Question for those who are full time students

[kristendotcom]

So I started going back to school at night about 2 years ago. With my full time work load I am only able to take 2 classes a semester. It is really frustrating me that it will take so long to finish college at this pace. I am considering quiting my job and going to school full time come January.

 

My question to all you full time students is what kind of part time work do you do? I would have to bring in some income but I am just not sure what is my best bet. I have worked in at a major financial company for the past 4 years and before that I worked as a waitress/bartender for 3 years. A friend also told me you can take out living assistance loans but I wouldn't know where to begin with that and I don't know how much debt I want to take on either. Any advice or input from those in a similar situation?

 

Thanks

[Kat81]

A lot of banks will work with your hours. Also waitressing and bartending. Of course to make any money you would have to work nights. Sometimes you can find places that need a secretary for 20-30 hours a week and they will usually work with your school hours. It sucks I know! I had to stop going last year. Now that I am married though I can afford to go back and not work Thank God. I am going back full time in January. Good luck I hope everything works out for you!

[Bianca]

I did retail and some admin asst jobs while in school. I got my current job through the federal work study program and they were awesome about my schedule. I would apply for FAFSA and see if you get offered some subsidized loans.

[LadyP]

I go full time on line so I am not sure if it helps your situation. However I waited tables during my undergrad years as a premed major. I made more than enough money to keep my apartment pay bills and have a life

[MonoAmor]

I went to university full time and worked about 45 hours a week last year. I worked at a hotel and they were more than understanding if I had to leave a little early. I would work there during the day and then take classes until 9:30at night. The only reason I was able to do it was because I had no time to spend my money, I was always too busy! I dont recommend that at all. I was so burned out at the end. Try to find somewhere to work that is understanding and will be flexible. But whatever you end up doing the best advice is to have a balanced life, and make sure you take care of yourself as well! Good luck!!

[~Kate~]

My university has a lot of jobs for students who qualify for what we call "work study" (to qualify you pretty much just need to qualify for our provincial student loans, which most FT students do) - so most of my classmates who want to work will have work study positions as research assistants for profs, working on campus in the libraries, etc. The money isn't as good as waiting tables or bartending or anything, but the hours are very flexible and school is always a priority over your work hours - the profs take this very seriously.

 

With regards to the loans, you should talk to the Financial Services dept of your school - we have student loan officers and financial advisors who know that stuff inside out. And you're already paying for it with your tuition

[SAM]

I just graduated in August and was full-time for the past two years. Last semester I carried 18 units and worked part time. It sucked!

 

I would recommend applying for the FASFA and any other kind of finanical aid. I would go though the school for Loans, which usually don't have to paid back until 6 months after you graduate.

 

 

A few years ago I worked for a bank which worked around my work schedule and I had benefits (for me the pay wasn't enough). For the past 4 years I have worked weekends (some nights) for a catering company. I started as a server now I'm a event manager. The pay is pretty good plus the tips are usually bigger. Long hours (10-16 hours days). Since the holidays are coming up I'm sure alot of catering places will be hiring.

[kristendotcom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kat81 A lot of banks will work with your hours. Also waitressing and bartending. Of course to make any money you would have to work nights. Sometimes you can find places that need a secretary for 20-30 hours a week and they will usually work with your school hours. It sucks I know! I had to stop going last year. Now that I am married though I can afford to go back and not work Thank God. I am going back full time in January. Good luck I hope everything works out for you!

Thanks Kat, those are some good ideas. Good for you for going back full time and not having to work. You will get your degree done alot faster that way. Good luck to you

[kristendotcom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAM I just graduated in August and was full-time for the past two years. Last semester I carried 18 units and worked part time. It sucked! I would recommend applying for the FASFA and any other kind of finanical aid. I would go though the school for Loans, which usually don't have to paid back until 6 months after you graduate. A few years ago I worked for a bank which worked around my work schedule and I had benefits (for me the pay wasn't enough). For the past 4 years I have worked weekends (some nights) for a catering company. I started as a server now I'm a event manager. The pay is pretty good plus the tips are usually bigger. Long hours (10-16 hours days). Since the holidays are coming up I'm sure alot of catering places will be hiring.

Thanks Sam. Yeah I will probably end up doing something in the restaurant industry. I think it would be the best bang for the buck. I was a banquet server years ago and we did catering and weddings, etc. it was good money. I'm going to look into it.

[rodent]

definitly fill out a FAFSA. FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid

 

when you start a FAFSA, request your PIN right away. it takes a little while so you want to do that first. you have to wait on it in the mail.

 

Do NOT do private student loans!!! they can raise your interest rates at any time & you can never default on them.

 

the best student loan is a federally subsiized stafford loan. you do not pay interest while in school. After you graduate, interest starts 6 months later, but it is usually a good rate.

 

stafford loans are around $8,000 per semester

 

I worked at a gym in the evenings my first 2 years of college. after that I did work-study in a lab. that was great, because i was getting paid & learning so much. i probably learned more from working in the lab than i did in class. i do science research. also, they tend to be understanding that you are a student & can not make work your #1 priority. most work study jobs allow you to take off when you have a lot of exams or study at work. i could also fit in an hour between classes because parking was too much of an issue to go home.

 

what do you want a degree in? it's often a good idea to get a job that helps with your future career.