I think I'm one of the rare kind who doesn't accrue any student loans. There's a pot of savings that I'm slowly depleting, but at a rate that I might still have something left at the end of my university career. Most months I break even. Thank god for study benefits and a part time job. Since I am financially good, I get to do awesome things beside my studies. I do an honorary programme (25% more credits on top of regular bachelor) which is often really interesting and it got me to Hong Kong. I'm in some committees and was recently invited to something we call dispuut, which is a society / association, invite-only based on your accomplishments. Basically once a month a meetup with discussions on planning issues with really interesting people. Like what I imagine a hubski meetup would be like but with people in my field of study. I'm really proud to be noticed for my efforts.
And you're selected for your perceived value! I would think that would be very encouraging. Sounds like you are working hard. Good luck on no student loans. I got some - didn't get much of a choice, parents kind of signed me up for them - but my payments are manageable, and they're the next lump of debt I plan to tackle. You'll be very glad you don't have them, though. They do tie you down and force you to take certain paths.
Yeah, my parents hammered it down that I need to get my finances in fucking order. Especially when I left home to live on my own, even though the commute to uni is just over an hour. They went through all my finances with me and made sure I got a job to support living on my own. I don't shy debt though, but I'll definitely avoid it as long as I can.