From us to you: Keeping on track

December is packed with holidays and festivities such as Eid Al Adha, which was recently held, and the fast approaching Christmas and New Year. While this is a fun time for students who benefit from time off from university, the festive season can be a great distraction from one's studies and also make a dent in one's finances.

Celebrations, parties, shopping for gifts and winter breaks can all rob you of time and money. It is therefore important to keep your long-term goal of graduating foremost in your mind and not get carried away during this time of year.

Students should realise that this month is not only an occasion to celebrate but also an opportunity to practise time management as exams are held and assignments still need to be turned in.

Students who make preparations early and study in advance are able to enjoy the festivities with their families without stressing about work that needs to be done.

Buying gifts for loved ones is an added stress this year. Planning a holiday budget for gift buying, socialising and travelling is good idea so that you have an estimate of your costs and you can plan accordingly.

Set a limit on how much you spend on gifts. You want to be generous but a thoughtful inexpensive gift will work just as well. And if you're a student, your friends and family will probably be quite understanding about your limited finances.
If you are part of a large family or group a friends, try running a "Secret Santa" so that everyone gets a gift but you don't go broke having to buy them for each and every friend.

It's now probably too late to find bargain vacations and flights for the festive season but next year, plan ahead of time and travel in a group so you are eligible for even further discounts.
Now is the time for having fun and being with family and friends but you needn't break the bank or sacrifice your studies to have a good time.