How do I live during law school? Forum

[LALaw90046]

First, I apologize for my ignorance. The idea of law school has become more and more appealing as I'm finishing my undergrad. Aside from going to school fulltime, I also work fulltime.

My question: How do I live while attending law school? Is it the norm to just take out hefty loans and live off them for the next 3 years? How do people pay their rent, car notes, insurance, medications, etc.? No one seems to be able to answer these questions for me. I'm not concerned about the work involved or the eventual cost of repaying loans, but I just want to be certain that I won't be homeless while attending school.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

[merichard87]

Schools factor in Cost of Living (COL) when deciding aid. They award an excess amount from tuition that students use to pay rent, car notes, insurance, medications. If you took out loans during UG it works the same way.

[09042014]

First, I apologize for my ignorance. The idea of law school has become more and more appealing as I'm finishing my undergrad. Aside from going to school fulltime, I also work fulltime.

My question: How do I live while attending law school? Is it the norm to just take out hefty loans and live off them for the next 3 years? How do people pay their rent, car notes, insurance, medications, etc.? No one seems to be able to answer these questions for me. I'm not concerned about the work involved or the eventual cost of repaying loans, but I just want to be certain that I won't be homeless while attending school.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

Loans or scholarships, but there probably won't be enough for a car.

[xyzzzzzzzz]

[PDaddy]

My question: How do I live while attending law school?

Answer: LIKE A LAW STUDENT! Live like a lawyer while in law school and U-R-screwed.

[jayn3]

Is it the norm to just take out hefty loans and live off them for the next 3 years?

yes.

[jennylynn]

Yeah, you just live off loans. Or mommy & daddy.
Too many of my classmates are living in expensive apartment complexes and spending tons of money unnecessarily because they assume they'll get a great job and will easily be able to pay it off. To me, this is too big of a gamble. Live cheaply. You won't regret it when the government comes knocking, even if you did land that fabulous job.

[dimreturns]

Yeah, you just live off loans. Or mommy & daddy.
Too many of my classmates are living in expensive apartment complexes and spending tons of money unnecessarily because they assume they'll get a great job and will easily be able to pay it off. To me, this is too big of a gamble. Live cheaply. You won't regret it when the government comes knocking, even if you did land that fabulous job.

+1mil

[Flanker1067]

The other way that nobody mentioned yet is to get a job and save a lot(edit:I meant before law school). It's not what I'm doing and it's not even possible to make enough for most, but some people have done it.

[D. Professor]

Unless you have a rich relative (or guardian), you may likely live off loans like everyone here is suggesting.

*NOTE* There are other ways (unethical and immoral ways) to afford living while in law school, but I would not suggest them. There is just too much risk of career suicide.

[jayn3]

Unless you have a rich relative (or guardian), you may likely live off loans like everyone here is suggesting.

*NOTE* There are other ways (unethical and immoral ways) to afford living while in law school, but I would not suggest them. There is just too much risk of career suicide.

....what are you suggesting? prostitution??

[KBicknell]

Look at the schools you are consdiering and see what they allow for cost of living. Hopefully, that amout plus any savings you may have will cover your expenses. There is also the option of going to school part time so you can actually work enough to pay all of your bills.

[ze2151]

two words: trophy husband.

i love my successful wife.

[KingJames6]

Unless you have a rich relative (or guardian), you may likely live off loans like everyone here is suggesting.

*NOTE* There are other ways (unethical and immoral ways) to afford living while in law school, but I would not suggest them. There is just too much risk of career suicide.

....what are you suggesting? prostitution??

Drug dealing

[KingJames6]

two words: trophy husband.

i love my successful wife.

gotta love the medschool gf haha

[D. Professor]

Unless you have a rich relative (or guardian), you may likely live off loans like everyone here is suggesting.

*NOTE* There are other ways (unethical and immoral ways) to afford living while in law school, but I would not suggest them. There is just too much risk of career suicide.

