Homeless

[artistnurse]

I know there have been tons of posts on this subject, so what's one more...I've asked everyone who would know, I suppose so I don't expect a solution..Therefore, this will just be an exhale.

I have actually thought about living out of my car during nursing school, lol!!!

I do believe I will be approved for a Stafford loan which won't even touch living expenses. The financial aid counselor has basically told me that's all they can do, which is really disappointing since she's been telling me not to worry, they understand the financial issues with nursing students. Had I known that's all they could do ahead of time, I could have been preparing better financially for this. I've been keeping in contact with them from early on, because I want to try to be prepared for almost every obstacle. I've applied for scholarships, which are not guaranteed. I do not have a cosigner, and no one to move in with.

I start at the end of this month, which is really stressing me out. I just think it's sad that the financial aid office cannot help any more than what they've told me.

[Heloisea3]

Does the school you are going to have dorms? Is it possible for you to live in those? If not, maybe you could look at the bulletin boards on campus. People often post requests for roommates on the bulletin boards. Also, I have several friends in the nursing program with me who are struggling and going it on their own. Most of them have jobs at hospitals or waitressing jobs. It seems like these type of jobs are better about working with their schedules. Also, there are other loans that are available besides stafford loans. There are supplemental (SLS) loans. You should go back to the financial aid office and ask about them. They are not need based loans, and they are not based on your credit, etc. They are for students who need additional resources above what they are getting with the stafford loans. There are also Perkins loans for needy students. You should make an appointment to speak face-to-face with someone in the financial aid office so that you can explain your situation to them. I had to do this once when I was working on my BA. I literally went to the office and cried because I was desperate for help to be able to go to school, and I had nowhere else to turn. I talked to a woman in the financial aid office, and she was able to get me additional funding even though they had initially said that I couldn't get it. Be sure to talk to them. The people in the financial aid office get paid to help students, and many of them will listen if you go talk to them. Most of them really do want to help. Anyway, I wish you good luck. I was in a situation similar to yours when I went to school for my BA, so I can understand your situation. It is very tough, but you can do it. :icon_hug:

[michigansstudent]

Keep the up the stubborn attitude. It sounds like you are going to need it. My sister found herself in a tough situation, for other reasons- new baby with an abusive baby daddy - and was able to purchase an old trailer in a trailer park for only 2000. Her lot rent was 200 a month and she had a three bedroom "house". It was a humbling experience but got her through three years of hard times. When she had her life in order she donated the trailer to the areas church so that someone else could have an opportunity to get a leg up on a tough situation. Help is out there, you just have to find it. Apply to any local hospitals for a tech position, transporter or what have you. They will work around your school schedule better than anywhere else and the hospital I work at will give 1500 a semester if you maintain above c average for your nursing classes. When there is a will there is a way. Keep a level head and look for deals and helping hands in your community.