Cheap car and dental insurance

[Soomie]

So, I have two questions and thought it would be easier to just include them in one thread.

The first question I have is in reference to obtaining a cheap car. I'm a sophomore in college and I am forced to live in the middle of downtown so that I can be close enough to walk to school. For this reason I am forced to pay extremely high rent (765/mo for a studio, no w/d, + utilities) which means that even if I work I don't make nearly enough to save for a car. Everything I have left over goes to food and personal care items. If I had a car, I could move further away where a 3 bedroom house costs the same as my studio. I don't have any money for a down payment, and like I said, can't save anything. My family can't help me with anything, and I haven't been able to find anyone willing to work with me on my own time to make payments to them while they hold a title. Anyone know how I can remedy this situation in the forseeable future?

The second question is in reference to dental insurance. I had medicaid until I turned 19 this year. Now my teeth are in desperate need of a cleaning/check up, but I have no money to pay out of pocket any time soon. Any DIY things I can do at home besides brushing and flossing to clean my teeth, and any really good cheap insurance out there?

[Danielle Ni Dhighe]

Any dental schools near you? Sometimes they'll give you low cost or free services as practice for their students.

[Soomie]

Any dental schools near you? Sometimes they'll give you low cost or free services as practice for their students.

I never would have thought of that. Coincidentally I live right down the street from a medical university that has a dental program. I will look into it. Have you personally had any experience with it? I mean, I don't want them to overlook important things like cavities since they're students and still learning, but I just need a cleaning right now and can hold out for an exam until the first of the year.

[pluckedflowers]

A car can be an annoying expense in its own right. Are you living on your own right now? Have you thought about sharing a place? That cuts down on housing expenses and, if you find the right person, it can also help you with living expenses if you share the costs on food,toiletries, etc. and buy in bulk.

[Soomie]

I lived in the dorms last year which was a horrible experience and way too expensive ($5500 for the cheapest one for a total of 8-9 months). Plus I was forced by the college to purchase a meal plan and had no kitchen in my dorm. I moved out that summer and shared a three bedroom house with three people, where all of us payed $800/mo. The landlord told me she didn't want me living there anymore in July, because there was a gas leak in the stove that she didn't want to fix and insisted on us lighting it with a grill lighter and I said that she needed to fix it per the lease agreement. I had to move in with my boyfriend for a month and I luckily found another place, but that one is $950/mo with no w/d, utilities, or a kitchen sink (I have to wash dishes in my bathroom). Now, I've found a long term place for my self that is a studio for $765/mo water and internet included. I also have to pay to wash clothes, but it's way cheaper than most things where I live. Here, this place is cheaper than sharing with someone. You're lucky if you find anything shared under $800/mo. If I had a car, I could move out of downtown to the suburbs where things are around $650/mo and under for a 1-3 bedroom with utilities included.

[doesn't even make sense]

Does your university offer any decent insurance plans? They also might offer service at lower rates for students. I remember my girlfriend who was uninsured was able to get a dental checkup and a cleaning within budget at school a few years ago.

[Soomie]

Does your university offer any decent insurance plans? They also might offer service at lower rates for students. I remember my girlfriend who was uninsured was able to get a dental checkup and a cleaning within budget at school a few years ago.

I don't think that my university does. I tried finding something like that before, but nothing came up. I might give the health services clinic a call on monday to see if they know anything. We have the clinic, but it's not for dental stuff. Plus, they make you either pay out of pocket or use insurance there, so it might as well be a regular doctor's office.

[Danielle Ni Dhighe]

I never would have thought of that. Coincidentally I live right down the street from a medical university that has a dental program. I will look into it. Have you personally had any experience with it? I mean, I don't want them to overlook important things like cavities since they're students and still learning, but I just need a cleaning right now and can hold out for an exam until the first of the year.
Back in the '90s, I got dental care from a dental school. The care I received was good. The student dentists are supervised every step of the way by instructors, so there's low risk that something important will be overlooked.

[Soomie]

I found out that the Medical University does have a dental program where students accept patients. I'm going to call tomorrow and see the prices. Thanks again, comrade.

[Ele'ill]

a lot of health clinics do free check ups at certain times throughout the month or year. Some also do free x-rays and free tooth extractions.