<prompt> Human: I have been living with my boyfriend and his family for over a year in CA while I have attended school rent-free. I am now going into my senior year, and have secured a part time software engineer job, which I will start on September 18th and has benefits. While my boyfriend and I arent being forced to move out, there is a lot of pressure given my new job and also because we both need to commute.Our combined income is just shy of 3000 dollars after taxes and other expenses. It has been particularly difficult to find a good place because our commutes are in opposite directions. One place we found that works perfectly and is in a nice neighborhood is 1500month, no utilities included. I put an app in and I am waiting to hear back.I know the rule of thumb is to keep your rent around 30 of your income, but I honestly cannot see how that is possible here- 30 would be 900 and thats only available as section 8. The cheapest I could find was 1200 month no utilities, but the area is terrible and doesnt improve either of our commutes and makes my drive to school worse. If our app is approved, does it seem reasonable? His parents think its fine, but they also want us to move out... :I  <response>: The 30 rule doesnt apply to students. Students are expected to be dissaving money, which is why people talk about saving for your childrens education andor student loans.Pay the market rate for the cheapest home that meets your needs. Borrow the money you need to afford it, preferably from government-subsidized loans, or from your parents. Graduate, get a full-time job, and then reassess your lifestyle based on the 30 rule. 