Question
please try to utilize the simplest simplest english that a grade 8 learner will be able to read it. At the University of the Free State and across South Africa, the sharp divide in economic circumstances makes financial pressure a pervasive concern for many students. The burden of meeting study-related expenses can undermine academic focus and threaten students’ ability to remain enrolled.
High costs for tuition, textbooks, and essential technology frequently strain student finances. When fees for registration, learning materials, or a reliable computer and internet connection are unaffordable, learners may miss lectures, fall behind on assignments, or be forced to interrupt or abandon their studies altogether.
Living away from home adds another layer of expense. Residence fees, rent, transport and meal costs quickly accumulate, and for some students basic needs such as three regular meals or a quiet place to revise are not always guaranteed. These daily financial worries create persistent stress that diminishes concentration and academic performance.
Dependence on external funding heightens vulnerability. Many students rely on state support schemes (for example, NSFAS) or bursaries; when payments are delayed or insufficient, the financial gap widens. Such funding shortfalls can compel students to defer their studies or seek alternatives that compromise their educational progress.
To manage immediate survival, some students take on part-time or full-time work, juggling employment with academic commitments. The resulting time constraints and fatigue reduce the opportunity to attend classes, engage with coursework, or study effectively, increasing the risk of falling behind and undermining long-term academic success.
High costs for tuition, textbooks, and essential technology frequently strain student finances. When fees for registration, learning materials, or a reliable computer and internet connection are unaffordable, learners may miss lectures, fall behind on assignments, or be forced to interrupt or abandon their studies altogether.
Living away from home adds another layer of expense. Residence fees, rent, transport and meal costs quickly accumulate, and for some students basic needs such as three regular meals or a quiet place to revise are not always guaranteed. These daily financial worries create persistent stress that diminishes concentration and academic performance.
Dependence on external funding heightens vulnerability. Many students rely on state support schemes (for example, NSFAS) or bursaries; when payments are delayed or insufficient, the financial gap widens. Such funding shortfalls can compel students to defer their studies or seek alternatives that compromise their educational progress.
To manage immediate survival, some students take on part-time or full-time work, juggling employment with academic commitments. The resulting time constraints and fatigue reduce the opportunity to attend classes, engage with coursework, or study effectively, increasing the risk of falling behind and undermining long-term academic success.
Answers
GPT-5 mini
At the University of the Free State and in many parts of South Africa, many students worry about money. Big differences in family income make money problems common.
Tuition, books, and technology cost a lot. If students cannot pay registration fees, buy textbooks, or get a good computer and internet, they may miss lectures or fall behind on work. Some even stop studying.
Living away from home costs more. Students pay for residence fees, rent, transport and food. For some, three meals a day or a quiet place to study are not always possible. These worries cause stress that makes it hard to concentrate and do well at school.
Many students depend on outside help, like NSFAS or bursaries. When these payments come late or are not enough, students have a big money gap. They may have to delay or drop their studies or choose other options that hurt their progress.
To survive, some students work part-time or full-time while studying. Working takes time and energy. Students get tired, miss classes, and have less time to study. This makes it easier to fall behind and harder to finish their degrees.
Tuition, books, and technology cost a lot. If students cannot pay registration fees, buy textbooks, or get a good computer and internet, they may miss lectures or fall behind on work. Some even stop studying.
Living away from home costs more. Students pay for residence fees, rent, transport and food. For some, three meals a day or a quiet place to study are not always possible. These worries cause stress that makes it hard to concentrate and do well at school.
Many students depend on outside help, like NSFAS or bursaries. When these payments come late or are not enough, students have a big money gap. They may have to delay or drop their studies or choose other options that hurt their progress.
To survive, some students work part-time or full-time while studying. Working takes time and energy. Students get tired, miss classes, and have less time to study. This makes it easier to fall behind and harder to finish their degrees.