Better to live in an apt close to school & pay more, or far and pay less with a car?

<p>how hard is to find parking if we end up having to drive to school today?</p>

<p>your first Q: depends, will you <em>really</em> be paying less with a car? if you drive 5 days a week back and forth for the whole school year, how much gas money will you use? idk the details, but if the true difference in cost is low enough, id go with living closer to campus (even though it sounds like you’re leaning toward living farther away)</p>

<p>to your second Q: have you been to berkeley?</p>

<p>Yeah, I’m a student here. lol Okay, here’s the problem: I found a place that I really like, and my parents don’t want to pay that much, so my mom suggested/yelled at me and said i should stay at a place farther away so that it’s cheaper. But then again, my parents never think that I really think things true, because you know, i’m not responsible at all and I don’t know how take care of myself or do well on my own even though i made it to Berkeley without their help and support all these years but you know it’s cool. whatever. lol So here’s my reasoning that she hasn’t even let me explain:</p>

<p>Why I should live closer with the expensive apartment:

  1. they allow pets. lol jk
  2. It’s convenient to go to class and not have to wake up as early. It’s not too far or too close to campus so you definitely feel little more grown up and independent as opposed to living across the street from campus and being at school all day.
  3. It’s near restaurants/stores so if anything is needed (even when sick) it’s easy to get it.
  4. No need for a car.
  5. Bearwalk will go as far as this apartment. And it’ll be safe. This is actually one of my most important concerns. Safety.
  6. Less crime in a good apartment building (if you’re paying more, there aren’t as many hobos and stuff hanging around).
  7. The interior is brand new basically and it’s the perfect size/setting.
  8. Enough natural light.
  9. Close to transportation…</p>

<p>get my drift? does this make sense or am i just being spoiled?</p>

<p>honestly, if I live far away, i’m kind of scared to go alone from the car to the apartment if it is night time and bearwalk won’t go outside of boundaries. plus i see no point in living far when there are places close by.</p>

<p>Live in the closer place. You’re in college now, you make the decisions not your parents. Tell them you found a place you really like and need to sign the lease now. Say you’re too busy studying for finals to waste time searching for another place that you think will be worse for you anyway. That’s what I’d do at least.</p>

<p>Live in a closer place, but just wait for good deals. As long as you stalk the craigslist ads/etc., you’l eventually find a good bargain.</p>

<p>Lol I like your post flutterfly. You see, that’s what I would normally do but for some reason, I feel inclined to give them all the reasons. My mom is just so close-minded. I know it’s expensive, I get that, but this is also Berkeley. And i told her that. It’s like the cost of SF. Berkeley may not seem costly, but it is. That is why parking costs a ton as well. Parking is free in small towns where the cost of living isn’t so high. </p>

<p>I think I found a place for a better price that has a good location and nice interior but they haven’t called back yet. but you’re right. I literally spent an hour or two looking for a place because of her. I just want to have a good first year experience in the apartments.</p>

<p>Okay, here’s a mom’s perspective… First of all, do not talk to them the way flutterfly advised. That is a sure fire way to get no for an answer. This is the deal. You aren’t self sufficient and independent. You aren’t paying the bills. Therefore, it is very important what they think since they are the ones footing the bill. When you are truly independent and paying your own way, then it doesn’t matter what their opinion is, but until then, it does. I’m not trying to be difficult. It’s jut the way it is. I’m actually very reasonable and open minded. I’ve got three grown kids (youngest will be a sophomore next year at Cal) and I’ve been through all of this with no issues.</p>

<p>I would suggest you live closer to campus because it is safer. I truly believe that is the case and that is what I would discuss with your parents. I would much rather pay a tad more for my child to be safe then pay less and be worried about him. The fact is you are in Berekeley and there are some dangerous areas that you should avoid. I would also consider the cost of parking and driving. Gas is a fortune and parking is difficult and expensive. These are two things that you should bring up to your parents.</p>

<p>You need to be calm and reasoned. You need to act like an adult and your parents will hear you. Present the pros and cons. Tell them you are scared to live farther away. Discuss it with them and listen to their opinions. Then together make a decision. Getting into Berkeley is a huge accomplishment and I know you had to work hard. Transitioning from child to adult is the next step. I am giving you tools to use to do this successfully with your parents. Good luck.</p>

<p>That was really helpful, can’t write much cus i’m in the library…but her next comment would be why don’t u share an apt with people, and i’ve made the right decision for myself.</p>

<p>I’m glad you find it helpful. I didn’t want to offend you. It’s a tough time for you and your parents right now. It’s the old push and pull of growing up. Anyhow, that’s a valid comment by your parents. It’s much less expensive to share and apartment and all of my kids did. That being said, it depends on who you can share it with. My daughter is sharing an apartment with her best friend next year. She shared an apartment with her and two others this year, but there will be just the two of the next year. There friendship is fine. As a compromise to sharing an apartment with someone, have you checked into renting a room in a house? This would be like having your own room but the cost would be lower. Would that interest you? Also living with someone is safer and I know safety is something that concerns you. Just keep checking out different options. Keep an open mind and think outside the box. There is a solution out there that will satisfy both you and your parents.</p>

<p>I’ll PM you.</p>