Unsure About Moving for College with My Partner and Dog – Need Advice!
Hey Reddit,
I’m a 24-year-old who has been accepted to both Colorado State and Arizona State as I plan to transfer from community college. Currently, I live in California and am bracing myself for potential rejections from the University of California due to a mix-up in my application essays.
My parents are kindly offering to help me cover some living expenses while I’m in school, as they believe I might struggle to balance a job with full-time studies.
Here’s where things get complicated: I have a long-term girlfriend of six years, and we have a dog together. I want to relocate with her and rent a one-bedroom apartment. She has a solid credit score of 750 and I’ve just applied for a credit card. We previously shared an apartment during my community college days, but that experience was rocky due to our youth and lack of responsibility—our rent was $1,175, and we often ate out.
My parents think I’m being unrealistic about expenses and suggest that moving in together would lead to a monthly budget of around $4k. They want me to live in student housing with multiple roommates instead.
So, my main question is: is my plan completely unrealistic? I know many students manage school and work successfully, and I have friends who have made it work without parental support. Should I consider moving alone and getting acclimated to the academic demands first? Then my girlfriend could join me after the first semester?
Here’s a brief financial overview:
– With Colorado’s minimum wage at $14/hour, my girlfriend could earn about $2,200 before taxes.
– She also plans to supplement her income with Instacart and DoorDash; she does really well with that in California, but we’re unsure how it will pan out in Colorado.
– When my brother was in college, my dad contributed $1,000/month for living expenses. I think that’s a reasonable expectation for me as well.
– My mom is covering my car insurance and registration; I don’t have a car payment.
– I have $60,000 in a college fund, which should comfortably cover two years of tuition (the average out-of-state tuition at Colorado is $33,000/year, but I’ve received an award that brings it down to $23,000/year for three years).
– I plan to find a part-time job to help with expenses.
– The apartments we’re considering range from $1,400 to $1,600, not including utilities.
– Currently, we have $5,000 in savings and aim to save up to $10,000 before the move.
I appreciate any insights or experiences you can share! Thanks!
Hi there!
First off, congratulations on your college acceptances! That’s an exciting step. It sounds like you’ve really put a lot of thought into your situation with your partner and your dog.
Here are a few points to consider as you navigate this decision:
Financial Planning: Your financial breakdown is quite detailed, which is great. Given that you’re expecting your SO to bring in income while you cover your tuition and have some parental support, it’s reasonable to work out a budget together. Make sure to account for all potential expenses, including groceries, utilities, and any pet-related costs. It sounds like you’re already on that path.
College Experience: Many people do manage to balance school and work successfully, especially when they’re motivated and prepared. However, keep in mind that transitioning to university-level coursework can be a big adjustment. If you’re unsure, it might be a good idea to start in student housing first. That could give you a chance to acclimate to your studies, and then have your SO join you once you feel settled.
Support Network: Since your parents have concerns, it might be worthwhile to have an open conversation with them about your plans. They may be more supportive once you outline how you’ve learned from past experiences and how you plan to manage your finances this time around.
Living Together: Living together again can be a joyful experience, but it’s also important to communicate openly about finances, responsibilities, and expectations. Setting clear guidelines can help avoid misunderstandings and improve your chances for a successful living situation together.
Consider All Options: Look into various housing situations, including student housing, which might provide a more flexible financial option if you feel overwhelmed. The benefit of having roommates is that it can drastically reduce costs for the first few months while you figure things out.
Pet Care: Don’t forget to budget for your dog! Pets can come with unexpected costs, so make sure you account for food, vet visits, and any potential boarding if necessary.
Ultimately, it’s about finding the right balance between your academic goals and your personal life. Trust your instincts, involve your SO in the decision-making process, and take things one step at a time. Good luck, and enjoy this new adventure ahead!