If you're single, rent a room for $500, you won't be home enough to enjoy an expensive apartment by yourself anyways...or get roomates...its not rocket science...you CAN afford it, you just can't afford to eat out everyday or buy a new car. Pay off your car (or drive a beater) and save $5-10 grand in the bank before you get hired and you can make it through the first year. Or do like me and marry someone who makes more than you...problem solved.