Advice on College? Loans, insurance, etc...

[xxxanaxxx]

Hey, wusup everyone? I got a few questions about college that I was hoping someone could help me with. Quick story on my situation...I was attending UCF back in 2007 after I graduated high school. I got pulled out of college and sent to rehab until October 08. I have been staying with a friend and want to get back into college next semester. When I was in college before my parents paid for everything. I no longer get any help from them and don't expect to. I am working so I can probably save up a few hundred bucks before next semester but nothing significant.

I am thinking of going back to UCF and want to know how to do it on my own. I have started filling out a FASFA form. On the FASFA form it asks what my parents make, there is no way I'm going to get that info. should I just put $0? What other loans/grants/etc... should I apply for? I've never done this before so I am completley clueless on what to do.

Also, I don't have a car and don't want to live on campus. (I have a puppy and they aren't allowed in dorms and I don't want to deal with charges of having stuff on school property if something goes down). Does anyone know how financial aid will help if I live off campus? Will they give me the same help as if I was to live on campus? I know at UCF they have a bus that goes from the apartment complexs around the university area to campus so transportation is no biggie.

Also, are there any programs to get health insurance since I'm going to school? I currently have no health insurance which I don't like lol. My parents have said if I let them claim me as a dependant for 2008 and start going back to school they can get me put on their insurance. Should I do this or will it not be worth it because I don't think I'll get as much financial help if I'm a dependent.

Anyone with personal experience in these areas please help!!!

Also, anyone that goes to UCF... would you mind sending me a PM, I have some questions about the college in specific.

Thank you so much for the help guys!

 

[Lysis]

Unless your parents claim you as a dependent, you do not need to fill out that part of the FAFSA that asks about your parent's income.

I applied for personal loans and received $13k on top of the regular loans, but I made too much last year to get anything more than loans. If you don't make much money, you might get free money but you can get loans...Remember though, loans have to be paid back! If you skip a semester and go back to school, you will have loan payments kick in.

Financial aid will give you money to live. It asks you on the FASFA if you will live on or off campus.

If you plan to live alone, I would NOT let your parents claim you. You will take a huge hit in financial aid. School campuses have health insurance for students although I don't know how much money it is per term.

 

[RedDark]

hey all - just thought I'd post a quick link to a helpful site I've used before. Lots of articles about a variety of issues, but focusing on student loans - http://www.studentloans.net - hope that helps guys!