2008 Woodie Awards
Renting hurts my bank account
PHIL BODE Opinion Journalist
Issue date: 9/8/08 Section: Opinion
Finding a good place to stay sucks. At this point in our economy rent is going to be expensive no matter where a student decides to live. That being said, Boise State houses less than 10 percent of the student population. This leaves approximately more than 17,000 students searching elsewhere for residency. Seeking housing is stressful enough when you’re a student, couple this with a struggling economy and students nationwide are feeling a crunch.
However, Idaho students benefit from the state’s financial aid program and do not feel the same strain as many around the country.
“Because Congress raised annual loan limits students have access to more funding than before,” David Tolman, director of financial aid and scholarships for Boise State said.
The credit crisis impacting many banks has no effect on Idaho schools because of their implementation of the Direct Lending Program that provides aid garnered from the U.S. Treasury rather than the banks.
“Interest rates are higher and most students can’t afford them,” Tolman said, who advises against students seeking private loans from banks.
Beyond that, finding affordable housing off campus can still cause vexation. With the boom in gas prices, students must now consider the distance they travel to campus and if there is an alternative transit route.
“The hardest part was trying to find a place reasonably close to campus and also reasonably priced,” Boise State student Marika Kuylman said of finding a place to live. “I had to take my time looking … and be patient.”
She ultimately narrowed down her choice to an apartment on Franklin and Curtis Roads.
“One reason why I liked the location is that besides being close to work and reasonably priced, it’s near a bus stop,” Kuylman said.
Whether you decide to live on campus or off, be prepared to dish out some cash. It’s not going to be inexpensive. It’s recommended that as a student you find a cheap diet and a cheap date.
However, Idaho students benefit from the state’s financial aid program and do not feel the same strain as many around the country.
“Because Congress raised annual loan limits students have access to more funding than before,” David Tolman, director of financial aid and scholarships for Boise State said.
The credit crisis impacting many banks has no effect on Idaho schools because of their implementation of the Direct Lending Program that provides aid garnered from the U.S. Treasury rather than the banks.
“Interest rates are higher and most students can’t afford them,” Tolman said, who advises against students seeking private loans from banks.
Beyond that, finding affordable housing off campus can still cause vexation. With the boom in gas prices, students must now consider the distance they travel to campus and if there is an alternative transit route.
“The hardest part was trying to find a place reasonably close to campus and also reasonably priced,” Boise State student Marika Kuylman said of finding a place to live. “I had to take my time looking … and be patient.”
She ultimately narrowed down her choice to an apartment on Franklin and Curtis Roads.
“One reason why I liked the location is that besides being close to work and reasonably priced, it’s near a bus stop,” Kuylman said.
Whether you decide to live on campus or off, be prepared to dish out some cash. It’s not going to be inexpensive. It’s recommended that as a student you find a cheap diet and a cheap date.
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