Where to Live After Graduating College

For many soon-to-be collegiate alumni, one of the biggest questions is, "Where can I live after college?" The truth is, this is not as hard of a question to answer as it may seem. For many new college graduates, career opportunities and financial situations have a heavy influence in the decision making process. Long before you are tossing your cap in the air, you should be carefully weighing your options. There is a big difference for most people between how they want to live, and how they can live. Although the process is a little bit give and take, you can find a happy medium to satisfy your post-graduation living needs.

By far, the most cost effective housing option is to move back home. Moving back in with mom and dad is a great way to start saving money. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average cost of a 4 year university in 2005-06 was over 17,000 dollars. With college costs still rising, it is not hard to accumulate large amounts of debt from student loans. Living at home after graduation is an easy way to get your feet on the ground and start paying down those student loans. Even if your parents request that you pay rent, it is likely to be much less than you would pay anywhere else. Anyway, who can complain with home-cooked meals, family, and friends there when you need them.