3 answers
Jeremy
Student
Weehawken, New Jersey
1
Question
Updated
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What should I do, other than applying to tons of scholarships, creating financial appeals, and working, to be able to pay for college dorming?
My parents do not want to help out at all and I have no other backing to help. Any advice?
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3 answers
Wyatt Thomas
AI Tech Consultant; Army Veteran
5
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Wyatt’s Answer
Hey Jeremy,
It may not be the answer you are looking for -- but I would not have been able to afford college myself without the military. I earned an ROTC scholarship, attended 4 years of out-of-state college with basically everything covered, and then served in the Army for 7 years. I am no longer in the Army, and I now work as a software engineer -- and, because of the military, I have never had any debt in my adult life.
There are other options as well, if you already have debt, if you enlist they sometimes offer student loan forgiveness. And/or, if you enlist, you can earn your GI bill which pays 100% tuition and gives you a monthly (tax-free) housing allowance based on your zipcode. I am not sure what you are studying, but it may be a path worth checking out. I highly recommend looking into it if you are pursuing the medical field, because you can become a doctor for the Army without racking up incredible debt.
Hope this helps.
It may not be the answer you are looking for -- but I would not have been able to afford college myself without the military. I earned an ROTC scholarship, attended 4 years of out-of-state college with basically everything covered, and then served in the Army for 7 years. I am no longer in the Army, and I now work as a software engineer -- and, because of the military, I have never had any debt in my adult life.
There are other options as well, if you already have debt, if you enlist they sometimes offer student loan forgiveness. And/or, if you enlist, you can earn your GI bill which pays 100% tuition and gives you a monthly (tax-free) housing allowance based on your zipcode. I am not sure what you are studying, but it may be a path worth checking out. I highly recommend looking into it if you are pursuing the medical field, because you can become a doctor for the Army without racking up incredible debt.
Hope this helps.
Dalia Salazar
Consulting
19
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Dalia’s Answer
One practical thing I’d add is to look for college-specific housing solutions, not just outside scholarships. I’d contact the financial aid office and housing office directly and ask whether they offer:
- emergency grants or hardship funds
- dorm payment plans
- deposit deferrals or fee waivers
- work-study or campus jobs
- any housing assistance for students with limited family support
Also, once you’re eligible, definitely look into becoming an RA (Resident Assistant) after your first year, since that can significantly reduce housing costs at many schools. But for the short term, I’d also look for on-campus jobs connected to residence life like front desk assistant, mailroom, student center, dining hall, library, or conference housing jobs, because they can be easier to manage alongside classes and sometimes come with other benefits.
I’d also be very honest with yourself about whether dorming is the cheapest path. Sometimes living off campus with roommates, commuting, or starting at a lower-cost option for a year can be the more financially sustainable move, even if it’s not the ideal experience.
Finally, I’d suggest asking the school one direct question: “What do students in my situation usually do to make housing work?” They may know about options that are not obvious on the website.
- emergency grants or hardship funds
- dorm payment plans
- deposit deferrals or fee waivers
- work-study or campus jobs
- any housing assistance for students with limited family support
Also, once you’re eligible, definitely look into becoming an RA (Resident Assistant) after your first year, since that can significantly reduce housing costs at many schools. But for the short term, I’d also look for on-campus jobs connected to residence life like front desk assistant, mailroom, student center, dining hall, library, or conference housing jobs, because they can be easier to manage alongside classes and sometimes come with other benefits.
I’d also be very honest with yourself about whether dorming is the cheapest path. Sometimes living off campus with roommates, commuting, or starting at a lower-cost option for a year can be the more financially sustainable move, even if it’s not the ideal experience.
Finally, I’d suggest asking the school one direct question: “What do students in my situation usually do to make housing work?” They may know about options that are not obvious on the website.
Chelsea M. Jordan
Learning and Development Specialist
6
Answers
Providence, Rhode Island
Updated
Chelsea M.’s Answer
Apply to be a Resident Assistant (RA)! That often comes with free housing and a meal plan. Or, at the very least, a steep discount. Not to mention, it is a great experience where you can really make an impact on others!