<p>Ah, the good old days. In my Master's program (not even PhD), I was paid $350 per month as a TA the first year, and $375 per month as an RA the second year. My apartment rent was $175, and my monthly phonebill to H (at another school) was $85. Not a good financial plan. Within 2 months, I moved in with a 56 year old quadriplegic woman, took care of her alternate nights with another student, and got free room and all meals. It was an amazing experience.</p>