I live in subsidized university housing, and my rent burden is 43%. I have no loans to pay off, and no one is financially dependent on me. Even then, my financial situation is precarious. I visit my partner, who is also a graduate student, twice a month. I save whatever I can to be able to afford going home to my family once a year or in case of any emergency. I also put aside money for the 3 months in summer in which I am not paid. With what is left, my ability to attend conferences even within California depends on external grants and fellowships. The same goes for any archival work or fieldwork I hope to conduct during my years in the program.
Given the stipulations attached to my student visa, I am not allowed to take up a second job to supplement my income. I will have to compromise either on visits to my family, or my partner, or food.
If I have to move out of graduate housing (which guarantees housing for two years), my rent burden will increase to at least 60%. Given the stipulations attached to my student visa, I am not allowed to take up a second job to supplement my income. I will have to compromise either on visits to my family, or my partner, or food.
For me, a COLA means less financial stress, and therefore, better research.
Paycheck (paid 9 months in a year) $2150
Rent per month $900
Groceries $150-200
Visits to partner $100-120
Airfare to travel home $2500
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