Speak Up
Often times in the past my dad has always tried to make us speak up when we have to, and often times the reason why I personally don't say certain things is due to fear. But sometimes, it wasn't just fear, it was either pity or trying to be understanding and my dad wasn't happy about that either.
Some few days ago I was talking to a friend of mine about his lectures and he basically was telling me that he was failing some classes due to the fact that he wasn't able to afford the textbooks, and I remember asking him if his parents didn't give him money to buy them, and he had said he didn't want to bother them.
So basically, rather than tell his parents who sent him to school about things they should do in other to keep him in school, he had decided on his own that they had a lot on their plate and didn't want to add to it, so he kept shut.
The moment he said that, I understood immediately because I've been in that situation countless times, but rather than agree with him, I told him the exact same thing my dad would always tell me whenever he finds out that I was depriving myself of stuff I should have just because I didn't want to stress him about money..
"Tell them first"
You see, my dad would always get upset with me whenever he found out that I had ran out of money in school and didn't tell him about it because I didn't want him worrying about me. He would remind me how first of all it is his responsibility to take care of me, secondly how I don't even know if he already has the money (he could have a lot of money on him at the time and I'd be here foolishly starving myself).
Basically, his message will always be to speak up first. Ask, then if it isn't available at the moment, we will look for ways to sort things out. And this is because not asking wouldn't make things better, just like in the case of my friend... If he ends up carrying over that course, he would end up having to rewrite it and still pay for the damn textbooks he had avoided paying in the first place, so it makes no sense.
Funny enough, I came to find out I wasn't the only one who behaved that way, my brothers did too.. But according to them, they've all learnt their lessons because you can't be here and be making uncertain decisions for someone miles aways when all you could easily do is speak up and ask first.
Your friend was being considerate, I am like that too... Infact I stopped asking my parent for money immediately I was done with secondary school... Your friend knows the situation at home and telling them about his needs will only make them worry....
There was a time I was sick and didn't tell any of my family member because they would be more worried than the sick person....
It is good to be considerate and not all the time that we have to tell them about what we are going through.... but then if there is no other means, we gat to let them know cos they could have something at that time.
I can understand your friend's concern. He doesn't want to bother his parents but it's affecting his career also. I am sure his parents don't want it also. They are providing the school fees and they won't feel bothered by the little money to buy textbooks. I appreciate your friend's concern but I think trying his best is the best thing he can do for his parents considering long term. So, sharing the issue is the best thing your friend can do.