unfunded and budgeting for rent

[ProTrans]

I am head over heels about an unfunded doctorate.  Most of the students in the program work part-time the first year and then go to school full-time after - accumulating an impressive debt by the end.

 

I should be eligible for forgiveness after, and my expected debt isn't that much more than I'll expect to make my first year (whew!) but it's impressive nonetheless.

 

For those of you with unfunded (or underfunded) how did you decide how much to budget for living expenses?

 

Rent for studios in my area seem to be pretty solidly around 1000/month, trying to decide if it's worth it to compromise and get roommates or move farther from school and have to commute.