Get the job first. Determine if you are on your own (single apartment location) or with roommate(s). See if you are able to NOT have a car...public transportation which is easily accessible and on route to your place of work...can be a very big $ saver. One life hack...if you have the need for work footwear...learn to leave this footwear at work only and use travel footwear between commutes. Seems a bit silly but saves a ton of wear and tear