As the cost of living rises for the city of Nashville, colleges fail to prepare students for what’s next after graduation. Most students do not have to worry about housing for their undergraduate degrees, with staying in campus dorms. However, once you walk across that stage with your diploma, employment or housing is not always a guarantee.
Tennessee State University (TSU) alumna who graduated last December, Mikayla Huggins, says her experience living in Nashville has been a journey. Huggins came here in 2014, and has seen a major difference in housing compared to now. “I feel like TSU has not prepared us for living outside of college at all, there needs to be classes to take for Seniors about housing,” Huggins Said. Huggins pays rent with roommates for a house in North Nashville. Her rent currently is $1200 a month, not including electricity for a three bedroom and one bath.
TSU, like other colleges, does not offer classes on housing and preparation for graduating seniors who may want to stay in Nashville but know nothing of the housing market. According to new data from Zillow reports, the average home value in Nashville has increased to $255,500, representing 4.4% raise since last year.
What does that mean for rising graduates?
It means the cost of living is continuing to rise in Nashville, and if you are not educated on finance living, you will find this new journey of life a struggle. Huggins recommends college graduates who want to live in Nashville, find reliable roommates. “Try to save as much as you can for home ownership, because owning is always better than renting,” says Huggins.
Nzingah Walker is currently a senior in the Department of Communications at Tennessee State University with a concentration in Journalism.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Nashville Voice.
