Not everyone who goes off to college is living the American dream. Late night chats with your roommate in a cozy bed might be what you imagined, but it can quickly stop being a reality. Housing and food insecurity are major issues among college students, especially those who are enrolled but live off-campus because they can’t afford the cost of room and board.
Hidden poverty affects those who may be employed but live paycheck to paycheck. Being able to make rent or mortgage payments is a struggle, and many things that people with money don’t think twice about are major sources of stress. Food, bills and clothes may fall to the wayside in the struggle to keep a roof over one’s head. For students who come from low-income backgrounds, it’s not uncommon to be the first child in the family to go to college. They may have already been working and contributing to their household’s income since high school, but the added pressure of academics can cause them to struggle.
What is Housing Insecurity?
There is no single experience to define housing insecurity, but it can be broadly defined as any difficulty maintaining safe, affordable shelter. This could be making ends meet, covering the cost of rent, struggling to find a place to stay or frequently being evicted or forced to relocate. In 2019, three out of every five college students had experienced housing insecurity in some form within the last year. For students who attend community colleges and commute, the lack of affordable housing options can become a constant source of struggle. There are many students that need a safe place to sleep, but they don’t know where to go. You can learn more about housing insecurity and potential options for help in this guide.
The Reality of Being Middle Class
The rising cost of living in the country has made previously stable jobs unreliable in the long-run. They still take the same amount of time and energy, but they do not pay enough for any single young adult to support themselves. Some people will say that if you can at least afford a roommate and buy some cheap food that you’re alive and shouldn’t complain. This is not the way to build a healthy society.
Middle class, in this day and age, is really a vanishing act that far too many students are finding themselves trapped in. Whether it’s trying to make ends meet by working part-time or even juggling multiple jobs on top of classes, earning a basic living is an immense challenge for many. The greatest issue may not even be in finding work as many college-age students are able to get jobs in retail and food service. But the cost of living on minimum wage is far greater than they can bear alone. This results in increased stress and anxiety, not just in the present but also looking ahead to years of seemingly unpayable student debt.
What to Do
Know that if you relate to these struggles, you aren’t alone. The best thing you can do is begin to research options and start putting together an action plan. Investigate your college’s counseling center for potential resources. Ask your college what your options are for assistance. They can help you apply for aid as well. Many schools partner with non-profit organizations to help students in need get the help they deserve.
