more complicated version of 'how much can I afford'

[Katie1]

Here is something else HEAT very expenive...ooil is up to $375 per gal comapies wont del less than 100 gallons so think $375 to $400 per month to heat your apt!! Ele heat & gas is just as bad....

[sarahreed87]

Originally Posted by Katie1

Here is something else HEAT very expenive...ooil is up to $375 per gal comapies wont del less than 100 gallons so think $375 to $400 per month to heat your apt!! Ele heat & gas is just as bad....

yeah.. so those 'all utilities included' apts are looking good. i would just have to see if they are going to freeze me in winter and burn me in the summer. I know the district, the augusta and other student-oriented complexes offer all utilities included but they definitely offer a lot of ammenities I dont need.. but they are probably a best bet for the first time..

[pitt_transplant]

I dont think you can get section 8 as a student. And trust me..You dont want it.

at 1200/month take home you are above the poverty line for a single person.
You can take out a cost of living loan through school, get housing through school or suck it up and drop the 100 cell phone bill and other etcs.

Heres a calculator to help you figure:
Budget Calculator -- Calculate your monthly budget online (broken link)

And really...Food costs more than you think. Start logging how much you spend now to get an idea.

[CandyApple]

If you're "moving for a serious relationship" just move in with him and split the costs.

Not a good idea. If, down the road, there's problems with the relationship/you want to break up, or just being stuck together 24/7 in a tiny apartment is uncomfortable, and you don't have the confidence/finances to move out you might end up stuck in a position you don't want to be in.

Better to keep financial dependencies separate from your romantic life, at least until you've had a few years of really living on your own (including making enough money to cover ALL your expenses).