How much would i need to live in san jose, ca before i get financial aid?

Question

I am moving to Cali at the end of August and planning to live w/ 2-3 other roommates to split the rent (I'm looking on craigslist). However, I am going to go to grad school over there (i currently live in FL). I won't be getting back a financial aid refund check until the first week of September and I am also going to apply for private loans since the tuition is expensive. So I am going to need money to pay rent and get food for that duration of time before I get the money from my school. So how much should I bring with me? I don't have any cash and no money saved, so should I get a credit card or a loan and pay it back later? Or should I apply for a part-time job in san jose in advance? Help! I don't know what to do and time is running out!

Answer 1

You need to get a job NOW (in the location where you are at) and save up enough cash for a deposit on an apartment in Cal, also for an electric deposit, gas, whatever.  I would say a minimum of 3,000.  Many places require you to have a deposit, plus the first and last months rent before you move in.

Finding a job in your new location is important.. but not as important as having the cash to actually move to CA and have a place to live when you get there.  DON"T get a credit card.  I repeat DON"T Get a credit card.  If you can't save up enough money to get you to CA and not be homeless, you need to delay entering grad school for a semester so you aren't sleeping on a park bench.

Also, be aware that you don't get MORE financial aid because you choose to attend college out of state.  I'd hate for you to make the assumption you are going to get money back from finanicial aid when you really don't.  Just BE SURE you know how much fin aid you are getting and how much your out of state tuition, fees books, etc will be before you get there.

You said you are "going to" apply for private loans.  Why exactly are you waiting?  You need to do it NOW so if you get denied, you'll be prepaired and make alternate arrangments if your cosigner backs out or doesn't have good enough credit.  ALL OF THIS NEEDS TO BE WORKED OUT NOW!!!  For goodness sake, don't wait until you get there.

Good Luck!