Living independently while in Nursing school, is it possible?

[Lena M]

Hi there, I'm a new member on this sight 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 comm. college taking my nursing pre-reqs(pretty much instead of taking my senior year classes at my high school) and 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, and 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.!

[ant2cory]

Are you accepted to universities? If so and you tuition is covered can you move into a dorm? My university has dorms and apartments, the cost rolls into the cost if tuition. Living alone is hard, no doubt but it's definitely doable.

[CLUVRN, MSN, RN]

You could get another part time job or perhaps ask your job for full time hours, get (hopefully another student around your age), and get an affordable apartment.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

It depends upon what you're willing to live with (or without). In your situation, you'd probably be willing to live quite frugally in order to get out of the house. If you're going to a school that has dorms, that's an option. Renting a mobile home is also an option, but remember that you will also have to cut grass, shovel snow and possibly maintain a car to get to school and work. It's better to live somewhere you don't have to have a car if that's possible.

Roommates are a good idea -- probably a better idea to get a roommate than live with your boyfriend if you're just doing it to share expenses. Unless your relationship is very solid, your living situation could become very unstable. If your relationship goes south, you may find yourself in the middle of finals trying to find a new place to live or a new roommate. Of course that can happen with roommates as well, but it isn't as likely nor is it accompanied by the emotional baggage.

I rented a room in the home of an elderly couple one year. They needed a bit of extra income (a very little bit, as it turns out, because that was the cheapest living situation I've ever had) and someone to carry the groceries in from their car or call 911 if one of them fell. If you can find that sort of situation, leap on it!

You probably aren't going to be able to afford a nice apartment and a nice car on your own -- and even if you could, you would be foolish to saddle yourself with that much debt. But there are better living situations out there than the one you're in, and certainly you can manage them while in school. Good luck!

[Ecl09]

You can definitely do this:) I'm not familiar with the housing market in your area, so I don't know what the average rent would be. But regardless, I would recommend finding a roommate. Chances are there is another person in the program you decide on who would like to live in a an apartment. Once you choose your school, you could advertise for a roommate on campus boards, facebook, etc. If you can find a situation like @RubyVee had, it would be the most affordable option I think. Best of Luck!

[Lena M]

I'd really rather not live in a dorm do to personal situations, but I'll definitely look into a college apartment type of thing like you mentioned. Thanks for the idea!

[Lena M]

ant2cory-I'd really rather not live in a dorm do to personal situations, but I'll definitely look into a college apartment type of thing like you mentioned. Thanks for the idea!

[Lena M]

RubyVee-I actually have a truck already, in my area it's pretty much impossible to get around with out one haha, so luckily that's not a problem for me. And I'll definitely look around for something like that too, thanks!

[Lena M]

Ecl09-Thank you!

[ShelbyaStar]

First of all, I'm sorry you're in this situation.

Second, yes it's totally doable. Most of us live independently, at least with a roommate or SO. A lot of medical type jobs like cna, hha, dsp, etc have an option of working prn or fill in, which has been great for me since I pick up lots of shifts when I have the time or none when I don't. Student loans and grants are meant to provide for a significant portion of living expenses as well, so you should be absolutely fine.

If you go the roommate route I'd probably recommend finding someone already established in a place that's a little older that's looking for a roommate to replace one they had. This way you are unlikely to need things like furniture or kitchenware, and they probably take care of things like utility bills which makes your adjustment to living independently a little simpler.

Good luck!

[PTKChic]

Possible? Yep. I have a mortgage and still attend school.

[Lena M]

ShelbyaStar-my apologies on replying to your advice so late, thought I would get no more answers honestly and stopped checking in but my gosh your advice was seriously soo helpful, thanks so much!