Jill Carty struggles to get approved for off-campus housing
by Brian Carey
Jill Carty waited anxiously for Residential Life’s response email in regards to her off campus request.
”I won’t be able to afford next semester’s payments because I don’t have $5,600 to give,” Jill said. She expects living off campus to cut her housing bills significantly.
Her phone buzzed, Jill reached for it, but had a disappointed look as she took the call. She was denied off campus living.
“I don’t get it I want to keep going to this school and finish my degree but I can’t afford the costs of living on campus,” she said, “I can’t afford school because I’m paying for it by myself, and the housing is ridiculous, I’m saving 500 a month living off campus by myself.”
Later that day Jill went into work only to hear more bad news. The promotion she was so eager to hear about was also denied her and awarded to another employee. “This promotion would’ve helped me pay for my own place and still be able to afford other expenses,” she said.
Jill parked her car outside her on-campus apartment. She stepped out and her phone rang once more. This time it was good news, the financial aid office approved her to live off campus and that they had made a mistake with her request.
Thrilled to hear the news Jill looked for off-campus housing that night. “I’m looking for a place that’s not too big but affordable and my own space, something that would allow me to save at least $300 a month on my work paychecks, for next semester payments on top of what I already have saved.”
The next day Jill found her ideal place. “Just a 10 minute drive off campus and it comes with my own room, full kitchen and bathroom, living room, garage, back yard with meditation garden, includes water and plowing all I have to pay for is heat/electric for $900 a month,” she said.
(Photo Jill Carty)
The last step in Jill’s process was to put down the safety deposit and first month’s rent. She withdrew money out of the ATM on campus and said, “I can’t wait to start the next chapter of my life.”
