Vietnamese Freshman Earns VND 8 Million Monthly Driving for Ride-Hailing Service

A Vietnamese university freshman is earning approximately VND 8 million (around $320 USD) per month as a ride-hailing driver to cover tuition and living expenses, demonstrating a strong sense of independence and responsibility. The student, who hails from a rural province and recently moved to Hanoi for university, is staying with relatives in the Nam Tu Liem district to minimize living costs. Despite a long commute to their campus in Pho Xom, Ha Dong, the student utilizes the time productively by working as a ride-hailing driver during the mornings when they do not have afternoon classes. "In my second year, I plan to rent a room outside to be closer to university. If I need financial support from my parents, I will only ask for rent money. I will try to cover tuition and living expenses myself," the student stated, indicating a well-thought-out life plan. The article's author, who lectures at universities in the evenings and on weekends, observes that many students today are maturing earlier than their age suggests, understanding the value of labor and the sacrifices their parents make. A significant number of students are balancing work and study, taking on roles as tutors, restaurant servers, online sellers, translators, designers, or ride-hailing drivers. These students are not working merely for pocket money but to continue their education, alleviate financial pressure on their families, and prove their capabilities. The author emphasizes their spirit of self-reliance, viewing it as a crucial skill for young people in modern society, enabling them to adapt better to life's fluctuations. The rising cost of university education in Vietnam is becoming a significant burden for many families, particularly in rural areas and for those with low to average incomes. While previously a few million Vietnamese Dong per month might have sufficed for student living, current expenses for rent, utilities, food, transportation, and language courses have increased considerably. Parents often make considerable sacrifices, including taking out loans, selling assets, or working away from home for extended periods, to support their children's higher education. Therefore, the author expresses special appreciation for students who demonstrate independence and contribute to easing their families' financial burdens. The increasing number of students actively participating in building their own futures, rather than solely relying on parental support, is seen as a positive signal for modern education.