Currently, I am able to afford rent, gas, and basic groceries. However, I still have 55k + in student loan debt that it would not be possible for me to pay off. As well, I have cancelled plans to travel home (~16-hour drive each way) due to gas prices, and have taken on additional teaching loads to help keep making ends meet. My rent is based on a lease signed in 2020, and considerably lower than it would be compared to 2022 renting markets. As such, I am experiencing a great deal of stress about affording future apartments. Particularly with a single income, I may need to move out of my current city and commute to the lab.
Currently, I am able to afford rent, gas, and basic groceries. However, I still have 55k + in student loan debt that it would not be possible for me to pay off. As well, I have canceled plans to travel home (~16 hour drive each way) due to gas prices, and have taken on additional teaching loads to help keep making ends meet.
If graduate funding was CAD $35,000/yr for all students, how would that change your life? The stress about moving would be much lighter. Or, at the very least, I would be able to afford to do some hobbies or activities outside of my research to balance my mental health. It would also be possible to rent, move, and potentially save a small amount to make a larger move for future research travel, which is currently not possible without additional grant or scholarship funding.
.png)