By Roger Lee
As you walk down the aisle to receive your college diploma, it becomes crystal clear that you are leaving the dormitory to start a new life out in the real world. On television this “real world” appears very affordable, but in reality things can get quite expensive for new graduates.
In today’s society the luxury of independence comes with the high cost of car payments, utilities, food, cable and shopping expenses. College junior Errol Ismael is planning ahead for life after graduation. Ismael admits, “I’m pretty worried about the rising cost of living but I’m confident that I’ll be resourceful enough to bring down that cost.” Like Ismael, Ursinus senior Alissa Smith understands the importance of resourcefulness. “I plan on moving in with one of my good friends to help spread the cost of living.”
There are many college graduates who feel that having a roommate will help put their financial woes to rest. This mindset is most likely coming from the media’s representation of life after college. Television reinforces the common belief that roommates will help cut the cost of living. On “Living Single” the twenty-somethings live in a lavish apartment while obtaining dream jobs such as running a magazine. On the retro hit “Three’s Company,” the three roommates keep a full refrigerator while maintaining their spacious apartment. The characters in these shows aren’t exactly making six figures, yet these young adults live in some of the nicest apartments.
These shows work to paint a portrait of “idealism.” They show the happy roommates having a yard sale to come up with the months rent. Of course, they always come up with the money and everyone lives happily ever after. Yet they fail to show the roommate that walks out because he cannot come up with his end of the months rent. On “Friends” the rent may be a few hundred dollars, but in Philadelphia the average rent for a two bedroom two bathroom apartment is currently at $1342. If you think this is bad, try paying for last year’s average of $1430.
With school loans and rent payments, college graduates have a lot to take into account when entering the real world. Sure a roommate can help deduct the cost, but even with one bedroom and one bathroom the average monthly payment is $971. This only secures a roof over your head, leaving out utilities and the all important food bill. On “Friends” Rachel may buy a latte’ for a buck but in reality you are charged $3.25. Last July, the 3,533 licensed Starbucks found in grocery stores upped their prices 3 percent. Within these grocery stores the cost for home foods has increased 6.1 percent over the past year.
Television doesn’t show the struggle of young adults trying to get a handle on the cost of living. “Friends” takes place in a fantasy world where cars run on magic gas and groceries grow like water. In reality, college graduates will have to face the increasing cost of living.
As you walk down the aisle to receive your college diploma, it becomes crystal clear that you are leaving the dormitory to start a new life out in the real world. On television this “real world” appears very affordable, but in reality things can get quite expensive for new graduates.
In today’s society the luxury of independence comes with the high cost of car payments, utilities, food, cable and shopping expenses. College junior Errol Ismael is planning ahead for life after graduation. Ismael admits, “I’m pretty worried about the rising cost of living but I’m confident that I’ll be resourceful enough to bring down that cost.” Like Ismael, Ursinus senior Alissa Smith understands the importance of resourcefulness. “I plan on moving in with one of my good friends to help spread the cost of living.”
There are many college graduates who feel that having a roommate will help put their financial woes to rest. This mindset is most likely coming from the media’s representation of life after college. Television reinforces the common belief that roommates will help cut the cost of living. On “Living Single” the twenty-somethings live in a lavish apartment while obtaining dream jobs such as running a magazine. On the retro hit “Three’s Company,” the three roommates keep a full refrigerator while maintaining their spacious apartment. The characters in these shows aren’t exactly making six figures, yet these young adults live in some of the nicest apartments.
These shows work to paint a portrait of “idealism.” They show the happy roommates having a yard sale to come up with the months rent. Of course, they always come up with the money and everyone lives happily ever after. Yet they fail to show the roommate that walks out because he cannot come up with his end of the months rent. On “Friends” the rent may be a few hundred dollars, but in Philadelphia the average rent for a two bedroom two bathroom apartment is currently at $1342. If you think this is bad, try paying for last year’s average of $1430.
With school loans and rent payments, college graduates have a lot to take into account when entering the real world. Sure a roommate can help deduct the cost, but even with one bedroom and one bathroom the average monthly payment is $971. This only secures a roof over your head, leaving out utilities and the all important food bill. On “Friends” Rachel may buy a latte’ for a buck but in reality you are charged $3.25. Last July, the 3,533 licensed Starbucks found in grocery stores upped their prices 3 percent. Within these grocery stores the cost for home foods has increased 6.1 percent over the past year.
Television doesn’t show the struggle of young adults trying to get a handle on the cost of living. “Friends” takes place in a fantasy world where cars run on magic gas and groceries grow like water. In reality, college graduates will have to face the increasing cost of living.
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