To those currently enrolled in law school Forum

[jasonc.]

How much have you been able to cut down Living Expenses (minus rent food) I see many schools showing living expenses around 16,000. this seems really high to me.(excluding rent in nyc/la for example.)

[nealric]

I graduated from law school, so I can chime in.

If you are willing to be frugal, you can certainly cut down on those expenses as a single person. Rent a place with a lot of room mates, cook your own food, don't blow money on frivolous things. I was always surprised by how many people blew money on expensive clothes/dinners/computers/apartments/trips in law school. Things get complicated with families though.

[World B. Free]

I graduated from law school, so I can chime in.

If you are willing to be frugal, you can certainly cut down on those expenses as a single person. Rent a place with a lot of room mates, cook your own food, don't blow money on frivolous things. I was always surprised by how many people blew money on expensive clothes/dinners/computers/apartments/trips in law school. Things get complicated with families though.

All I know is the Starbucks on campus rakes in a killing. It's always the same people everyday that buy -- don't how most people afford it. Drinking water saves a ton.

[androstan]

I graduated from law school, so I can chime in.

If you are willing to be frugal, you can certainly cut down on those expenses as a single person. Rent a place with a lot of room mates, cook your own food, don't blow money on frivolous things. I was always surprised by how many people blew money on expensive clothes/dinners/computers/apartments/trips in law school. Things get complicated with families though.

All I know is the Starbucks on campus rakes in a killing. It's always the same people everyday that buy -- don't how most people afford it. Drinking water saves a ton.

Also, buying a $20 coffee maker if you need the damn caffeine.

[Nogameisfair]

Also, buying a $20 coffee maker if you need the damn caffeine.

This. Also, making your own meals saves a ton. I make a big breakfast then bring snacks or leftovers for lunch and make dinner when I get home on most nights. The campus cafeterias are usually expensive and serve mediocre or crappy food. Going out will cut through your budget like nothing else. Also, 3 Buck Chuck keeps my alcoholism affordable.

[grash]

i spend about 1g a month on all living expenses, including rent, utilities, food, the occasional night on the town, and whatever small expenses crop up on occasion (minor car problems, tickets home, etc.). i live in a fairly cheap college town, and cook the majority of my own food. i'm comfortable living at this level of frugality, and i rather enjoy it, but i don't think it's possible to go much lower and not start to feel pretty destitute.