What is best? Living at home or getting an apartment while in nursing??

Published

Hi Everyone! I am in need of some advice ASAP!

Should I live at home or should I move into an apartment while in Nursing??

I am 25 and living at home with my dad. I start the nursing program in 3 weeks! I have lived in an apartment, lived in the dorms, and lived at home in the past. When I was living with a roomate I feel that it helped my studying. I was able to concentrate more, have my own space, etc. And I am also 25 and feel like I should move out of my parent's house. My question is: is this silly when I can be living at home for free??

My finances are like this: I work part time as a bank teller 13-16 hours a week (making approx $580/mo). I set it up this way intentionally so that I wouldn't be working many hours while in nursing. If I move into an apartment my monthly expenses would be $1135. I will be getting 2250 in subsidized loans per semester to be used soley for living expenses (my tuition is already taken care of). I have 10K in savings.

Income:

580/mo work

4500/year subsidized loan

10K total in savings

Expenses:

1135/mo

Is this realistic?? I have many people telling me to stay at home and save money, which I have definitely already done. And I have people telling me "do what you want". I'm also concerned that even 13-16 hours a week would be too much for nursing. What do you guys think?

Another note: the apartment I am interested in is blocks from school, the hospital where clinicals will be at, and 3 miles from work. If I signed an apartment lease I could either do 6 months or 12 months. I would not have a roomate either.

Thank you in advance for your advice!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I know you're probably anxious to be out on your own, but I think it's more practical to live with your Dad until your are done with school.

As far as the hours at your job, if you live with your Dad, you would have an easier time leaving the position if you find juggling work and school too much of a challenge. You wouldn't want to jeopardize your scholarship for the sake of a few hundred bucks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics/Retirement Residence.
Stargazn03 how long is you nursing program?
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Ultimately you should do what feels right. I was in a similar situation. I was living on my own and I loved it. When I decided to go to nursing school I made the difficult decision to move back in with my parents. I did not want to deal with the stress of having to work as much as I did, and taking out loans to help pay for it was not something I wanted to do (I'm still paying off my student loan from my first degree). I'm 24 (25 next month) and yes there are times that feel like a giant loser, but it was the best decision for me. I consider myself fortunate that my parents live in the area and actually let me move back. I don't have to worry about bills (except for my storage unit for all of my apartment stuff that i miss). I don't have to work making is easier to focus on school. I even got convinced them to let me take over my brothers old room and tun it into my study area. We compromised and they put a new treadmill in it, but thats is also another benefit. I miss being on my own and being independent, but I just look at it as a two year sacrifice that helps me reach my goals.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Private Practice- wellness center.

I'm with Juliannehola...live at home. It sucks living with your parents past 20 or 21, but it's a good sacrifice. You could be living at home while not spending so much money on something you do not have to. Something to keep with you for a few years is one of my favorite sayings from a financial class I took: "Right now, live like no one else so later, you can LIVE like no one else." Just think, save all of your extra money for two or three years and when you graduate and get a job, you've got an emergency fund already built up. You could have enough saved to put a down payment on a home of your own, or have the ability to buy yourself a new car... you name it. Believe me, my husband and I moved in with my parents for a year when I was 32 so we could save money. It was TERRIBLE. BUT...we ended up being able to put 40% down on a house AND have funds left in case of emergency. Doing the smart thing isn't always the easiest thing...

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Operating Room.

I am always in favor of saving your money, especially in this economy. Yes it's nice to live on your own but living with your folks is not bad! Be glad you have that arrangement available for you. Don't spend money unless it is necessary. I am happily freeloading off my parents til I graduate lol!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well....try looking at a bigger picture. Where do you wanna be once you graduate?

If it's in that apartment, then you might as well go for it now. But if you have bigger plans for yourself after you graduate, then you might as well have some patience, stay with your parents and save that money for something bigger and better when you graduate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i am gonna stay at home, not work if i can try survive on the financial aid that i received

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It will be a two year associates in nursing! Oh man, it sounds like most people are suggesting living at home. I guess I could try it the first year and if it's not working for me I can always move out later still right?!?!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Definitely live at home! I did the same thing and don't regret it a bit.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I lived with my parents and they paid all my expenses. I did not have to buy food or prepare anything my mom did everything. I think the best option for you would be to stay with your dad, that way you can focus on your nursing and still keep your part time job. Why pay money for an apartment when your dad is offering you room and board etc for free.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in -.

I would stay at home if practical ! You will not regret it once you come home after a long and tiring day to a nice cooked meal, some company etc, ... :smokin: Most of my friends in college (around 21-23 years of age) live with their parents, me included, as it makes things a little less stressful, not having to deal with rent and bills and grocery shopping, as well as school and work.

Also, it is probably better you try get some more savings up your sleeve...imagine graduating, getting a job and being able to buy your own house (well pay it off) or splurge on a holiday or new car as a reward for all the hard work you have done !

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion