Just a heads up, this is a super long post, if you don't want to read it, I completely understand. I don't really think I can sum it up with a TL;DR, so be warned

I've been trying to figure out exactly how to go about transition and manage supporting myself. I have a general idea of what I want to do, but I don't know if its plausible. Just a heads up this is sort of a stream of consciousness, so if it's not well worded or confusing, let me know and I can clarify.

A little bit of back story, I'm 19, mtf, was secretly on hormones for a few months but then moved and wasn't able to get them anymore. Transition came to a screeching halt. Many depression-filled months later and I've decided I need to take action and do something now before it's too late. I always hear people say they wish they would have transitioned sooner, and I have the opportunity to transition at a relatively young age still, so that's want I want need to do. I currently live in the Midwest with a living situation that prohibits me from transition due to my families "values" and what not. (they don't know I'm trans, but I know them, and I'll be cut off from practically everything when they find out).

I wouldn't normally bring a "financial" related question here, but seeing as how no one else will realize my motive behind actually doing this, they'd just tell me I'm being "young and dumb" and that I should just stay with my family and enjoy free rent, not realizing that every day I spend here is torture because they don't realize I'm trans.

I've managed to save up about $5,000 (I could sell my phone and computer for an additional $1000+ and still buy cheaper replacements) and want to get advice from you all as to what you think I should do in order to become independent from my family. I'd like to be back on hormones and out of the Midwest before the end of summer.

I want to move to the Pacific Northwest, mainly Oregon or Washington. It's a decent way away from any family of mine and it seems to be more LGBT-accepting compared to the rest of the nation. Seattle and Portland come directly to mind but I don't think I could afford either right now, so I'm wanting to find a place in an outlying city in either of those states.

After spending a bit of time on craigslist I found out that I could rent a room in a few different places for as little as $300-$400 (including utilities) a month. My own apartment would be nice but I just don't see myself being able to afford my own place, and I honestly only need a room so I have somewhere to sleep at night. The only challenge for me would be finding trans-friendly roommates (or even roommates that are LGBT themselves).

I don't have a car, and honestly on my current budget I don't think it would be wise to buy one, that would involve loads of expenses such as gas, insurance, repairs, registration, and buying the car itself. I think it would be much cheaper (not to mention healthier) for me to walk or bike everywhere I needed to go until I had enough money to get a car. I don't have anyone besides myself to support, so I don't see a car as an actual necessity at the moment. Rent, food, and transition take priority in my opinion.

One drawback I see myself having is that I do not have any college education. That really limits my employment opportunities. I would most likely only be able to find part-time minimum wage jobs, so I wouldn't be bringing in a whole lot of money. I could also be unemployed for quite a while before I would be able to find a job, considering I don't have any contacts anywhere up there. I do have experience in a few areas such as restaurants and manufacturing so that opens my job search a little bit more compared to someone who has only worked at a fast food joint or something, but it's still not as much as I (or an employer) would like. I could see myself being unemployed for over a month before I find anything steady. During that time, I would just be eating into my savings.

My plan for transition would be to go see the endo in LA I saw before. That would get me back on hormones for a few months, and then find an endo more local to where I moved. Then save for things such as hair removal and a rhinoplasty (something I think will be necessary for me to be able to pass, other than that, I think I could probably pass most of the time with some makeup and a little more HRT )

I also want to go to college, the cheapest option being community college. I could do it where I live now in the midwest (and that's what my family is telling me to do), but that delays transition another two years and I cannot wait another two years. However I think college is a lost cause, because I don't know how to budget it in unless I could get it for free. If you have any college advice, I would appreciate it.

The way I see my expenses panning out currently are like this:

Savings: $5,000

Monthly Expenses:
Rent: $350 a month ( just an average estimate, maybe also a security deposit for the first month, utilities included)
Food: $150 a month ( limits me to $5 a day on food, which I think I would be able to manage fairly well if I cook most of my own meals )
Phone: $30 a month
Toiletries/makeup/etc: $100 a month (guesstimate, not sure how much to except, could anyone tell me how much they generally spend?)
Other/Recreation: $100 a month
HRT: (not going to include this as I won't need it for at least 3 months the way I have it planned, however, how much should I be paying a month for HRT?)
Medical Insurance: I believe insurance is required now, I don't actually have insurance so I don't know how much it would cost, if I should go without it and accept the end of the year fines, or if I could potentially get it for free because I'd be so close to the poverty line. I honestly don't know what to put down for this line, so any advice would be appreciated.


One time expenses:
Plane ticket to LA: $250
LA Endo visit: $500 (he's expensive, but I don't need a letter for him and it'll cover me for 3 months)
Plane ticket to either Portland or Seattle: $250 (might be able to save a bit if I could find a bus instead)
Bus/Taxi/train money: $200 (complete guess really, just enough to get me from the airport to where I'm going)
Wardrobe: $250. (I'd find a goodwill/thrift type place, as I don't really have a lot of female clothing at all right now)
Bike: $100 (optional, I could walk everywhere if necessary)
Bedding/Towels/some kitchenware: $100 (just some light stuff, not alot, probably used)
Just-in-case: $100 ( you never know )

So... after subtracting one time expenses from my savings, I would have $3250.
After subtracting one month of expenses ($730), I would have: $2,520.
That means at my current numbers (assuming I didn't forget anything), I could survive there completely unemployed for 4 months. And with luck, I'd have a job before the end of the first month.

Washington and Oregon both have minimum wages over $9/hr, so just assuming I can only get a minimum wage job and after taxes I take home $7 an hour (would be more, but when it comes to finances I always try to round down), I would be able to stay afloat on a minimum wage job if I could get at least 30 hours a week.

After all that horrible math, I feel like I could actually do this, but what do you all think? I don't know how to really go about any of it. Going out into the adult world for the first time is overwhelming, especially considering I'm a trans person. I guess I just want to know what advice you all would have for me.

If you think I'm forgetting something in my finances, or that you think I'm making a huge mistake, please let me know. If you done something similar to what I want to do, feel free to tell me about it. If you live up there, what is some advice you would give me? Transition advice? Job advice? Anything. It all helps.

I just want to gather as much advice, opinions, and thoughts as possible, every bit helps. The last thing I want to do is fail. Not because I'm afraid of ending up on the street, but because I'm afraid of not being able to transition.

Thanks for your time/advice,
~Amy~



On a side note: Would it be best for me to hop right into full time in my new place, or should I start out in boymode? I obviously don't want to be in boy mode, but for the first few months I don't think I'd manage well in girl mode. Especially without friends to help me. What do you guys/gals think?

Welcome to Susan's Place! If you don't have a job (and everyone is scrambling for them) after four months you'll have spiralled into the ground. I'm not trying to be negative.  I'm 53, I have a full time job, and I ran completely out of money this winter. I own my home, so no one can throw me out, but you wouldn't have that cushion. Having said that, at 19 you're resilient and could live outside and it would just make you a stronger person. I hope I've helped. 

Hugs, Devlyn

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on April 23, 2015, 09:31:23 PM
Welcome to Susan's Place! If you don't have a job (and everyone is scrambling for them) after four months you'll have spiralled into the ground. I'm not trying to be negative.  I'm 53, I have a full time job, and I ran completely out of money this winter. I own my home, so no one can throw me out, but you wouldn't have that cushion. Having said that, at 19 you're resilient and could live outside and it would just make you a stronger person. I hope I've helped. 

Hugs, Devlyn

Thanks Devlyn. I appreciate the reply. I highly hope that I could find a job after four months, even if it's just at a fast food place. If after my third month I still didn't have one, I would begin to make arrangements for if I ended up on the street, I'd try to couchsurf and there would be some homeless resources available in the larger cities. I hope it wouldn't come to that though, I think as long as I can find I job, I'll be able to make it. I might not live comfortably, but I'd be alive, well, and happy knowing that I was on a journey to find myself.

If you believe you could learn some practical skill, what about attending an university next to the city you want to live in? It will help you create a network to find a job over there, and to become self sustaining which is your goal.

Pros: if you can live on campus, you can take debts including for daily expanses. Work for the govt for 10 years and you won't ever have to repay them.
Pros: if the university is far, even better: you can ask your family to pay for it, while explaining to your family that you can't visit them because it's too expansive, because you want to become an adult etc. No debt is always better.
Pros: you can then use your savings for something else - say to start removing the facial hair (it's never too early)
Pros: you can find a community, as universities are usually LGBT friendly
Pros: you can go on with HRT, medically prescribed and monitored, in a place where it will not raise an eyebrow
Cons: you may rank up debt
Cons: you may have to use chest binding and careful preparation if you ever want to visit your family  (bad idea anyway-  you may want to fess up)

I totally agree with you the earliest is the better. I wish I had started at 19. Yet it's a long and costly process, and if I hadn't studied and found a job and saved, I couldn't have pay for hair removal, and couldn't plan for FFS.

I can't say which is best. Only you can.

BTW, starting with HRT is just one option. You can start with hair removal. Or rhinoplasty if you believe it's the only thing you need to pass. As long as  you don't have boobs, your family won't be able to tell. They'll just think you're vain (and cheap, if you get your nosejob done in Mexico). Use that situation to your advantage, especially since they give you free room and board.

Quote from: charlotte15 on April 23, 2015, 09:48:23 PM
If you believe you could learn some practical skill, what about attending an university next to the city you want to live in? It will help you create a network to find a job over there, and to become self sustaining which is your goal.

Pros: if you can live on campus, you can take debts including for daily expanses. Work for the govt for 10 years and you won't ever have to repay them.
Pros: if the university is far, even better: you can ask your family to pay for it, while explaining to your family that you can't visit them because it's too expansive, because you want to become an adult etc. No debt is always better.
Pros: you can then use your savings for something else - say to start removing the facial hair (it's never too early)
Pros: you can find a community, as universities are usually LGBT friendly
Pros: you can go on with HRT, medically prescribed and monitored, in a place where it will not raise an eyebrow
Cons: you may rank up debt
Cons: you may have to use chest binding and careful preparation if you ever want to visit your family  (bad idea anyway-  you may want to fess up)

I totally agree with you the earliest is the better. I wish I had started at 19. Yet it's a long and costly process, and if I hadn't studied and found a job and saved, I couldn't have pay for hair removal, and couldn't plan for FFS.

I can't say which is best. Only you can.

BTW, starting with HRT is just one option. You can start with hair removal. Or rhinoplasty if you believe it's the only thing you need to pass. As long as  you don't have boobs, your family won't be able to tell. They'll just think you're vain (and cheap, if you get your nosejob done in Mexico). Use that situation to your advantage, especially since they give you free room and board.

Thanks for the reply Charlotte.

I have no doubt that I have the ability to succeed in college. My doubt is the ability to pay for it. My parents have less money than myself. We're all living with my grandparents right now because my parents lost everything. Four generations living under one roof right now (grandparents, parents, my brother and I, and my brother's child), there is not a chance in the world I will get any of them to help me out with college.

I was never told how to pay for college because my parents never went so no one was there to teach me. I don't know how loans work, if it's a logical option for me or what. Could I get enough loans to cover my way through college? Would I be able to pay them off? I have no idea. If you, or anyone else, can explain that all to me, please do, because I've ruled out college since Junior year in high school because I didn't think I could ever manage it.

I know a college-educated career is the best (and maybe only) way to afford transition, but I just don't know if it's doable.

And also, since I'm not receiving any help from my parents education wise, I would tell them once I went to college. Summer breaks I could spend working and would never have to visit them again. I doubt they'd want me to anyways once I told them.

Quote from: Amelia Phoenix on April 23, 2015, 10:03:01 PM
Thanks for the reply Charlotte.

I have no doubt that I have the ability to succeed in college. My doubt is the ability to pay for it. My parents have less money than myself. We're all living with my grandparents right now because my parents lost everything. Four generations living under one roof right now (grandparents, parents, my brother and I, and my brother's child), there is not a chance in the world I will get any of them to help me out with college.

I was never told how to pay for college because my parents never went so no one was there to teach me. I don't know how loans work, if it's a logical option for me or what. Could I get enough loans to cover my way through college? Would I be able to pay them off? I have no idea. If you, or anyone else, can explain that all to me, please do, because I've ruled out college since Junior year in high school because I didn't think I could ever manage it.

I know a college-educated career is the best (and maybe only) way to afford transition, but I just don't know if it's doable.

And also, since I'm not receiving any help from my parents education wise, I would tell them once I went to college. Summer breaks I could spend working and would never have to visit them again. I doubt they'd want me to anyways once I told them.

There a lot of choices when it comes to school.  First of all, you CAN get financial aid.  I ended up finding a pretty decent cheaper school and pretty much paid for the whole thing on financial aid and grants.  On the other side of things, there are school loans.  The problem with giving up now is that will most likely mean that you will NEVER attend college unless you fall into better times.

After high school, I ended up delivering pizzas for years.  No health insurance.  I wanted to transition back then but I had no money and I was too afraid.  Eventually, I saved up some money and used that to get into school.

