Make ends meet at Mississippi State University - any tips on managing student loans?

[USMMississippiStuden]

tbf hey y'all, so i'm an international student majoring in business administration here at mississippi state university. Let's just say, juggling Accounting Principles, Finance Fundamentals, and Marketing Basics courses while dealing with language barriers, cultural shock, and visa stress ain't a walk in the park.

Now throw in the cherry on top - managing student loans! I'm trying to make ends meet here but it's like chasing a unicorn. I've been budgeting like crazy, hunting for part-time gigs, and even considering selling my soul (just kidding...maybe).

But seriously, any tips on how to handle these loans without drowning in debt? Share your wisdom, fellow students! How do you manage your finances and stay afloat in this sea of student loans? Let's navigate this together!

 

[DeboraMiles]

First off, welcome to Starkville! It's a great town once you find your people.

For loans: are these federal or private? If they're federal, look into income-driven repayment plans NOW, even while you're in school. You can usually calculate what your payments might look like after graduation and plan accordingly. If they're private... oof. Refinancing might be an option, but be careful about losing federal protections.

Also—and I cannot stress this enough—APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS. Even small ones. Even ones that seem random. There are scholarships for left-handed students, for business majors from specific regions, for international students interested in entrepreneurship. The $500 ones add up. The MSU financial aid office can help you find them.

And the on-campus job thing is real. The Union, the library, the rec center—all hire students and work around your class schedule.

Hang in there! Business school is tough but worth it. Hail State!