Oahu move--college student with family (rent, credit card, student loan)

[swoods2003]

I'm a 23 year old college student, married, with 3 kids. I'm trying to get into UH at Manoa. If we move, we would do it at the end of May, or beginning of June. We'll be shipping our car, so transportation wouldn't be that much of a problem. My husband works right now as an Optical Technician (making eye glasses) for a local place (in Fort Smith). I'm questioning the feasibility of it.

I'm just wondering what residency requirements are, like how many people to a 1 bd room place, and such? (which I can't seem to find anywhere!)

For me to establish residency in Hawaii for my tuition to go down, I can't work. So we would just have my husband's income (which is a bit over the minimum wage here). Differences in housing prices worry me. I've been looking into married student housing, but also checking out other options incase it doesn't work out.

I'm also curious about the elementary schools; my oldest is 6, 4 (will be 5 when we move), and 2.

What neighborhoods are good? Where should I be looking for a decent place at a decent price, preferably near a good elementary school? I would like to live as close as possible to UH, because my husband and I will be sharing a car. I did look into the bus, but it will be hard to tell if that is an option for one of us until I know the area we might be living in, or where my husband would be working.

Any help is appreciated! Thanks so much!

[Balad1]

Originally Posted by swoods2003

I'm a 23 year old college student, married, with 3 kids. I'm trying to get into UH at Manoa. If we move, we would do it at the end of May, or beginning of June. We'll be shipping our car, so transportation wouldn't be that much of a problem. My husband works right now as an Optical Technician (making eye glasses) for a local place (in Fort Smith). I'm questioning the feasibility of it.

I'm just wondering what residency requirements are, like how many people to a 1 bd room place, and such? (which I can't seem to find anywhere!)

For me to establish residency in Hawaii for my tuition to go down, I can't work. So we would just have my husband's income (which is a bit over the minimum wage here). Differences in housing prices worry me. I've been looking into married student housing, but also checking out other options incase it doesn't work out.

I'm also curious about the elementary schools; my oldest is 6, 4 (will be 5 when we move), and 2.

What neighborhoods are good? Where should I be looking for a decent place at a decent price, preferably near a good elementary school? I would like to live as close as possible to UH, because my husband and I will be sharing a car. I did look into the bus, but it will be hard to tell if that is an option for one of us until I know the area we might be living in, or where my husband would be working.

Any help is appreciated! Thanks so much!

If you've read any of the Hawaii threads here about cost of living and public education in Hawaii I think you already know your answer or should.

A family of 5 living on one income in Hawaii and that income being minimal plus associated moving expenses...that's insane!

[swoods2003]

That's what I thought...but I can always hope there's something I didn't think of.

[Balad1]

Originally Posted by swoods2003

That's what I thought...but I can always hope there's something I didn't think of.

I'm sorry for being so blunt but as a Hawaii resident I can tell you that this just plain isn't possible.

Someone else can correct me if I'm wrong but I think I remember reading that you needed to be a resident for 1 year to qualify for in-state tuition.

[Lisa From Maui]

Swoods:
Yes, you can do it. It just depends on what you're willing to give up. Being realistic...

Your husband's salary will buy food, clothing & toiletries (shampoo, toothpaste, etc) for a family of 5. I believe you can buy a very large tent at Sports Authority for less than $200. Your family can live on the beach. Just make sure you have a fishing pole in the water, so you won't get fined by the police.

Believe it or not, there are many families that are already doing that... living on the beach because they can't afford anything else. Yes, I'm totally serious. The economy is horrible and there is no more room left at the homeless shelters. They're living on the beach.

*smiling* Do yourself a favor. Figure out how to get a really good paying job back home, save up $$, and come visit Hawai'i for 2 weeks. When you're here on vacation, Hawai'i is PARADISE! Come visit paradise for 2 weeks. You'll love it here.

[hotzcatz]

What program does the U of H at Manoa have which you wouldn't be able to get at a college near you? Can you find something similar online?

I doubt your husband's job would have an equal in Hawaii. He might not be able to find something similar or even a job at all considering the current economy.

With three kids and going to college, what about childcare? Who watches them while you are in classes?

It sounds like a very difficult situation to make work.

[InBliss]

Originally Posted by swoods2003

For me to establish residency in Hawaii for my tuition to go down, I can't work. So we would just have my husband's income (which is a bit over the minimum wage here). Differences in housing prices worry me.

To be able to make this move you would have to have a considerable amount of money saved up. I am going to be attending the U of H school system for my second degree in Spring '09 (moving from the east coast). I have saved up over $5,000 and have no credit card debt in order to make the move. I have enough money to pay tuition payments, book my flight, ship my car via Matson (driving to the port in Cali to save money), and it is enough money for a room/share rent for a couple of months until my student loan money kicks in.

You have to save up more money. I am just one person and I think that a minimum of $5,000 with no credit card debt is just enough to allow me to get on my feet. Your plans are not secure.

They're very far from feasible at this point.