I lived on my own at 17 years old, because my parents died when I was younger and I was aging out of the foster jail system.
For the fall semester, I rented a room. Now, I did receive a stipend from the state that paid for my rent until I turned 18 years old. However, my parents taught me as a little girl the value of hard work and saving, so I still worked as if I had to pay it myself. I saved the difference. So I could have made it without the stipend, but it would have left little for the savings account.
Another thing I had that fall semester was the school work release. I was in the program where I could leave school at lunch and go to work afterwards. That really helped in terms of being able to afford living on my own. However, the job I worked at was a bank, so my hours were not longer than 6PM at that time, so I didn't necessarily make more money, but I did have more time for studying. I had excellent grades and I kept it that way.
I graduated high school at the end of that fall semester and went to a local community college in the spring. I moved out and into a two-bedroom apartment closer to the college. It cost me double the price, so I did end up paying that double portion out of my own paycheck. It did leave little to put into savings, but I made it work.
I briefly had a roommate, but quickly learned I liked living on my own even though I really loved my friend. She was a faithful roommate, so if you don't mind living with someone else and they faithfully pay half the rent, definitely consider it! She was also 17 years old and came from a great family that trusted her to make it on her own. She was very responsible and had excellent grades to prove it.
All I have to say is that if you put your mind to accomplishing it, you can do it with strict diligence to keeping your priorities straight. Honestly, I don't see the difference between senior year of high school and freshmen year of college. You're going to have to do this at some point. I'm a mom, so I have an inkling as to what your parents are thinking, but since I've done it, I'm of the mindset that kids with a good head on their shoulders should be allowed to branch out when they think they are ready to do it. If they fail because they simply underestimated the challenges, so what? Help them through it. If they fail because they made poor choices (e.g. partying instead of studying), then as a parent I would be upset, but I'd still consider it a lesson learned and talk to them about making better choices.
So yes, it can be done if you're a wise young person. If you're foolish, then don't be surprised when you fail. Be the wise kid and keep your priorities straight. I wish you well if you decide to do this.
I'm assuming you're 18 years old and old enough to move out without your parents permission?
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