How to Understand What Student Loans Can Cover
Student loans are meant to cover the cost of your education; housing, books, food and transportation. However, there may come a time when you have a little money left over. This article will help you understand what you can spend your loan money can be spent on beyond the necessities of room and board.
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Instructions
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Student loans must first be used to pay for your tuition, room and board. If there is any money leftover, it is yours to spend as you wish. However, it is highly recommended that you use these funds for educational or living expenses, and not entertainment. Other educational expenses could include school supplies, lab supplies, transportation and communication.
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For students that are living off campus, your loan would be best utilized to pay rent and for travel back and forth to campus. It is quite possible the extra money was included in the loan for these very purposes.
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Ask yourself how a purchase benefits your education. Granted, the money you receive from your student loans is yours, but it is meant to help you further your studies.
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Your student loans can also be used to help you purchase a car. If you live far enough away from campus, a car is part of the cost of your education. Maintenance and upkeep could therefore be something student loan dollars are spent on.
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The money could also be spent on paying off credit cards. However, you should compare the rates and terms, because the student loan will have to be repaid as well. In most cases, the credit cards will have higher interest rates.
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Tips & Warnings
You should make sure that your student loans only go toward purchases that have an impact on your education or basic living expenses. This is borrowed money, and will have to be paid back with interest.
Live within you means.
Do not use your student loan money to buy things like beer, CDs or DVDs. While the money is yours and you are technically able to do with it what you please, remember you have to pay it back with interest.
