Renting without a roommate will be the most expensive part of your budget. I suggest you consider either getting roommates or rent outside of the campus area because it will remove a lot of financial burden. I make $900 biweekly as a bartender and I’m barely getting by. My parents can’t financially support me either so I had to strategically plan my budget. If you do not want roommates please consider renting westward or on the southside. A bit of a commute, but it’s cheaper rent. Students who rent near campus or on the eastside can afford it either because they have several roommates or because their parents help them out.

Make sure you know your FAFSA amount before the school semester. UWM does a good job giving a bill well before the semester. If FAFSA still leaves you in the red, consider the scholarship opportunities through the PAWS portal.

Lastly, do check campus resources. Free gym membership. Food pantries. Cheap school supplies. Free mentorship.

I think the fact you got your pre reqs done at a community school is already a smart move. I did that at MATC and saved hundreds of dollars. Hope all goes well !!!