Photo Credit Alyssa Mohammed

Written By Alyssa Mohammed, Class of ’26

Charlene had finally finished moving into Rutgers University at the start of her freshman fall semester in 2022, and just as she was preparing to embark on the beginning of her college journey her student account was charged with a $12,000 billing statement for living cost. 

Students in New Jersey have faced the harsh reality of balancing the real college budget when it comes to living costs. In order to pay for living expenses during her first year of college, Charlene Domingo, a sophomore majoring in Information Technology and Informatics at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, balanced two part-time jobs with her coursework. She works one part-time job and currently lives in a four-bedroom two-bathroom apartment with three roommates.

“I would recommend finding an apartment off-campus because it is much cheaper than paying for a dorm since you are splitting the rent with your roommates. Now I pay $500 for rent monthly with a consistent environment and on average I spend $200 weekly, socially,” says Domingo.

Some students advocate commuting to university. Rob Bloom, an Exercise Science Major at New Jersey City University, resides with his family in an apartment. His monthly personal expenses typically range between $500 and $600, excluding rent, as he holds two part-time jobs.

“For any future potential students, don’t think you’re not cool if you stay at home for college. You’ll be more financially free at the end of it and you’ll learn a lot from commuting and having more responsibilities,” Rob said.

If you’re wavering on paying for dormitory accommodation out of pocket, Nikka Pitao suggests residing on campus to acclimate to college life and to gain personal development.

“I am paying my tuition out of pocket so it does change my view on how I handle money, but it is an easier way to make friends. Dorming is what you make it out to be, it will definitely change your perspective on yourself and your independence but it’s worth it,”  Pitao states.

Nikka Pitao, a sophomore, Marketing major at Montclair State University, resides in a double- standard room in Bohn Hall without a roommate. Her weekly social and living expenses are capped at $100, with food primarily covered by the meal plan. Her dormitory costs about $14,000 for the academic year.

Jackson DiLullo, a senior majoring in News & Media Studies at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, resides in an off-campus apartment with four roommates. His split of the monthly rent is $1,250 for a five-bedroom, two-bathroom unit at The Verve.  Although living off campus can be more affordable, there are disadvantages as well, like not having a meal plan and sometimes having trouble getting along with your roommates. DiLullo suggests that first-time college students choose dorm accommodations, emphasizing the community’s easily available resources and support.

“Living on and around a college campus will always have its pros and cons, and the cost of living varies depending on where you’re at,” says DiLullo.

Current college students advise first-time students to prioritize maintaining a balance between social life and expenses, considering recommendations on effective ways to meet new people while fostering independence and financial responsibility.

Jackson adds, “Always practice responsible spending and saving habits—it’ll save you a lot of embarrassment in the check-out.