....what are you suggesting? prostitution??

Well there are a few examples that come to mind... Such as dancing at particular clubs or events (not the kind thats fun), dealing in pharmaceutical distribution, becoming an escort (hey not all escorts are whores.... what am I saying???), selling bootleg _____ (use your imagination).... and the list can go on and on and on. But again, I emphasize the impact this could have on ones career once law school is complete.

[jayn3]

Well there are a few examples that come to mind... Such as dancing at particular clubs or events (not the kind thats fun), dealing in pharmaceutical distribution, becoming an escort (hey not all escorts are whores.... what am I saying???), selling bootleg _____ (use your imagination).... and the list can go on and on and on. But again, I emphasize the impact this could have on ones career once law school is complete.

i was just amazed you even think of these as options. i'd rather swim in debt for my first few years out of LS than be unable to get any job, anywhere, and possibly end up in jail to boot.

[D. Professor]

Well there are a few examples that come to mind... Such as dancing at particular clubs or events (not the kind thats fun), dealing in pharmaceutical distribution, becoming an escort (hey not all escorts are whores.... what am I saying???), selling bootleg _____ (use your imagination).... and the list can go on and on and on. But again, I emphasize the impact this could have on ones career once law school is complete.

i was just amazed you even think of these as options. i'd rather swim in debt for my first few years out of LS than be unable to get any job, anywhere, and possibly end up in jail to boot.

Hey its a tough life for some that wan't to make something of their lives. But, while on the subject, I'd like to look at this from a devils advocate stance;

Is it fair to assume all the men and women dancers dreamed of becoming exotic dancers all their life? Or choose to do this as a profession? Most get in for the quick cash.

Is it fair to believe drug dealings are such a problem in our society thanks in part to poor people living in trailer parks and projects? (hoodlums and miscreants) Most drugs are purchased by wealthier citizens and college students. (party anyone???)

Can we safely conclude bootleging takes place in the lower economical status of society only. (remember, Napster a filesharing program, was created by Shawn Fanning while attending Northeastern University).

Again, I don't condone performing these acts, but there are many people that are in programs now doing these exact acts to pay for school and live. I don't judge, however, you would not catch me performing these actions either.

[chicagolaw2013]

But seriously, you can take out loans to cover COL. That's what the government/Grad Plus is there for!

[SwollenMonkey]

Yeah, you just live off loans. Or mommy & daddy.
Too many of my classmates are living in expensive apartment complexes and spending tons of money unnecessarily because they assume they'll get a great job and will easily be able to pay it off. To me, this is too big of a gamble. Live cheaply. You won't regret it when the government comes knocking, even if you did land that fabulous job.

This is what I plan to do as well --live dirt cheap and just study. To furnish my apartment, I just went to the best side of town on garbage day (Or when I see something nice on the street I'll pick it up, too.) and picked up whatever I need. Also, I asked around for furniture that was not wanted. =-D

[GettingReady2010]

So are you typically able to take out the estimated tuition and living expenses (which schools have on their websites) in federal loans?

[legalease9]

So are you typically able to take out the estimated tuition and living expenses (which schools have on their websites) in federal loans?

Yes, in almost all instances. Any ABA accredited law school will let you take out tuition+living. Living can be small depending on the school, but you can live on it (cheaply!).

Edit: and yes, all federal loans.

[SwollenMonkey]

So are you typically able to take out the estimated tuition and living expenses (which schools have on their websites) in federal loans?

I have been able to, but I'm sure I won't use all of it.

[sconnielaw13]

Like others have suggested... live cheaply. For example, I am splitting rent with my gf and our furniture only cost 80 bucks, our end tables and coffee table were picked up at walmart for a combined cost of like 60 bucks( made of plastic and cardboard I think lol) and the list goes on. Just don't live above your means! Also try to hit up mom and dad for money for food!!!

[mpasi]

Girls can do this: http://www.seekingarrangement.com/