In MA, you automatically get health if you are in school.  It does cost money, but it is pretty cheap.  Anyways, I think just about the best place to transition is in college because you get the degree in your preferred name and gender, an education, health insurance, and financial aid to help with paying for it.  I would say it is possible and you can even work a part time job.

Quote from: Deinewelt on April 23, 2015, 10:15:05 PM
There a lot of choices when it comes to school.  First of all, you CAN get financial aid.  I ended up finding a pretty decent cheaper school and pretty much paid for the whole thing on financial aid and grants.  On the other side of things, there are school loans.  The problem with giving up now is that will most likely mean that you will NEVER attend college unless you fall into better times.

After high school, I ended up delivering pizzas for years.  No health insurance.  I wanted to transition back then but I had no money and I was too afraid.  Eventually, I saved up some money and used that to get into school.

In MA, you automatically get health if you are in school.  It does cost money, but it is pretty cheap.  Anyways, I think just about the best place to transition is in college because you get the degree in your preferred name and gender, an education, health insurance, and financial aid to help with paying for it.  I would say it is possible and you can even work a part time job.

What does financial aid entail though? I would need loans/scholarships to cover every cent because I wouldn't have any money until a few years after graduation when I had a steady job.

I mean, college sort of sounds like a dream come true, but I just don't have a whole lot of faith that I'd be able to afford college, and be able to transition at the same time. I can't push transition off for four years while I go through college, I'd need do both at the same time.

financial aid basically gives you grants for tuition for classes and books for those with low to no income, however, your going to have to register with selective services if you havent already. just a fair warning. grants you dont have to pay back though. the lower your income, the more grant money you get and it depends on what school your going to as well

Quote from: Echo Alcestis on April 23, 2015, 10:36:36 PM
financial aid basically gives you grants for tuition for classes and books for those with low to no income, however, your going to have to register with selective services if you havent already. just a fair warning. grants you dont have to pay back though. the lower your income, the more grant money you get and it depends on what school your going to as well

I am registered. My parents made me do that almost the moment I turned 18.

I would assume grants would cover a portion of it, but I doubt it would be all of it. Are loans given to every student that requests one, or is it on a case by case basis? Because without loans, there's still no way I could ever go.

if you apply for a loan, make absolutely sure you talk with your guidance counselor about how much you need and can afford. student loans next to credit card debt can really kill your future if you take on to much. but yes, usually you are approved. i suggest go to community college first because it can really help you afford a 4 year uni if you transfer after 2 years

oh that is a good point charlotte is making. if you apply for financial aid, you'll be able to enter into the work study program which is only available to those who have financial aid. this way you can get paid as well as take classes.

Quote from: Echo Alcestis on April 23, 2015, 10:45:57 PM
if you apply for a loan, make absolutely sure you talk with your guidance counselor about how much you need and can afford. student loans next to credit card debt can really kill your future if you take on to much. but yes, usually you are approved. i suggest go to community college first because it can really help you afford a 4 year uni if you transfer after 2 years

Unfortunately I cannot go to community college first as I cannot wait another two years to begin transition. As far as loans go I don't think I would have to much trouble paying them off if I could find a stable career. I would be willing to live frugally for quite a while in order to pay them off. I don't think I'd use a credit card for anything to be honest.

All of it sounds confusing though. I don't know if I'm supposed to get loans before I start school or a few months after, or towards the end? I don't understand any of the process. It would have helped if my parents had known how but they didn't. I guess that can't be helped now though.

Quote from: charlotte15 on April 23, 2015, 10:47:48 PM
I'm not the best person to give you advice on that because I wasn't born in the US, so I'm missing a lot of the subtleties of the system.  But yes if you are deemed to need money to cover your daily expanses, loans *can* cover everything.

If you are admitted in a generous place (not just the ivy leagues) they can also grant you scholarships - basically, you won't even have debts. Even better!!

And you can find a job on campus to make money. Basically, you can be paid to go to school. I won't say it's easy, but it's possible. I'm doing that to get a diploma in my right name and gender when I transition (my face just won't do at the moment. I need more surgery than you, lucky girl!)

Apply to as many places as possible. Some have fee waivers, so it's just a matter of being convincing. Maybe someone here can give you better advice. Otherwise, go ask a counselor or a professional.

Anyway, I would suggest you start looking very closely at the option. You don't have to chose between transition and college. You can do both.

