Living independently while in Nursing school, is it possible?

[Lena M]

Hi there, I'm a new member on this site but I've been reading posts on here for a long time. Well, my situation is, I'm 17 and I am a full time Dual Enrollment student at a community college taking my nursing pre-reqs (pretty much instead of taking my senior year classes at my high school). I have been accepted into 3 nursing programs - waiting on 3 more answers to decide where I want to go.

I was lucky enough to get a scholarship that will cover all of my tuition for nursing school, and I intend on applying for more and grants and such, so it is not the actual nursing school costs that worry me.

I would really like to move out as soon as possible. My home life is not a good situation, I've been working almost full time since I was in 8th grade and pretty much taking care of all of my living costs along with an unstable, addicted parent, besides the mortgage. So please no answers that I simply won't be able to move out cause I'm too young and don't know the responsibilities. At this point, moving out would be the best choice for my mental well-being. What I'm asking is if it is possible to do while in Nursing school?

I work part time as a pca and in childcare along with school. I've paid for this years entire tuition, insurance, and everything no problem, but obviously I would try to get even better work to move out. However, is it possible to hold a good job while going to school?

Any suggestions on good jobs to search for that could work with nursing school, and cheapest independent living situations? I live in a small town in Western Mass, and I was honestly maybe looking at renting a mobile home while in school, any other suggestions? My boyfriend may also move in with me and split costs, either that or I could also maybe look for a roommate. So any suggestions? If there are any answers thank you so much, I would really appreciate it.!

[RN9742]

It's possible, I know lots of people who do it. Have you considered going to a 4yr school and living in the dorms? This way you get the full college experience, and your grants/loans will easily cover room and board. Many schools will allow you to stay during summer months if you pay a fee.

[Lena M]

Well that's a relief to hear. And unfortunately with my situation, personally, living in dorms is not really an option for me. I know beggars can't be choosers, but that would really be an extreme last and unfortunate resort for me. Do you happen to know by what means the people that you know manage to live independently and still attend school? Thanks for answering!

[nonnocere1988]

I work part time and take out loans and I'm living fairly comfortably. I have a roommate and live in a so-so neighborhood, but it works. Try getting a roommate and if you can't afford security upfront, try looking on Craigslist for available rooms until you get your loans. I hope everything works out for you and best of luck.

[loriangel14, RN]

You could maybe look for someone that you could just rent a room from.

[Lena M]

Okay well it's good to know that my hopes aren't too unreasonable, thank you for your help and suggestions!

[flyersfan88]

Id live in dorms so it cuts the expense since all of that would be covered...opt to live in a single if you dont want a roommate. Do yourself a favor and hold off on the live in boyfriend experience for a long time. If you can get expenses covered by living in a dorm, IT IS SO WORTH IT rather than the stress of working to pay yhe bills or taking out loans to cover expenses...which is what I did. Do whatever leaves you most financially secure. Coming from someone who has lived on their own for years....id kill to live for free in a dorm -_-

[Lena M]

Yeah I completely understand that response, if I could go for dorm living I would, but like I mentioned it's unfortunately not possible for my personal situation and responsibilities. Thanks for the advice though!

[unicoRNurse]

I work full time and go to school full time. I do have a husband and a mortgage, but with a less expensive residence, I would be able to comfortably live independently while I went to school (which is what I did when I was younger and working on my first degree). You sound like a diligent worker with a solid plan; plenty of people work while in nursing school, and so can you. As far as what type of job, I would suggest one that offers a little flexibility with the schedule, because scheduling in NS can be a nightmare. I have had to take a few days off work from my 8-4 job for my "evening/weekend" program, because spit happens. Fortunately, I have vacation time, because if I had a job that required strict adherence to a rigid schedule and no paid time off, I would be in trouble. So, I would say as long as you can pay the bills and work around your school schedule, you should be good to go. Best of luck to you!

[guest769224]

I think it is completely doable for you!

That's what I am doing right now. I live on my own and work full-time in the hospital while balancing a nursing program.

I vote you do it. I'd shy away from the dorms, those scenarios are usually too rowdy to deal with while in school. You are 17 and have everything planned out for yourself. I am impressed.

[Lena M]

Wow, JillzyC, your post was a huge help, and ICUman it's great to know that by working hard such as you both do I can pull it off(I'm at least most certainly going to try now now). Thank you both so much for the encouragement and advice!

[RN9742]

I know several people who share living space with friends, and a few in dorms. I dunno what your reason is, but if it is a child - not accusing just putting it out there - there are also apartments on some campuses for students who have families. When I was a single mom I considered that option, kind of wish I had back then because I'd be working in my career now instead of finishing up school at 36. :) I agree with the other poster who suggested avoiding the live in boyfriend, you are young still although it appears you have had to grow up beyond your years, no reason to do that in all aspects of your life!