I'm looking to relocate to Madison, WI, but might possibly concider other places in WI too. I currently live in Texas (not by my own choice), and want to go back to the Midwest, which is where I'm originally from. After doing a lot of research and looking into places I have made the decision that Wisconsin, and especially Madison, is where I want to be. But, how does someone go about relocating? I'm a 25 y/o part-time college student. I have an Associate of Liberal Arts degree at the moment, which I obtained in 2005. I am currently taking some prereq's so I can start a Bachelor's program. I can only take one or two classes each semester because I have to work full-time to put a roof over my head and food in my stomach. At which rate, I'm estimating, it will take 4 years or so to get my Bachelor's. I currently make $13.02/hr at 40/week, which pretty much all goes to bills and groceries. I'm assuming that I will have to find a job in Madison first, so I have been sending out resumes like crazy, but I'm doubtful that any job would want me so badly that they would be willing to pay to relocate me. But, if an employer is interested in me and wants to hire me, but won't pay to relocate me, how would I relocate myself? I mean, I would need to get a place to stay and money for expenses until my first paycheck was to come in. I doubt that I could save up enough surplus money as I don't really make enough to save much. What should I do? I would like to move as soon as possible, but in reality, I should probably wait until the end of the current college semester (which is the middle of May), or the end of my current apartment lease in October (which would probably be smarter since I wouldn't be breaking my lease). As for what I would bring, well whatever I could fit in my car. I'm a minimalist. And once I got where I was going all I would need is clothes, my laptop computer and wall projector, a pillow and a few blankets so I could sleep on the floor, pots, pans, and dishes so I could cook, and then whatever toiletries, hygiene products, etc. I would look for a vegan or vegetarian roommate, or get an efficiency/studio apartment. Anyone want to take me under their wing for a while? *lol* I know, wishful thinking! Any advice, comments, etc. are welcome. :-)

Craigslist is your friend! I'm sure you could find some sort of sublet on there. If you want to live in the downtown area, the big student moving day is always August 15th. Most leases end/begin on that day in terms of student housing. Also, there are co-op options. I know there are a lot of veggie co-ops too. So that could be a very good option for you for short-term (or long term if you like it.)

http://www.madisoncommunity.coop/membershipping.cfm

In terms of a job/money stuff, the job market here is pretty decent. I would definitely recommend registering with a temp agency as soon as you get here. QTI/qualitemps is a big one downtown.

I've lived in Madison my whole life, so I'd be happy to help with any other questions you have :)

I have posted on Craig's List and also contacted some co-op houses.