When school sent me from Southern California to the Bay Area, the words Silicon Valley, Apple, and Adobe were all just places and companies to me. However, I realized that they were excuses given to explain the ridiculously high rent I soon had to pay. Coming from a beautiful tourist city I was used to outrageous rent, but I quickly realized that it was only a fraction compared to the living expenses of the small technologically booming city of San José.
The Bay is one of the most expensive places to live according to Forbes. Most students cannot afford to pay rent. The average student loan debt was $29,400 in 2012 and it is estimated that between 70-80 percent of college students will graduate in debt. Which means 70-80 percent of us might have trouble purchasing cars and houses in the future.
During the fall, we received a letter from the manager explaining that our rent would be increasing yet again. The Mercury News stated in 2015 rent increased by ten percent in the Bay. Not only increasing the rent on us but also on the struggling families living in Oakland and San Francisco.
Even though we are surrounded by these tech companies, the majority of residents do not have the jobs to keep up with the rising prices.
As for students, we are forced to take out massive loans in order to maintain living conditions. Although living on campus does seem like the solution, on campus living is often limited and far more expensive.
An extreme example of the measures students are taking to pay for these expensive living conditions was illustrated in a recent study on seekingarrangement.com conducted by NBC. It revealed that students from UC Berkeley and San Francisco State are using the site to take part of the trend known as "Daddy Dating" where they connect with wealthy older men to pay their rent and other financial needs.
There are of course lesser extremes to help with the struggle. Such as saving, scholarships, and working can all assist financial. However student debt is becoming a key issue in the coming election. So be sure to pay attention to the candidates to make sure you are benefiting yourself and your fellow students.
