Here is what I would do for a few months and the reason I would do it this way. Figure out if I could afford a place, go to school, go to work, and enjoy it without it being too much of a burden on me, my school work, or life style. I would start by doing the following. 1) Write down the cost of rent first & last, damage deposit, etc. in a spreadsheet. 2) Get the costs or do a good estimate of the cost for utilities gas, electric, water, garbage, etc. 3) Find the costs for TV, internet, phone, etc. 4) Figure the costs for food, lattes, McDonald's, etc. 5) Figure the costs for clothes, laundry, etc. 6) Figure your costs of car, gas, insurance, etc. 7) Figure you costs of school accessories, books, paper, etc. 8) Make sure to allocate some unexpected expense like oil change, car repair, medicine, etc. Take all this information and figure out due dates for these events such as rent due first of month, cable 25th, utilities, 14th, etc. Now take the money from you work check and instead of putting it in your checking account put it in savings to pay each of these items when due for the amount due don't touch this money in savings as you need to treat it like you spent it. Now work this for 2 - 3 months to see if you can afford this, how it affects your school work, social life, energy, nerves, checking account, and standard of life. If you like it and it feels good and easy after the third month then you can see what is available in your price range and you already have your first, last, damage deposit. You also have money for your deposits you may need on the other accounts. On the other hand if it barely works or you find yourself stressed or not focused you need to find another solution. It could be a room mate, renting a room, etc. but you will have three months to make new friends, hear about places, finding the right location. I hope this helps you think it through and wish you all the best. Good luck

Why don't you look for a roommate? Then you don't have to be just on the edge of poverty. You'll have some more money in your bank account that way.

It depends on how much money you've got saved up going into college, whether or not you have a scholarship (or parents/rich relative paying or helping to pay). Even then I'd say it's highly unlikely anyone would be able to do that. Going to college takes up a lot of time, much more than I thought it would going in. Also, it will take some serious commitment. You won't be able to party, study, attend classes and work (and sleep) and do these successfully for long.

It would certainly help to get a roommate.

Well, I understand your feeling and know what you are worrying for, because I have the same experience with you. When you stay far away from home, you are the only person who should be responsible for everything in your everyday life. You need to pay for the accommodation, groceries and meals, parking, utility, and etc on your own. Thus, it's important for you to learn the ways to control your financial expenses.

I think the salary of being a waitress in a nice restaurant might be able to cover the rental of your apartment with a thrifty spending habit. Therefore, you should always look at your expenses and cut out everything you don't need. If it is hard for you to make it, then I would suggest you to get a roommate. So the rental wont burden you that much.