<p>I know it sounds impossible, but the idea of finding a way to live closer to school with your housing in exchange for minimal work (“minimal” because your studies come first), would be a dream come true. Perhaps as a caretaker of a residential building, an au pair, companion to an elderly or disabled person, a year-long house-sit, etc. I’ve heard/known of so many unique free/low-cost living situations, that I imagine it could happen. You’d likely need help unearthing them. I’d love to hear the nitty-gritty from CCers who know how such gigs are scored. </p>
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<li><p>If they were legally married anywhere in the world, they are married here and their tax status should reflect this ( but that is going to be between them and the IRS). The best that they could do is file married, filing separate. Neither one of them should be filing HOH or single especially if they are still living together.</p></li>
<li><p>Even if they are not legally married, according to the recent changes in the FAFSA if they are living together, both of their incomes should be on your FAFSA to be taken into consideration for need based aid .</p></li>
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<p>Go to local grocery stores, churches, YMCA, recreation departments, senior centers, town hall, etc. and look at what is pinned up on their bulletin boards. See if someone is looking for a little help around the house in exchange for free housing. </p>
<p>Pin up an ad of your own so anyone seeking such help can call you, with multiple tear-off tags at the bottom of the page with your name and phone number. Be prepared to provide references from the college.</p>
<p>You might walk around and see if you see any postings at Macalester or Hamline, too. Mac in particular is a short bus ride from St. Thomas. We used to hire students from there to do light housekeeping when we lived in that neighborhood.</p>
<p>I think I’ll just transfer to a cheaper/more generous school.</p>
<p>Easier said than done. Many schools do not have the same financial aid for transfers as they do for incoming freshmen.</p>
<p>Community college will most likely be less expensive and you can save $ from a job for when you get your Associate’s degree.</p>
<p>Have you checked if anyone in off-campus housing is looking for a roommate or would be willing to let you stay there during the week for reduced rent? That might be less expensive than dorm housing and board. Eating at home on the weekends would save some money as well.</p>
<p>If you’re really considering transferring, then the best thing you can do is to get the highest grades you can. In general, the most generous colleges are also the most selective. Transfer offers are usually less than for incoming freshmen but it doesn’t hurt to call some colleges and ask about your options.</p>
<p>Another possibility is you can do is to try to get a job as a resident assistant for next year. That would give you free room and board. I’d talk with someone there to see if if you would be considered without having lived on campus this year.</p>