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do you have to pay student loans while going to college

Do you have to pay student loans in college, also do you have to provide your own furniture? and when should you get your books??

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Emmanuel’s Answer

Your loan repayments usually kick off 6 months after you finish school. However, the way interest accumulates varies. If your family's expected contribution (EFC) is low, you may be eligible for "Subsidized" student loans. This means the government covers the interest on these loans while you're not making payments. On the other hand, if your EFC is higher, you might get a mix of subsidized and unsubsidized loans. Payments on unsubsidized loans also start 6 months after graduation, but interest begins to pile up from the day you agree to the loan. The same applies to PLUS loans.
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Sarah !

It's good to know that you are thinking ahead and getting things in line for college. It always pays to prepare for the things you've asked about.

It is kind of difficult to actually address your actual prospective loan and repayment situation because things in the U.S. are ever changing with that subject. Be assured that your prospective college's financial aid office will have the current information for you and they usually have an open door and invite questions like yours. You need to get your financial aid information from someone who is authorized to provide you with the information. Also, it will depend on the bank that your loans are drawn from, but when you get the loans, all of the current guidelines will be clear and the college may even do a group orientation in your senior year to explain at that time how things work going forward.

As you are probably aware, in the U.S. in March of 2020 a forbearance of loan repayment forgiveness was put in effect, but that expires this month (October 2023) and student loan payments will resume. Everything was very simple during the era in which I went to college. Back than, and some of this may still be similar today, you didn't have to repay your loans if you were a full time student carrying 12 units of credit or more per semester. Once you graduated or discontinued being a full time student, you had a six month grace period and after that you had to begin paying back your loans. When I was a college senior, I attended a loan repayment orientation at which everything was explained about when and how to repay the loans. So, be assured, when the time comes, you will have many staff on your particular campus that can go over things with you as well as documentation from the bank(s) about repayment. However, in most American colleges and universities, you don't start paying a student loan until you are no longer a full time student.

Back in the time I attended college, the professor would inform you of the books and supplies you needed for the course on the first day of class. That was usually followed by a same day visit to the book store. However, I am thinking that today, a professor could very well e-mail the name of the book and you could get it beforehand. Double check about this when you register for your specific college. I also imagine that some of the textbooks can be accessed on line.

I actually had a course in which the professor wrote the textbook but it wasn't published yet. She taught from her manuscript and we didn't have a textbook. That worked out very good, though.

About furnishings, you will have to make a decision as to if you'll be living in a private apartment or in the on campus dorms. Dorms come supplied with beds, desks, chairs, a closet, small chest of drawers. You'd have a congregate dining hall. Again, this depends on where you attend college and this is something that an orientation of the campus would be helpful with.

I hope that this has shed some light on things and was some information to consider. I encourage you to read your future college's website as well as the Federal Student Aid website for more current information. I have left that link for you below. Best wishes to you in all you do !

Michelle recommends the following next steps:

https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa FEDERAL STUDENT AID WEBSITE
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Sarah,

While attending college, you're typically not required to start repaying your student loans. Most often, repayment begins only after you've graduated or left college. This allows you to concentrate on your studies without the added stress of loan repayment. However, remember that other expenses, like tuition, fees, and living costs, are still your responsibility.

Furnishing your own living space is usually not necessary. The majority of colleges and universities offer furnished dorm rooms or apartments, providing essential items like a bed, desk, chair, and closet space. However, to make your space feel more like home, you might want to bring along some personal items or decorations.

It's crucial to acquire your textbooks and course materials before the semester begins. This will enable you to prepare for your classes and stay on top of your coursework. Many educational institutions offer bookstore gift cards or other types of financial aid to assist students in purchasing their textbooks and supplies. Additionally, you can look for more affordable options in online marketplaces or used bookstores.

Suggested Reading:

1. Mark Kantrowitz's "The College Student's Guide to Financial Aid"
2. Jodi Okun's "The Complete Guide to Paying for College"
3. Nicole D. Cooper's "College Life 101: A Guide to Navigating Your First Year of College"

I hope you find this information useful.
God Bless,
James.
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Rian’s Answer

Hi Sarah,
For textbooks a lot of time you can find them online as pdfs for super/no cost. If you can't, you can always split the cost with a friend of yours to make it easier. Typically, dorms come furnished, aside from mini fridges and furnishing depends on what type of apartment you stay in.
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