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so i recently finished my first year at Lehigh (in PA) and am doing the payment plan that you mentioned for your daughter. There are some federal loans that you can take, but many will barely cover the cost of books for a semester. The high interest, long term loans are really your only option as far as my experience goes. I am not halfway through college and will be paying off debt for the next ten years at a minimum. You can do it yourself, as i did...but it really does take time and frustration.
Know that it will not be very simple of easy to do all of this process. Anticipate waiting in line and having to come back because of small details and not getting all of the information from the people working there. Don't jump at small federal loans, as they often end up being more annoying than helpful.
Some ideas for saving money that have worked for me: Dont buy books at the book store. they will overcharge you up to 20% over even the local big retailer simply because they are on campus. From my experience, especially freshmen year, buy books from older kids, amazon.com (half.com is an affiliate for used books), or even ebay. I actually made money this past semester by buying books online and selling them back and the end of the year to the bookstore. Also it is probably best to not bring a car, unless one is needed. Schools will have busses and trips that will go the mall/movies/whatever when it is needed. Parking cost can add up a lot especially if the school does not provide easy parking. Dorms can be expensive, but are needed for first year. After that, off-campus housing (if allowed) has saved me a couple thousand each semester.
Working part time within or close to the school can help save some money. The school will be able to help out on that, and many schools give jobs only to kids on financial aid, so that your daughter may have a better shot at a good one, but get there early as jobs go quick. They are often very simple tasks which you can do your homework in most of the time or lifegaurd by the pool...nothing too stressful. but it does help with cost of living (food, clothes, etc.)
good luck,
conor
posted by 209.225.17...
, Tue, 29 Jun 2004 09:35:21
, Tue, 29 Jun 2004 17:41:08, Tue, 29 Jun 2004 11:04:06
, Mon, 28 Jun 2004 19:58:35, Mon, 28 Jun 2004 20:04:20
, Mon, 28 Jun 2004 19:19:58
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