I think the first year is absolutely horrible. The second sucks, but by year 4, we are home free. here are my ideas.
1. Pick a southern state where there isn't a real chance for dying of exposure, also pick a rural area that is fairly poor. If you look hard enough you can find a crappy shared room for $150 a month. We are talking worse than your dorm room.
2. Learn to hunt and fish--lots of public lands around. Use your work internet to learn to make traps and build your own fishing pole.
3. have a vegetable garden--same as above
I know i could survive on ~$58 a month eating expenses. These guys suggest $20 is doable.
http://getting-green.blogspot.com/20...000-month.html