Renting an apartment as a college student is probably one of the most difficult experiences faced outside of school. According to WBUR, a survey of financial data showed that an estimate of 57,000 students is homeless across the country. It also states that the University of California system says that 1 in 10 of its students was homeless and 1 in 5 didn’t have enough to eat. College students like myself are struggling to live comfortably while maintaining a balance between school work, work, relationships and social life.
From personal experience, it had led major stress on top of schoolwork and finances. When I transferred out of a community college, I was excited to enter into a University and live the total college experience. My family was unable to afford the cost of campus housing and with that being out of the picture my only option was to find an apartment. Luckily my older sister’s lease was up and her roommate was going to renew her lease and I decided to move in and be her roommate. I was excited to live away from home and have my privacy but I did not realize how much stress it could be.
Living in the Bay Area, let alone Silicon Valley and let alone Downtown San Jose, I found myself living paycheck to paycheck. Before moving out my paychecks were for me to spend, but then my paychecks every month were set one for the utility bills and the other on rent, oh how I missed being a certified shopaholic. The little that was left over after paying my bills was for me to spend, keep in mind I still to pay for groceries and gas that I would hope to last me for two weeks. I was finding myself struggling and sometimes would even miss meals at times because it was either gas or food and I needed gas in order to get to work. I would also have to pick up shifts at work or stay long hours in order to make ends meet. There would be moments I would cry and regret my decision of moving out and it would have been smarter to live at home and save money for my school loans instead of moving out.
Moving out is definitely tough but we can never forget that our tuition covers our resources that are accessible to students especially in times of need.Never miss another meal again and check out what is accessible to you.Click here.
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