[MissMisa]

Originally Posted by LostSamurai89

Well currently Im in my first year of college. And I have financial aid to help me. So far it has payed for my tuition. As an art student, expenses are quite high. I got alot of my supplies from what I had left of my grant. But I also have to pull whats out of my pocket. In the first semester I used graduation money that was saved. I finally was able to get my first part time job. It took me forever to get. Its so hard to get a job now days. So many people are losing jobs and or looking for them but having no luck getting them. I always wondered why I never got a call back. It made me furious. I was so hungry for work. And I was old enough for many jobs. I wanted to work at this gas station by my house, but they wouldnt let me because I was 19. My mom and I go to this place alot, but they discriminate against younger people because they had people steal in the past. I mean it fealt like I wasnt able to be given a chance. But I finally got a job so its ok now. But everybody deserves a chance, seriously. I mean alot of college students need that part time job to pay for their expenses. Jobs should be somewhat flexible with that. As for your situation its sort of similiar. I say its best to stay home to cut off alot of those expenses. Im happy to have a mom to help me get on my feet and stay home. Because I know alot of parents are like " Your 18 time to get out." And they have to struggle. It says your from England? Do they have financial aid there? There is still alot I dont know,especially about college, so I hope my question doesnt sound stupid. But you might have to keep trying to get a job. Keep being persistent. Even walk into the store and talk to the manager face to face and bug them. Show them that your dedicated to get that job! As for budgeting, saving up, and not buying unessacary items is a good way. Buy the supplies of what you need for school and pay for tuition. If thats possible I dont know. In any case, that really wasnt kind of your teacher to make you feel that way. Art supplies are waaaaaay expensive. I wish I could paint! But still, you just got to keep fighting for what you want. It may take a long time, but keep your goal in focus. Positive thinking positive thinking ^_^ The hard work will pay off.

Thankyou for your advice!

Basically we do have grants and financial aid but I'm not entitled to anything. It's based on your parents income, if they earn over a certain amount of money it means that you can't have much aid. I don't know if I'll be entitled to any or not, but if I am it will be the bare minimum. [The whole system pisses me off, I'm penalised for my parents working hard when it's got nothing to do with me at all, but still at least I have a good home etc.]

The only way will probably to launch myself into a loan but it seems so daunting that I'll be in excess of £10,000 debt, and that doesn't include all the software and computery crap they encourage you to buy [I'm doing Game Design/Computer Animation.]

Originally Posted by Keaton421

Yeah, I keep forgetting... I've known people saddled with debts well into their 40's, and that's no way to go through life.

You could always take a break from classes and try to save up some dough for the next semester, maybe look for financial aid or scholarships during that time. Or just bite the bullet and let the loans pile up

I have to attend every class otherwise I won't be put in for my exams. I'm still in my final year of A Levels, but Uni is fast approaching now and I have no money 0_0

Like I said, I'm not entitled to any financial aid... scholarships are extremely difficult to come by. I will look into that though. I want to look into all my options in the best way possible.