Due to a variety of financial issues, we’ve never been able to put away anything significant for college funds. We are now more financially secure; but, have a high school senior who just got accpeted into FSU. With little in the bank, I am torn between being excited for him while also being scared to death about how to swing this financially. I think that I have a plan and would like some advice on whether or not this makes sense.
Between Bright Futures, grant money, and federal student loans, that will give him the necessary funds to cover tuition and a meal plan. That leaves housing. Estimated on-campus housing is roughly $3,275 per semester. Instead of worrying about how to come up with that amount at the beginning of each semester, would it make sense for him to stay off-campus and we could simply pay his monthly rent?
If this does sound like a doable plan, where should we start looking? With a meal plan, it would need to be close to campus. Also, he is an applicant to the film school. It is very tough to get into. If he does get in, it would need to be relatively near the stadium (where the film school is located).
It’s really going to depend on what his situation is:
Does he have a car? If not, you’re going to want to stay close to campus (you talk about that already with the film school) and probably on a bus route, limiting the options. If so, you’ll have to consider whether parking on campus and all of the hassles that includes is worth it. Parking is at a premium on campus. And that’s putting it mildly.
Are you hoping for more of a traditional dorm experience or a regular apartment? And are you looking for one where he will have the place to himself or one where he’s going to have a roommate (or several).
To be honest, if he’s living off campus you probably won’t benefit from a meal plan vs. just buying each meal individually while on campus- and here you could give him money each month for food.
One thing to keep in mind is that if you look off-campus, you’ll be expected to put down a deposit whenever you sign a lease. I’ve seen a number of places that make this a nominal fee ($1-50 or so), but some places will expect first month’s rent.
It’s certainly doable- it’s just a question of whether it’s worth it. Hopefully your son is accepted to the film school.
Thanks for the replies. I read elsewhere that FSU typically does not have enough housing for each year’s incoming freshmen. So, I figured that this would have to be a possibility. The question becomes whether or not it is worth the hassle.