Being given $5k USD and want to know what some of my options are.

As the title says, I am being given five thousand dollars from an older family member (I want to make it clear that I have tried to refuse the money several times, but for some reason she really wants me to have it). I am trying to figure out the best way to use the money, but I am guessing the best thing to do is put it towards my student loans. I work for a brewery and make about 22k a year (~1800 a month) AFTER taxes. Some of my debts and bills:

Private student loan : $180 a month - about 9k total left Federal loan debt : $50 a month - about 4k total left Car : ~$200 a month Car Insurance: $50 a month Gas for car : ~$150 a month (I commute an hour each way)

Rent : $300 a month, I currently live in an unfinished house that is probably not healthy at all to live in though, so I am trying to find an apartment with my girlfriend, so that might go up to ~400 - 500 a month. We have a dog so we will have to pay a little more for that I am sure.

Cable / internet / other utilities : $~300 a month right now, but hoping to find an apartment that includes some of those utilities

Now my goals. I really want to move somewhere healthier to live. I am getting really sick of wondering what that mold above my head is doing to my health. I am hoping in the next year I will land a new job that will get me closer to ~40k take home. One of my dreams is opening a homebrewing shop and school (teaching people how to brew beer at home). I am thinking paying down my private loan is probably the best course, but if there is some way I can use it to find a new place to live I think I would prefer to do that. OR if you are some financial wizard and know how I can use some for a place to live and put some away to maybe make a little money off of it I certainly would listen to that as well.