I'm a 22 year old female living in Utah. I'm hoping to finally go back to college to get a 4 year degree this fall. I have autism (high-functioning, also called Aspergers syndrome), and don't feel like I could handle going to school full-time while also working any significant job, besides occasional pet-sitting and freelance writing jobs. (I tried doing both before and ended up having to drop out of college.) I could live at home with my parents, however my home life is not a very good situation. I would strongly prefer to not be stuck living at home until I'm 29, spending my 20's in such an environment.
I've been working full-time to pay off all my previous debts and save up a few thousand dollars, but that wouldn't last very long when it comes to rent and living expenses. I'm planning on getting student loans for all my college and pay them off after I graduate and get a good job - I'm going into software engineering.
I don't plan on moving out until I at least successfully complete a few semesters of college, but in the long run I would really like to go out there and live independently. I'm very shy and have social anxiety, and prefer to be alone. It would be hard to have roommates and I'd prefer something like a studio apartment. Those are more expensive though of course.
Does anyone have any recommendations or suggestions? Can student loans include living expenses? If so, is that a wise thing to do? Could I apply for disability while I go to school? I don't know if that is even legal or advisable. I'd love any advice or input!
Submitted February 02, 2017 at 12:05AM by rafaelninja13 http://ift.tt/2k1uP8U