Using all your savings to try to make it in Seattle - sorry but it sounds like the shortest path to living in the street. I can't recommend that.

I really appreciate the advice. I had completely ruled out college and now it is something that's back on the table after taking it off two years ago. I guess the only downside is that I missed all the deadlines for this school year ( back in January ) so I'd have to wait an entire year before actually attending. :/

Any other advice regarding college? I'm not even sure what questions to ask to be honest. The system just confuses the heck out of me I don't even know where to start.

basically what you need to know is that, when applying for a loan, it usually takes affect the following semester since you must be registered for classes in order to apply for a student loan. my best advice is to take on a part time class load and apply for financial aid, see how much your eligible for, as well as talk to a student guidance counselor to help plan and balance your budget. this way if you ever do decide to go back, your able to handle a little at a time. i only suggested community college because most of us college bound folk are taking that route because of skyrocketing uni cost but thats up to you. it'll be wise to get a therapist involved as well if you can. you can also visit the college's therapy center if you need help because it does sound frustrating and they can help ease some of that tension. trust, i wish i knew where the therapy center was at my school because i would be there everyday

You apply for financial help *before* you start school, at the same time you apply. And you tell them that you can't attend without it.

Another suggestion I'd make that many will hate me for - chose a marketable skill. Maybe you really really want to get into gender studies, but it may not pay a lot. Look at the prospective placements: wages and unemployment. You never know where there is an opportunity. Be open minded. But look at the $ on the bottom line first.

If you have until next year, look at what you can learn quickly that can make you a decent amount of money. Some license trades are good. Welding is a good option - even for us: http://www.nbcnews.com/business/careers/hey-women-want-hot-career-become-welder-n26426 There are also apprenticeships - http://www.thomasnet.com/articles/custom-manufacturing-fabricating/become-welder

Also if you want to immigrate later, it's a "special occupation" that will get you preferential treatment in many countries, letting you immigrate in less than a year, with permanent residence, etc. to a place where all your legal history will be as a woman. If you want to go stealth, it's something to have in mind.

Anyway Amelia, there are many plans. You are just starting to see some of the possibilities. Just have hope. I'm insisting on hope because I read your first post, Hopelessness - https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,183581.msg1629847.html#msg1629847

You have many happy years in front of you girl.

Quote from: Echo Alcestis on April 23, 2015, 11:04:45 PM
basically what you need to know is that, when applying for a loan, it usually takes affect the following semester since you must be registered for classes in order to apply for a student loan. my best advice is to take on a part time class load and apply for financial aid, see how much your eligible for, as well as talk to a student guidance counselor to help plan and balance your budget. this way if you ever do decide to go back, your able to handle a little at a time. i only suggested community college because most of us college bound folk are taking that route because of skyrocketing uni cost but thats up to you. it'll be wise to get a therapist involved as well if you can. you can also visit the college's therapy center if you need help because it does sound frustrating and they can help ease some of that tension. trust, i wish i knew where the therapy center was at my school because i would be there everyday

Thanks. I will definitely look into everything and see what is doable on my budget. I'll probably also regular see a counselor while in school.

Quote from: charlotte15 on April 23, 2015, 11:10:42 PM
You apply for financial help *before* you start school, at the same time you apply. And you tell them that you can't attend without it.

Another suggestion I'd make that many will hate me for - chose a marketable skill. Maybe you really really want to get into gender studies, but it may not pay a lot. Look at the prospective placements: wages and unemployment. You never know where there is an opportunity. Be open minded. But look at the $ on the bottom line first.

If you have until next year, look at what you can learn quickly that can make you a decent amount of money. Some license trades are good. Welding is a good option - even for us: http://www.nbcnews.com/business/careers/hey-women-want-hot-career-become-welder-n26426 There are also apprenticeships - http://www.thomasnet.com/articles/custom-manufacturing-fabricating/become-welder

Also if you want to immigrate later, it's a "special occupation" that will get you preferential treatment in many countries, letting you immigrate in less than a year, with permanent residence, etc. to a place where all your legal history will be as a woman. If you want to go stealth, it's something to have in mind.

Anyway Amelia, there are many plans. You are just starting to see some of the possibilities. Just have hope. I'm insisting on hope because I read your first post, Hopelessness - https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,183581.msg1629847.html#msg1629847

You have many happy years in front of you girl.

Good advice. I don't particularly want to be a welder, I don't think I would ever be happy in a job like that, but it's definitely a good idea to study something that I will be able to find a good career in.

