For students, heading off to college traditionally means becoming independent, but with the rising cost of rent in the Bay Area that step to freedom is being put on hold.

According to CNN Money, rent in the Bay Area has risen 7 percent in the past year, while incomes have inched just 1.8 percent higher, making it that much harder for people to afford their housing payments.

Students at Diablo Valley College are feeling the pain of working full time jobs, going to school and keeping up with the rising rent. According to The San Francisco Business Times, renters can easily pay upwards of 70 percent of their income on housing, even with a roommate.

DVC student Doris Gonzalez saved up enough money while living in San Francisco with her mom so that she could focus strictly on school and not have to work now.

“I love the Concord area, it’s a warmer area and a smaller city,” she says.

Others have not been so lucky when it comes to living at home rent-free. DVC student Trinity Beckworth chose to join the Navy because she was working two jobs, trying to go to school full time and was still barely making it, paying rent to her parents.

“The Navy was a great way for me to make money and pursue my career, as well as have my college paid for,” Beckworth says.

DVC teachers have also expressed their concern for students trying to support themselves and still have time for school.

History teacher Greg Tilles says he senses that many of his students are increasingly stressed with trying to balance the demands of school with the harsh reality of paying higher and higher bills.

“Many must sacrifice valuable study time to allow more hours for work, others are forced to reduce their unit loads, and still others must drop out of school or for a semester all together,” Tilles said. “I must say, I admire so many of my students as they valiantly strive to keep themselves afloat.”

Feeling the pressure of preparing to move out on his own, DVC student Sean Endrusick says he will not be continuing with school next semester so that he can work full time and move closer to the Bay Area with some roommates.

“I’m looking for a full time factory or refinery job with benefits,” Endrusick says. “Also, at home I would have my start-up business that could have the potential to bring in more money on top of working full time.”

DVC student Cole Sweeney says he still lives at home so that he can save up money and focus on school.

“Even with roommates, living on your own is too expensive. I want to secure a career before I take that next step forward.”

Rent in the Bay Area is skyrocketing and it’s making it difficult to move or stay here. Students are trying to do the best to stay in school and work enough to support themselves, but it may be a while before they achieve the college dream of moving out.

According to Time Magazine, more than half of students, in fact, are living at home—up significantly from the 43% of students who did a couple of years ago.