Just stick it out for a couple more years man. You've got the rest of your life to live on your own. Once you get your degree and a job, you can get yourself a nice place and not have to suffer through the tight times, believe its no fun
who says $1100 can't get you by? it's fairly easy to do, especially if you have a roommate to share the expenses. figure: $400-500 for rent $100 electricity $20 water/trash/other since you work at a restaurant food shouldn't run more than $100 for dsl you'll have to have a land line, so figure about $50 for both that's about $800 leaving you $300 for gas, entertainment, savings. and as LegendZ3 said, it's much nicer being able to take a girl back to your own place rather than trying to explain that she can't make much noise since it might wake your parents... then again it makes more sense to stick it out for 2 more years and move out on your own to a much nicer place.
Save this summer and move out in the fall. If you work fulltime this summer while staying with your parents, can we assume you can save $1000/month. over 3 months...that is another $3000 for the school year. Spread over 9 mo school yr, that would give you an extra $333/month + the $1100 you think you could make = $1433 imo, $1433 is enough, especially with a roommate...but don't room with a girlfriend to save money...that's a mistake, if you want to keep focus on school. btw: once you establish independence, you should be able to get more financial aid. another tip: if you get into a duplex or 4-plex or garage apt, look for ones with a LOT of shade cover and make sure it has insulation in the ceiling. Also, bottom floor apts can be louder but they are cheaper for AC. Watch out, AC bills can approach $200 in duplexes/4-plexes. You can call the power company to find out what the previous bills were.
Meh, I am currently in almost the same exact situation. I'm living with the 'rents right now (in Memorial) and I took this semester off to work and save some $$. Does anyone know what part of town is relatively cheap and young?
there are some decent condos near the med center (which is 1.5 miles away from the village)...they are decent when my brother lived there and i think they are anywhere from 650-800 (ihe paid paid 650 a few years ago so it probably more now)
Good advice. I loved my garage apartment. Sometimes you can find a good deal on those in a good area. The people who own the house care more about having a good tenant than they care about squeezing the most rent out of people. And by all means, work during the summer and stash it away. You will be glad you did. (blows my mind how much things rent for these days!!)
I don't think $1100 a month would be enough.. You will need atleast $1500, but probably be better off with $2000.. $1500 doesn't get you far now days. =/
Car insurance? (150-200 min) Cell phone bill? (40-50 min) and if he decides to have Cable? (not necessary) and $300 for gas, entertainment is BS.. That adds up to ZERO entertainment. Plus $100 will not last ONE MONTH for groceries (with zero eating out). Maybe two weeks. Also you don't want to work so much that you don't have time for your studies. If you have the option to live at home, I'd say you should do that.
ah yes i forgot car insurance, which i'm guessing on an older car is $150ish, and neglected to add the $20 cell bill he has, so 200 more. still leaving $100+ for gas/entertainment assuming he doesn't spend more on groceries. besides, if he's going to school and working there isn't much time to be spent having fun anyway.... agreed that it's currently easier to stay at home.
