First steps to moving out. Help?
I'm 21, and I'm currently in my first year of Psych. I plan on getting my Master's & more than likely my PhD down the road. I've only got two classes right now; I had to drop the other 3 when I switched from Bio to Psych. I'm not receiving any sort of financial aid -- I'm paying for my education completely by myself. At the end of the school year, I'll be going to Italy to stand in my brother's wedding as his fiancée's bridesmaid. I need quite a lot more money saved up for then. I've never lived on my own, but I am very independent. I don't own a car, but I don't mind taking the bus. My university is in my hometown, but I don't want to live on residence. When I was in Bio, the workload was very intense and I assumed I wouldn't be able to juggle school and a job so I quit my job. Now I'm looking for a new job which shouldn't be too hard to find, but the only flexible, reliable ones seem to be minimum wage ones. I'm looking to get a job at a nursing home that pays $20/h (I DO enjoy the company of elderly people so it's not a problem). Just how flexible can I expect it to be around my school schedule? And is it manageable to live on my own (or with a roommate), paying for school on my own, with a full-time, minimum-wage job? I'm just trying to give you a basic outline of my current lifestyle. What initial steps should I take? Do's and dont's? Pros and cons? Anything will be useful. Thank you!
Renting & Real Estate - 1 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
I am only a couple years older than you, and have been in the same position. I went to school full time and worked on campus as well as an outside job at a nursery. It was not easy, but I managed to pull it off. I would say look for a job on campus working in a research lab or something. If you work at your school, they are going to be much much more responsive to your school schedule. Don;t look for an apartment, look for a roommate situation that offers reasonable rent with utilities included or shared utilities with a contract. And worst case, you can make good money being a waitress at a diner or restaurant. The hours are usually evenings when you aren't in school. Dos and Donts? Do have at least 2 months rent before you move in, after you've paid for deposit and first months, saved in case of emergency. Do NOT do the credit card thing, that's really bad. Do put money aside in a separate savings account for your trip to Italy. Look into student fares and deals through your schools travel office or international programs. It sound like you are making good decisions and I applaud you being proactive about your financial and educational future. Just don't get in over your head and keep a smile on your face. Cheers!
Read more discussion :
