<p>So my boyfriend and I are looking to going to Chicago for college. We are both from Oregon. However we are looking into separate schools. Back at home, he is working on a technicians certificate at our local community college, but I am hoping to receive a Bachelors in Japanese at a 4 year school. With the school that I am looking at, it has a primary focus on the arts and would not offer the degree he is looking for, so he will probably end up changing to a different community college. </p>
<p>Since we would be at different schools, dorms would probably be out of the question, leaving us to have to get an apartment instead. Can somebody tell me how plausible a situation that is? Neither of us really work and his courses would only really be part time as he has such specific coursework whereas I need full time in order to receive financial aid. </p>
<p>What is rent in Chicago or the surrounding area like? Would it be within reason for us to be able to tackle work and college? Is unemployment available to college students? What are our options? </p>
<p>Or would that look better if both of us attended community college and worked instead? </p>
<p>Do you two have a source of income? It wouldn’t really make sense to take out loans if all you’re doing is attending a community college. Even if your boyfriend’s current school doesn’t have the focus he’s looking for, I’m sure there are other schools on Oregon that can accommodate his interests. </p>
<p>I would save up some money and get a job in the city you’re looking to move to before actually going. </p>
<p>What are you current living situations? Are you not in college right now?</p>
<p>If you’ll be a freshman, know that many universities require freshman to live on campus. If you’re not a freshman, then it’s possible you have a chance of living off campus.</p>
<p>As far as an apartment, look at it this way: if you were living on campus you’d have to pay for the dorms and a meal plan. Depending on if you have scholarships or were going to take out a loan, you’d still need about the same amount of money to live off campus. Some scholarships will cover living expenses but I assume that you would most likely have to take out loans. Since it’d still be considered a college cost (living expenses), you can use a student loan and have a better interest rate than a personal loan (stay away from these). </p>
<p>Give us more information so you can get more appropriate advice. Good luck!</p>