Here in MN, you can work in the public library at age 16. Shelvers without experience make minimum wage. Shelvers with experience make more. You might want to consider applying at Barnes and Noble or Borders Books. With your experience, you'd probably get hired there and I think you'd make more money. Plus the hours are more flexible (b/c they are open later)--I mean, you'd be able to work around your class schedule and still get enough hours in to pay your bills. I'm sure you would be able to get a job in either a public library or in the library at whichever college you attend if that appeals to you more.
Have you considered going right to a 4-year university (by-passing community college)? With your experience in a library, I'll bet you could get a work-study position in the university library, which would pay a good chunk of your education. Plus you could live in the dorms, which would solve your problem about finding an apartment, fixing meals, and all that stuff. I'm not sure you'd be saving much money by attending a CC if you have to live in an apartment. You'll have groceries to buy, meals to prepare, laundry to do, utilities (gas and electric) to pay. That all adds up. Plus it's harder to meet people if you're new in town and living on your own, and you'll want/need a support system of friends.
I don't know of hostels in Mpls--does anyone else? I know that at many universities, there are families that host students (especially international students) at the holidays or even on the weekends. They provide a home away from home (for students who live too far away to bop back home for a home-cooked meal). Also, I'd highly recommend you get involved in a religious organization of your choice once you are here--you might find a host family that way.
Is there any particular reason you want to move to Mpls? There are a lot of other good universities and colleges (public and private) throughout the state. The private ones may look spendy
at first, but with financial aid packages they generally average out to be okay. Plus, you're more likely to find a host family through a private university.
Okay, assuming you want to continue on your route to a 4-year university via a community college, Normandale CC has a program in journalism. Google Normandale Community College and then search journalism at their site. You might even be able to get an entry level job in journalism after completing a 2-year program there--especially if you complete an internship or work on the school newspaper or something like that.
Most of the CCs in MN have a more technical type focus: broadcasting, desktop publishing, graphic design, that sort of thing. I don't think North Hennepin or Anoka-Ramsey have journalism programs. Neither does Dunwoody or Brown Institute. (They're both more technical.) At 4-year inivs, Journalism is usually housed with the depts of either Mass Communications or English. I know in some states, a degree from a CC will buy you the general (or CORE) courses--but I will bet you that most universities in MN will require you to take some of the gen eds at their institution anyway. Our system is supposed to be compatible (from CC to university), but oftentimes the university will require 2 writing courses (or equivalent to one full year), whereas the CC will require only one semester. That means you'd still have one more writing class (one more semester) to take once you go to the university. Trust me on this.
As for the weather:
If you lived in Alaska for 13 years, you'll get used to the weather in MN. Your 49 degrees in AZ happened abruptly so it probably shocked your system! Personally, I like the weather in MN though most folks here complain about it. (I think it gives them something to talk about.) Yes, it gets cold. But the snow is fun, and the best way to adjust to it is to get outside and play in it!
That brings up another issue about housing though. If you get an apartment, be sure the heat is included with the rent or it can get costly. (Wouldn't have to worry about that in a dorm.)
Welcome to City-Data.com forum! Make sure to register - it's free and very quick! You have to register before you can post and participate in our discussions with 700,000 other registered members. User profiles and some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your free account you will be able to customize many options, you will have the full access to over 15,000 posts/day about local topics and you will see fewer ads. 
Minneapolis Relo Question
Linear Mode
