Over the past decade, rent has risen rapidly for students working internships in college towns. This poses a significant affordability issue for those who often have low incomes but require convenient access to their universities. The price increase also creates an affordability issue regarding other everyday necessities such as food, toilet paper and transportation.
On average, the rent in Washington, D.C. — where about 20 colleges and universities are located — is about $2,262. The itemized cost for tuition is $6,152. For students out of state, this number goes up to $27,858. The average cost of food per person a month is $342, while the average pay for an intern is over $40,000 a year.
“After paying for rent and necessities, I usually have around $50 left,” says GW student and FIU intern Ignacio Olmos. “It’s very little.”
Olmos is one of many students who traveled to cities like Washington, D.C., for internship positions to gain experience. However, some underprivileged students are unable to take on these opportunities due to the struggle to afford necessities including rent. While some internships are paid, it is usually not nearly enough.
To pay monthly rent on time, students find themselves crammed into apartments with multiple people. Some are also not able to afford apartments with regular kitchen utilities and often eat frozen foods or foods with no nutritional value. As a result of this difficult living experience, many students become mentally exhausted from stress.