I hadn't even considered immigrating anywhere, but the idea of being completely stealth is most definitely appealing. It's actually something I might look into years down the road.

Thanks a bunch, I really appreciate the advice. When I made that post in February I was in a very dark place, but I do have a little bit of hope now, mixed with determination. I'm going to do my very best to make it

Quote from: Amelia Phoenix on April 23, 2015, 11:35:18 PM
Good advice. I don't particularly want to be a welder, I don't think I would ever be happy in a job like that, but it's definitely a good idea to study something that I will be able to find a good career in.

I'm a down to earth girl. If I have 6 months to wait for something I want, I will do anything I can to bring as much money as possible during this time. Personally, I want FFS. So I'll get a second job this summer. The job that pays the most will do.

I just mentionned welding because it can be learn in weeks, and will multiply your income by 2 - as a starting salary. And it's a funny example - like nobody would ever suggest that!

Quote from: Amelia Phoenix on April 23, 2015, 11:35:18 PM
I hadn't even considered immigrating anywhere, but the idea of being completely stealth is most definitely appealing. It's actually something I might look into years down the road.

In the example of welding, Australia will want you! I've already started from 0 in a few places. It tough, but very possible. Wait until every surgery you want it done to do that. As you said, a few years down the road. No rush. And if you don't like the place, you move to another or come back. Life is beautiful - you can do so many things in this big big world.

Quote from: Amelia Phoenix on April 23, 2015, 11:35:18 PM
I do have a little bit of hope now, mixed with determination. I'm going to do my very best to make it

Great! Dream big, then make it happen. Whatever you dream about is fine, as long as you have hope

question, what is it you want to study? just curious

QuoteI would assume grants would cover a portion of it, but I doubt it would be all of it.

Financial aid and grants eventually covered everything for me at a community college.  Oh, and some state schools don't cost much more than a community college anyways, so you could start at a state school or transfer.

QuoteUnfortunately I cannot go to community college first as I cannot wait another two years to begin transition

Why do you have to wait to begin transition just because you are at a community college?   

Quote from: Echo Alcestis on April 23, 2015, 11:51:08 PM
question, what is it you want to study? just curious

I'm not sure yet to be honest. I had ruled out college up until yesterday. It's going to take a lot of thought.

Quote from: Deinewelt on April 24, 2015, 05:44:22 PM
Financial aid and grants eventually covered everything for me at a community college.  Oh, and some state schools don't cost much more than a community college anyways, so you could start at a state school or transfer.

Why do you have to wait to begin transition just because you are at a community college?   

It's not necessarily a community college issue as much as it is a family issue. Going to community college means you don't have dorms to stay in, meaning I'd have to live with family. Living with family means I can't transition. Roadblock.   

Quote from: Amelia Phoenix on April 24, 2015, 05:54:24 PM
I'm not sure yet to be honest. I had ruled out college up until yesterday. It's going to take a lot of thought.

It's not necessarily a community college issue as much as it is a family issue. Going to community college means you don't have dorms to stay in, meaning I'd have to live with family. Living with family means I can't transition. Roadblock.   

Ah okay I understand now.  The reason why I would opt to start out at community college or a 4 year state school, is that it is cheaper and can sometimes be covered completely by financial aid.  Maybe if you start out at community college you can always transfer.  Secondly, you could look for a part time job that may be able to allow you an opportunity to get an affordable place to stay.  If you could somehow make all of those things + health insurance work, it might be doable.  I'm sorry that these solutions are not perfect. 

Maybe you need a better plan?  If your family lets you stay with them for free or for very cheap, I would work full time and save money.  Also, maybe you can start with a low dose HRT so as to keep it relatively non-obvious?  You could start out by just blocking T.  Then after you've saved a good amount, shift your time to school by starting part time.  Get good grades and over time work less and do school more.  This should allow you the lowest risk all together and will get you the best financial aid.  Once things are more in full swing, use your part time income to find an inexpensive place to stay?  Somebody chime in, Is this plan even workable?  I honestly have no idea.  I didn't even start HRT until 22 days ago and I am WAY out of school and have years of experience, attempting to transition in the workplace.

I wanted to transition when I was in my early 20's but I believed there was no way I could do it for a bunch of reasons.  Mostly I just had no money and didn't think it would work well for me.  Instead I just worked and when to school and worked more.  Eventually the need to transition seriously caught up to me and I learned more about it.