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I am not saying to find a roommate through craigslist because you have to be careful about craigslist. I do think it can give you an idea of what the cost will be to share a place in the area you are looking for. Then you can estimate other expenses.
In my opinion waiting tables is a good way to make money in a situation you are in. There are a variety of hours you can work and tips if you work at a busy restaurant can be pretty good. Also if you end up doing a good job or liking it there they may train you to be a bartender which can make ok money.
When you first drive down there have you looked into inexpensive hotels to stay in while you look for a roommate or other living situation?
If you want to do stock what about grocery, target, department stores especially with the holidays coming up.
I'd probably rather do stock than waiting tables... however a bartender I wouldn't mind. But, I'm always up for something new. I don't think I'd prefer waiting tables, but I could do it.
I haven't looked into inexpensive hotels. I'm hoping that I can be in a situation to move right in. But, I should just in case.
I know that some people say not to use Craigslist, but I'd do it anyway. Look under "rooms & shares" and you will find some possibilities. I just looked at one that is $450 for a bedroom in a 3B condominium near the community college, most utilities included, and is handled by a property manager (so, not a scam and the other tenants probably aren't criminals). There's also a single guy wanting to rent out a room in his 2 BR condominium, $475 including utilities. It doesn't hurt to look into listings like those.
Unless you're able to get the job lined up before you come, housing location won't really matter. (Bellingham isn't that big.) If it were me, I'd pick the cheapest thing that seemed safe, then save up money so that when I found the area I really wanted I could move there. A single guy, 23, doesn't need to get the perfect spot on the first try.
I'd go up a few weeks ahead of moving, to check things out. As far as applying for jobs if you're not living there we met a man who just moved to a town near here. On the application, he put down the address of the hotel where he was staying, his cell number and two week's notice on the line "when can you start?" Then, IF you get the job you have a couple weeks to get up here, find a place to rent, and get moved. After you start you can do a change of address.
I'd probably rather do stock than waiting tables... however a bartender I wouldn't mind. But, I'm always up for something new. I don't think I'd prefer waiting tables, but I could do it.
I haven't looked into inexpensive hotels. I'm hoping that I can be in a situation to move right in. But, I should just in case.
OP I think even for a few nights you should stay in a hotel. Even if you found a place before you move I would not rent it until you view it for yourself. My thought for waiting tables is in most cases I feel you could make more money then stocking. Usually to be a bartender you need experience or to start as a waiter.
It's something I'll have to consider. But even staying a few nights in a hotel is a bit of a money sink. It'd be awesome if I could just move in.... But, can't always rely on just pictures.
Perhaps... if someone gave me a walkthrough with skype video. That'd be interesting, ha.
I don't know about 8 months in savings as backup. That depends on what you mean, but that seems unreasonable for me at the moment. I will be planning for 3 months of savings, meaning 3 months of rent/gas/food/etc. without having a job. If within 3 months I somehow don't have a job... which I highly doubt, and worse comes to worse, I'd cut my loses and move back where I am welcome with easier finances.
Eight month's savings means it's enough money to feed you and put a roof over your head, buy gas, car maintenance (hopefully not necessary), pay utilities, etc., etc. for a solid 8 months without a paycheck.
If you have sufficient funds to just pack it up and move back home, then go for it. But, if you did that, would you have enough to rent a place, or would you move in with someone?
Eight month's savings means it's enough money to feed you and put a roof over your head, buy gas, car maintenance (hopefully not necessary), pay utilities, etc., etc. for a solid 8 months without a paycheck.
If you have sufficient funds to just pack it up and move back home, then go for it. But, if you did that, would you have enough to rent a place, or would you move in with someone?
Eight months really is quite a lot. I would be able to get a job within a month or two, I'm sure. I'm planning for saving for 3 months. As for moving in with someone, I don't know anyone there but I will be looking into roommates and such as it gets closer.
Not sure if they offer housing for graduate students.
It would be the easiest way to finance a move there. It's really beautiful. The downside is that it's cloudy a good percentage of the time, so be prepared for that.
EDIT: I just tried the link above and see you have to be a current student to use it. But there's always Craigslist:
Oh, and in case you were entertaining the thought of living in Bellingham and commuting to a different town....forget it. The weather is cruel in the winter - very icy and snowy. You won't want to go anywhere far outside of Bellingham. I know because I worked in Bellingham and bought a house in Sumas, because I could afford it. Commuting was absolute hell.
Last edited by NoMoreSnowForMe; 10-20-2013 at 08:56 PM..
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