I lived in the midwestern city as a single graduate student with $25K in a ratty (literally) apartment. I survived, I didn't feel "free" enough in the way he suggests. The only way I had savings and spending money was the hope I'd get a degree someday and the fact I don't drink alcohol or smoke, and I didn't need to drive.

I earn more now, and am considerably more free. I don't wish how I lived on anyone, and I am under no delusion that most well adjusted adults in the richest country in the world would be willing to live how I did. I realize you aren't making this argument, I'm more replying to who I replied to initially.

Might I add I had good healthcare due to my university...and my department waived my tuition (and hence paid for my healthcare). Could you imagine life without that? Or if I couldn't defer my loans?