skygurl212000

Your situation sounds just like mine! I moved out young and then wanted to attend school, unfortunately for you and I we are under 25, unmarried and no children and therefore we are kind of placed in limbo. Even though we pay our own bills, and rent our own living space our incomes still will have to be reported with that of our parents (no as independants) and therefore we are only eligable for a portion of what we would be otherwise and no grants =( As far as paying for your housing and costs.... good luck! Since then I have been working two jobs (one full time and one part time) to pay my bills, you really have to budget and pinch pennies, it isn't going to be easy but if you work really hard and focus on your goals you can do it. As much as you want to live with your boyfriend I would highly suggest staying in a dorm if possible (it is cheaper). Between apartment costs, electricity, gas to and from locations and household needs.... it is going to eat up all your money. You should focus one what is most important, finishing your schooling so you can get a better job to afford the lifestyle you want. I urge you not to fall into the same hole I am in.... it is four years later and I am still working two jobs (in retail) and I am miserable =(

I already know where I am attending and have been accepted. I've signed up with FAFSA and all that good stuff but that doesnt help me with my current situations.

There are many things that could help you out there. You should be applying between now and July. If you apply in August you may not have help before the Fall Semester. 1)Pell Grants through the college you apply to. They're probably the easiest way to go based on your situation. And don't have to be repaid. 2)Student Loans, I heard the agh! all the way over here. Once you take out a loan there are places on campuses you can work them off. If you go into education you can check into loan forgiveness. I don't know the terms, but the Dept. of Education can help you there. 3)The usual part-time job system. Again, many are on campus, and pay $8.00/hr+, these are usually flexible with your class schedule. The other choice is to find out what fellow students are doing, and what works for them once you get there. 4)And then there's here, it's a good place to start. You should include what your thinking about doing in school, and what schools your thinking of. It may help create some of the opportuinites your seeking here. Many professional organizations offer education assistance packages, and paid internships also. Good Luck!