Hey, I need some advice. My parents can’t/won’t help with the move, or anything to do with college. I’ve had to figure it out all on my own.
Now my parents are dropping the bomb that they can’t help me move (It’s out of state, mostly because I need the hell away from them) I have no idea what to do. I don’t have a car, let alone a license. I don’t know how I’m supposed to get to the college without their help. I’m planning on only taking the bare minimum with me, maybe shipping what I can’t carry, and buying anything I need when I get there.
But the question is how do I go about actually getting there. I can’t afford a plane ticket. If all else fails, I could probably get a credit card but if anyone has any ideas it would help.
A couple thing come to mind. Check with a bussing company like greyhound. Not a very fun way to travel but it will get you there for less. Also check your schools Facebook page and look for someone who is going from your area and see if they are willing to carpool for some gas money.
You could also try Amtrak (though you’ll probably have some portion on a bus as well). Probably more expensive than bus alone but I imagine a nicer trip. I like to carpool idea as well.
If you can’t afford the ticket, try to pack as much so you don’t spend money on certain things. Ask if any of your friends that go to that state can help you out?
Check with your college’s website. I bet there’s a chat room of some sort. There may be someone from you area, or who could stop in your area, and who would welcome company and some gas money.
I just checked a random date, Sept 1, a Southwest ticket is $159, 2 checked bags fly free. Might be cheaper than Amtrak. Agree that a ride board might work – does your class have a Facebook group?
Southwest currently has one way flights in August from Seattle to Salt Lake City for about $160. That is about the same price as Amtrak right now. The good thing about Southwest is that you can check 2 bags for free. Some of the other discount airlines might have great fares but charge a fortune for bags and seat assignments. You probably should check your college’s policy regarding the break between semesters. My kids have to vacate their dorms over the Christmas break and I have heard stories of kids going homeless during that time frame. The only other idea I have is to check with the financial aid office to see if they can help you in any way. I know some schools pay airfare for certain students to visit during admitted student days.
Thanks so much for all the help. I’m trying to contact the college for help and I managed to get a job interview to maybe help with the costs of getting there. I’ll look into ride share and try and pool some money together.
If you fly or take the bus you can take two bags. You can buy large duffle bags at Target or Walmart and you would be surprised how much stuff you can “stuff” into them. You can also purchase stuff through Amazon if you have a credit card or debit card and have it delivered to your school. If there is a Goodwill store near your school you might be able to buy some things you need there for a very low cost.
OP, I hope you’ve got the finances worked out to actually pay for college itself! Since I am also in Seattle and have older kids, I can tell you that you’ll easily be able to get a Greyhound bus from Seattle to Salt Lake. One-way is $89. In addition to bags, you can ship boxes for a pretty reasonable cost-less than USPS or any of the shipping companies for the same cost, because as a student you can get a 40% discount. So I think that is going to be your best bet. Sorry your parents can’t help you. Hopefully you have some adult support somewhere.
Greyhound will also ship. I know that because some sellers on eBay ship smaller furniture that way. You could probably ship some boxes or Rubbermaid totes through them. Freshmen really don’t need all that much stuff anyway. You can buy things when you get there and see how small your room is.
My parents didn’t help me move to college either. We got along fine. In their day they took the train to college and expected me to get there on my own. You should be able to save a few hundred dollars for travel before August if you work.
I’m paying for college with grants, scholarships and loans. I’ve got the actual school expenses down, no worries on that front. I’m in the process of buying a greyhound ticket because it was the best price, and will ship whatever I can’t carry. Thanks for all the help everyone.
Good luck to you! MY daughter has a friend who was in a similar situation a couple of years ago and she sadly is no longer close with her parents, but college, and getting there, has worked out well. She uses Greyhound to get back and forth.