Moving for College with a Partner and a Dog
Hey, Reddit!
I’m a 24-year-old student currently transferring from community college to a university and have been accepted to both Colorado State and Arizona State. I’m based in California but am anticipating rejection from the UC schools due to a mistake I made on my application essays.
Fortunately, my parents are generously offering to help with living expenses, as they prefer I focus on school without a job.
Here’s where I’m struggling: I have a significant other of six years, with whom I want to build my future, and we have a dog together. My plan is to move in with her and rent a one-bedroom apartment. She has an impressive credit score of 750, and I recently applied for a credit card. We’ve lived together before while I was in community college, but it didn’t go well as we were young and not very responsible at the time—our rent was $1175, and we frequently dined out. Despite that, we managed to support ourselves independently for two years without parental assistance.
My parents think I’m being unrealistic about the costs—estimating our total monthly expenses at around $4,000 if I move in with her. They want me to go alone and stay in student housing with multiple roommates instead.
I’m curious if I’m being overly ambitious. Many people manage school and work successfully, and plenty get through without parental support.
Would it be better to move there first on my own and adjust to the academic pressure before having her join me after the first semester?
Here’s a breakdown of our finances:
– With Colorado’s minimum wage at $14/hr, she could potentially earn around $2,200 pre-tax.
– She’s also considering options like Instacart and DoorDash, where she’s currently doing well in California, though we aren’t sure about earnings in Colorado.
– When my brother attended college, my dad helped him with $1,000 a month for living expenses, and I assured them I wouldn’t expect more than that.
– My mom will cover my car insurance and registration, and thankfully I have no car payment.
– I have $60,000 in a college fund, which should be enough for two years of tuition (the average out-of-state tuition at Colorado is $33,000/year, but I received a discount, making it $23,000/year for the next three years).
– I also plan to find a part-time job to help cover expenses.
– The apartments we’re considering in Colorado range from $1,400 to $1,600, excluding utilities.
– We’re starting with $5,000 in savings, aiming for $10,000 before we move.
Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!
It sounds like you have a lot to consider, and it’s clear you’ve put some thought into your options. Let’s break it down:
Financial Realism: From the details you’ve provided, it sounds like you’re trying to be realistic about your financial situation. If your combined income from her job and potential side gigs can approximate your living expenses, it’s worth considering. Just be sure to account for unexpected costs, like medical expenses, pet care, and any school supplies or fees you might not have initially factored in.
Living Arrangements: Living with your SO can certainly be manageable, especially if you’ve had experience before. However, communication will be key to ensure that both of you are on the same page about finances, responsibilities, and expectations. Having a financial plan and a budget can help you avoid the pitfalls you faced at 18.
School Experience: Your academic workload will likely increase in university, and it’s understandable to be concerned about that. Whether to live separately for a semester is a personal choice, but it may help you adjust to the new environment and workload. If you do choose that path, your SO could potentially join you after you’ve settled in a bit.
Parental Support: It’s great that your parents want to support you, but remember, it’s your life. You’ve shown initiative by applying for credit and planning financially! Open communication with your parents about your goals and plans may help ease their concerns.
Job Opportunities: Investigating the job market in Colorado is essential. Talk to others at Colorado State or research local job opportunities in advance to get an idea of what you can expect. If your SO is adaptable and willing to take on a part-time job, it may ease your financial pressure.
In summary, your plan isn’t unrealistic, but it does come with challenges and risks, as any big life change does. Continue to evaluate your financial situation, communicate with your partner, and be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary. Good luck with your move and your studies!