Living Struggles
Moving out into the world for the first time is never easy. Even under regular conditions, there are struggles and hardships that can’t be overlooked. But now during this uneasy time with the country wavering on the brink. With Natural disasters and plagues hitting our area especially hard. Housing prices have never been higher around here and it will be a while till that changes.
Before all of this happening a student could reasonably afford a single-bedroom apartment if they worked hard and saved money where they could. If they applied for grants they could even live a little more comfortably, but a full-time job is pretty much required. Now even with a full-time job, a roommate is required with rents around one thousand dollars. Even if you make barely enough to be able to afford it, many require you to make two times the monthly rent to even qualify. That is out of the reach of most students so they have to hope they can find someone to live with. This has even led to an unfortunate rise in the number of college students that are homeless.
Like with many things involving college students the solution to their problem is in numbers. If students work together and form bonds they can raise themselves out of their situations. Students that combine their income with friends to afford renting houses or larger apartments tend to have more space in total and much higher quality living spaces. There is also an added communal support effect added when you live with others and support each other. That is something really important right now. In a time where depression and other mental disorders are on the rise due to social isolation.
Down Inside
The mental stress of all that is going on right now isn’t the easiest for anyone. Students just moving out on their own have it extra tough right now. Thankfully there are programs available for all sorts of people who need to talk to someone. It can be hard, many people are alone right now. FSU our neighbor has a page that links to many different places that can help. Please if you need help click HERE and see what our community can do to help you. Mental illness is a serious problem and some of our fellow students are in very dark places. Be a human and try to be nice to others that all we can ever really do.
Travel
For a while, transportation was also an issue but thankfully now it isn’t as bad. New cleaning procedures and proper protective masks have allowed us to continue using the city trolly system to get around town. Please take extra precautions when doing so, however. Always wear a mask and use hand sanitizer. Also, avoid touching your face if you are touching the surfaces around you.
Food Struggles
Budgets are tough right now with Job uncertainty and the market still being in the gutter. So don’t be afraid to use any assistance offered to you. If you are living away from your family and not making that much money you most likely qualify for EBT. Even if you don’t qualify for much, having a little guaranteed food money every month can take a lot of stress off your back. Everyone struggles but you can still get help.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Pj Heckert
Student Author - Spring 2021
