University life is often painted as a time of freedom, self-discovery, and academic growth. But for one Malaysian student, it was a harsh lesson in survival.

In a now-viral post, the student opened up about the dark reality of living in poverty while pursuing higher education. His story wasn't shared for pity, but to shed light on a truth many students silently endure.

Responding to a question online, What's the poorest experience you've had?, he wrote,

"Mine was during uni, when I had zero cash and zero money in the bank. I waited near trash bins around campus for people to throw away unfinished food. If it touched other rubbish, I'd rinse it and eat it."

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His answer shocked many, but the painful part wasn't the confession itself, it was the fact that this wasn't a rare moment. This was his daily life for years.

"Almost my whole degree life was like that," he added. "It started when I had no money and my friend introduced me to the concept of 'all edible food is food.' From that day on, my roommate and I would wait around the bins for people to throw away food."

This unconventional "meal plan" quickly became routine. In fact, the student recalled a time when they managed to collect enough leftovers to host a proper dinner for friends.

"They ate gratefully without asking anything. Only the next day did we tell them the food came from the trash."

To this day, the student says his body is used to consuming food others would immediately discard.

"I can still eat spoiled food, as long as it still looks like food, and I won't get a stomach ache."

His experience struck a nerve with many Malaysians, prompting an outpouring of similar stories. Former students shared their own versions of silent suffering, skipping meals, being excluded, enduring mockery, or simply fading into the background while battling financial struggles.

Though extreme, this students story speaks volumes about the hidden costs of pursuing education in Malaysia, and the lengths some are forced to go just to make it through.

Its a sobering reminder that beneath the surface of student life, countless young people are not just studying for exams, they're learning how to survive.