive everything is when you are taking courses in engineering or medical. The use of libraries can decrease a good amount of costs and you can save money for your future.

4. RESELLING OF BOOKS AND BUYING OF USED BOOKS: 

It is a good deal if you prefer paper books of your own than e-books. Buy books from your seniors or some stores that sell old books at a lower price than the actual one. And after the end of the course, just sell it to your juniors or to the same shops as someone else can take advantage of it again. It is a great deal to minimize your expenses.

5. AVOID JUNK FOODS: 

Everyone likes to have junk foods as these are tasty and spicy. But all you know that these are very harmful to your health and your mind. It decreases your ability to study and also physical strength. These are so expensive as compared to the fruits and vegetables which are healthy. But these are the favorite foods of the students. So, you can be the exception by avoiding these foods and eliminating the costs of this useless food. Eat healthy and save money. Obviously, it can minimize your medical expenses too. 

6. USE BICYCLE OR PUBLIC VEHICLES: 

Bicycle is eco friendly and cheap. So, it is best for the students to maintain their budgets. If possible, you can go on foot to your college. Or else, use public vehicles rather than private ones. It is not only for your own maintenance but also for the environment. This simple minimalist habit can have a big impact on decreasing the use of oils and coals. 

7. STAY AWAY FROM PARTIES AND LUXURIES: 

Until you are financially independent, you should avoid parties and other things made only for entertainment. Live a simple life. Use simple accessories and clothes. Stay away from the stores which sell costly and unaffordable things. Create your own happiness with the things you are able to possess. That’s what a minimalist does.

8. TRY TO STAY AWAY FROM ONLINE STORES: 

Online stores seem great for shopping without taking the burden of going to the stores. But sometimes, it creates so many distractions in our life. I used to check online stores to spend my free time and I think many of the students do so. But when I saw a beautiful dress or a shoe, I just wanted to buy it anyhow. But then, I realized that I couldn't afford them and it distracted me. Sometimes, I used to dream of those things when I was asleep. Then, I realized the importance of minimalism in life. Just don't spend time in the online stores. It can be a big cause of your depression. The things seem to make you happy but deep down you all know that happiness is an option and doesn't come from outside. It's only you, who can control your happiness and emotions.