unusual question - any suggestions??

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Hi All! I have been accepted to BSN program in Yakima, Washington -- sooooo exciting!!:balloons: Last year, while finishing my prereqs my husband and I bought a used, small rv/camper for me to live in while attending school during the week and I would go home on the weekends. Gas costs are too prohibitive for me to commute from home to school and back everyday ---- so, the camper made schooling do-able.

I am elated to have been accepted to the BSN program beginning this fall, and here is the dilemma I am faced with: I need to find a SAFE place to park my 18-foot camper/rv during the academic year as I will be living in it during the week while attending school. The parks are too expensive -monthly costs are about the same as commuting - not affordable on our fixed income. Last year I checked with the area churches, most of which made me feel bad for asking. :o Anyway, if anybody has suggestions, I would very much appreciate your input!!

Thank you all so much for your replies and suggestions. I tried several of your suggestions and yesterday ended up securing a space to park my little RV as a result from my craigslist ad.

I will be living in our small RV during the week while attending school and my dh will be visiting once a week too. Then home on the weekends. The person who responded to my craigslist ad has a father who is self-sufficient, but aging. The son told me that they would feel better knowing that someone is around to check in on their dad during the week as well as make sure that he has something to eat in the evenings.

In exchange for this I will have a lovely paved area to park the RV complete with full hookup as well as bathroom and shower facilities in separate quarters on the property (about 8 feet from where the rv is parked). The property is on a vinyard overlooking the city - the deck from the RV takes in this beautiful view and sits comfortably under the huge weeping willow tree surrounded by lawn. The area feels clean and safe and like a huge breath of fresh air. Does it get any better than that?!?

I am so eager (and nervous) to start school in a couple of weeks - I can hardly stand it! I am also very grateful to have this living situation secured - what a load off. Thank you all again for your ideas!!!

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I JUST LOVE ALLNURSES.COM!!!!!! people here truly help make good things happen!!!! God bless all of you great people!!!!!!:yelclap:

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Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.

When my parents use to RV they always stayed in a hospital parking lot. I admire your ambition. I don't think I could do it. Good Luck.

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Specializes in Level III cardiac/telemetry.

The amazing power of Craigslist! Have you heard about that guy who essentially traded a paperclip for a house? He made several trades along the way.

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That is too curious to let slide by!! I have not heard of the paperclip-for-a house-guy. Would be fun to read about. . . . where's more info?

Yes, the amazing power in networking!! I am just filled with gratitude about the help I received from the caring people of allnurses in making all of this come together. The feeling of support from people who don't even know me feels like a warm blanket and a nice hot cup of coffee, ahhh . . .

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Specializes in Level III cardiac/telemetry.
That is too curious to let slide by!! I have not heard of the paperclip-for-a house-guy. Would be fun to read about. . . . where's more info?

Check out this site. http://www.oneredpaperclip.blogspot.com/

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I'm so happy for you! Just be careful and best off luck in school!

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That is too curious to let slide by!! I have not heard of the paperclip-for-a house-guy. Would be fun to read about. . . . where's more info?

Yes, the amazing power in networking!! I am just filled with gratitude about the help I received from the caring people of allnurses in making all of this come together. The feeling of support from people who don't even know me feels like a warm blanket and a nice hot cup of coffee, ahhh . . .

Peg...I don't know how bad the winter's going to get w/you i n an RV..but RV's aren't very well insulated...so if you need to get into a cheap apt...you may look at Mead manor...on 10th'/mead...not the best area but cheap ..2 bed 425. I know someone who lived there for 2 years safely and cheaply during her nursing school (not WSU ). Also Cornerstone apts are nice and ...not that much but more than those. Also check out the dorms at YVCC which is RIGHT NEXT to the WSU satellite office... they sometimes rent rooms nightly if empty and oftentimes they are...or even monthly. You may check into it see what you can come up with though dorms typically arent' that cheap...they may be when you need them .

Just some other ideas. Best of luck at school!

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777RNThatsME, Thanks for the info. I do have concern about how much condensation builds up when enough heat is pumped in during those cold months. I am not very familiar with yakima, however, I know that there are some places that feel more safe than others. I will definately look into the places you mentioned if winter turns out to be too uncomfortable. (It is reassuring to note that you know of other nursing students who lived there and felt safe!) Also, there are other students in my program who stay in Yakima during the school week, then travel back home on the weekends. Housing is always a concern --- I will pass your info on to them. Thanks again!!

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Specializes in ER, NICU, NSY and some other stuff.

Can you not park on campus?

Check with campus security and see whether this would not be permissible.

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Specializes in OR Internship starting in Jan!!.

If they let you stay 5 nights, and you go home during the week...Doesn't that work out?

I wish you the best!

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I lived out of my van for a year and travelled all around after graduating college. Some of the best and safest places to park were hotels. They usually get enough traffic that noone notices one RV. You could switch hotel parking lots every few days.

I also felt safe in nice residential areas. I always tried to park in between two houses so each owner thought I was visiting thier neighbor. As mentioned above, Wal-Mart and supermarket stores are good for a few nights a month.

Put an ad in craigslist explaining your situation. Maybe you could even trade soemone who wants an overnight presence for parking. I always felt super dafe locked in my van no matter what type of neighborhood I was in. If worse came to worse I could just start it up and drive off.

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