She Strengthens

The Hidden Reality of College Life

A Different Kind of Freshman Experience

When we think of college, we often imagine dorm rooms, campus dining halls, and late-night study sessions. But for many students, the reality is far from this idealized picture.

Financial Struggles

As a high school student, I thought I’d have to kiss my college dreams goodbye due to my parents’ messy finances. With tens of thousands of dollars in debt, they couldn’t afford to help me with tuition, let alone room and board. I knew I had to take matters into my own hands. I worked hard to keep my grades up, took dual-credit college classes, and applied for financial aid. But when my aid package arrived, I was shocked to find it barely covered my tuition and fees.

Living on a Shoestring

Panic set in as I realized I couldn’t afford the “typical” college experience. That’s when I made the drastic decision to live in my car. It wasn’t easy, but it was the only way I could afford to attend college. I used my savings to buy books, supplies, and essentials to outfit my car for living. I even splurged on a semester meal plan, which allowed me to eat at the campus dining hall.

The Harsh Reality of Car Living

Living in my car was far from glamorous. I had to deal with cramped quarters, back pain, and sweltering Texas heat. Showers were a luxury, courtesy of the campus recreation center. But despite the difficulties, I learned valuable lessons. I saved over $7,000 in room and board fees, and I became resourceful with my limited funds. Budgeting became essential, and I made the most of free events on campus.

Simplifying My Life

Living in a small Ford Focus forced me to prioritize what was truly essential. I had to eliminate unnecessary purchases, including trips to the mall and book buys. Instead, I frequented the school and city libraries, where I discovered a love for simplicity and minimalism. This newfound mindset allowed me to focus on what truly mattered: my education.

Looking Back

Living in my car during my freshman year was a challenging experience, but it taught me valuable lessons about resilience, resourcefulness, and simplicity. It wasn’t easy, but it allowed me to attend college and eventually graduate in 2.5 years. Today, I’m grateful for the experience, but I’m also motivated to never go back to that difficult time.