I go to NCSU and it takes only 8,000 a year for me to live. I do not have a car, cell-phone, or buy things at all in general. But, I do have a roommate which actually helps with both rent/appliances and food costs. It seems strange but coordinating with other people about food and cooking not only means you eat better but also that food prices are cheaper. BTW, the cheapest apartments I know of are The Raleigh Apartments on west peace street (you get about 1000 sqft) but they are only for two people (rent $$=310 per person). It is a mile and a half from campus and 1/4th of a mile from Harris Teeter. So, with a bike and a roommate you could have close to 6,000 dollars every year for yourself.
