If you are like many other students in that you do not have enough disposable income for your college days, then it is important to plan ahead.  This means probably getting some kind of gainful employment.  Of course, in an ideal world, this would be in the field in which you are studying.  But, unfortunately, in the real world, this might not be so realistic.  So your next criteria should be at least doing something you enjoy.  Try and find a place of employment that has a good reputation for treating their staff well.  Make sure you have a contract that specifies your terms as well as your pay, sick days, etc.  The more that is written in black and white, the better off you will be. Do not let yourself get taken advantage of; too often students are desperate for money and employers know this.  Stand up for yourself and your rights; you are offering them a service as much as they are helping you out with employment. No one is doing anyone any favors here.

Sometimes, finances can be a real strain on a college student.  The trick is of course to budget well. But what about those less fortunate students who simply don’t have any money with which to budget?  There are loans.  But you have to be careful…very careful.  You want to take out a legal loan with good terms and this requires significant research.  Try to look at the loans that are most popular with students like yourself; check out the reputation of the companies first.  Also make sure you can speak to other students who have used this loan company in the past – word of mouth is probably the best PR.  In addition, have a lawyer friend look over the terms and conditions before you sign anything.  You should definitely research getting the best deal before signing anything.