Podcast Summary
Navigating College as a First-Gen Student with Financial Constraints: First-gen students with financial constraints can find practical tips and solutions in crowdsourced guides like 'Being Not Rich at U of M', allowing them to focus on their education instead of their financial stresses.
Feeling out of place due to socioeconomic differences can be a challenge for first-generation college students. Lauren Shandebel, a first-gen student at the University of Michigan, was struck by the wealth of her peers and the lack of resources for those with financial constraints. Frustrated by a campus affordability guide that didn't address their needs, she started a crowdsourced guide called "Being Not Rich at U of M." This guide, now over 100 pages long, provides practical tips and solutions for navigating college life when you're paying your own way. The guide's introduction acknowledges the disadvantage of having a lower socioeconomic status and offers resources for dealing with the unique challenges that come with it. This episode of Life Kit will provide listeners with similar guidance, helping them focus on their education instead of their financial stresses.
Exploring Free Resources for College Students: College students can reduce financial stress by utilizing their school's free resources, including housing, food, and academic support.
College students often face financial challenges beyond just paying for tuition, and they can benefit greatly from utilizing their school's free resources. According to a report by NPR, more than half of today's college students are paying for their education entirely on their own. While going to college is a path to a better life and career, the financial pressures can be overwhelming. Students often face social pressures and the cost of additional expenses like textbooks, housing, and food. Abhiha Shimshaw, a sophomore at Ohio State University, shared her experience of moving across the country to attend her dream school, only to find the financial burden overwhelming. She encourages students to navigate their school websites thoroughly to take advantage of the free resources and perks available to them. These resources can help alleviate some of the financial stress and make the college experience more enjoyable.
Discovering Free Resources and Earning Income on Campus: Students can save money and gain experience by utilizing campus resources and jobs. Create a budget to manage income and expenses.
College students can save money and even earn income through various resources and jobs on campus. Lauren Shandavell discovered numerous free resources at Ohio State University, but acknowledged that financial insecurity is not inevitable. Students can also choose jobs that complement their degree or provide valuable experience. Campus jobs have become more diverse and flexible, offering opportunities for research and collaboration with professors. However, it's essential to manage income and expenses by creating a budget. For instance, Luis emphasized the importance of knowing how much money is available, while Eric shared his experience of tracking income and expenses. By utilizing campus resources and working wisely, students can make the most of their college experience financially.
Effective College Expense Management: Budget, utilize resources, make informed decisions, and consider small federal loans for managing college expenses. Use mobile apps, thrift stores, and healthy eating to save money.
Managing your college expenses effectively involves a combination of smart budgeting, utilizing available resources, and making informed decisions. Eric and Luis, two students from the University of Texas, Austin, shared their strategies for saving money, including using mobile apps to track spending and taking advantage of free food on campus. However, they also cautioned against relying too heavily on unhealthy, cheap options. Carl, a student from Michigan, emphasized the importance of thriftiness, sharing his experience of finding great quality clothes at low prices through thrift stores and altering them to fit. For situations where being thrifty isn't enough, they suggested considering small federal loans as a way to help cover costs and ultimately earn a degree that can lead to a well-paying job. In summary, implementing a budget, utilizing available resources, making informed decisions, and considering small federal loans when necessary can help students effectively manage their college expenses and set themselves up for financial success in the future.
Small federal loans can benefit students: Small federal loans can help students cover living expenses, attempt more courses, earn more credits, and have higher GPAs, but it's crucial to graduate to minimize loan default risk. Students should ask for help from financial aid offices or other resources when needed.
While the burden of student debt in America is significant, a small federal loan can be beneficial for students if it helps them graduate. According to a study by economists Leslie Turner and Benjamin Marks, students who took out such loans to cover living expenses were able to attempt more courses, earn more credits, and had higher grade point averages. The loan may have also freed up time for students to focus on their studies. However, it's crucial to graduate to minimize the risk of loan default. Students should not hesitate to ask for help from financial aid offices or other resources when needed. A simple request for assistance can lead to additional grant money or other forms of financial aid. Despite the stigma surrounding those in need, it's important to remember that many students struggle financially and seeking help is a necessary step towards achieving academic success.
Communicating with professors and staff about financial and academic needs: Emailing professors about financial concerns can lead to accommodations and boost confidence. Don't hesitate to approach the financial aid office for additional resources. Prioritize self-care and find community through resources like the Not Rich Guide. Remember, personal growth and connections don't only happen in college.
Having the courage to communicate with professors and staff about financial and academic needs can lead to accommodations and opportunities. Abby's experience of emailing her professor about an expensive assignment resulted in a digital alternative, boosting her confidence. This newfound fearlessness should also be applied when approaching the financial aid office for additional grants, scholarships, or emergency funds. However, it's important to remember that navigating college financially can be stressful and isolating, as Abhija from OSU experienced. To combat this sense of alienation, prioritizing self-care and finding community through resources like the Not Rich Guide can help students feel supported and understood. Carl Berkemeier, a second lieutenant in the US Army, emphasizes the importance of remembering that college is not the only place where personal growth and connections occur.
Focusing on self-identity and well-being in college: College students should prioritize self-care, utilize resources, and seek help to navigate challenges and ensure productivity and happiness.
College students should focus on their self-identity and well-being while navigating the challenges of college life. This includes utilizing college resources, finding relevant jobs, creating a budget, seeking financial aid, and asking for help when needed. Additionally, taking care of oneself, both physically and mentally, is crucial for productivity and overall happiness. Lewis and Eric, graduates from UT Austin, are embarking on a road trip to Michigan and Canada to reconnect as friends. Lauren Chandavell, temporarily living with her parents in Warren, Michigan, is working part-time at Wayne State University and planning self-care days. Abiha Shimsha, a senior, looks forward to graduating and improving her credit score. Remember, college is a time for growth and discovery, so take care of yourself and don't hesitate to seek assistance when needed. For more college-related tips, check out NPR's Life Kit guides on loans and loan repayment. Don't forget to subscribe to NPR's newsletter for more helpful guides. And here's a random tip: Try learning a new skill or hobby during your free time. It's a great way to reduce stress and expand your horizons.
Keep shower curtain clean in humid climates: Clip one corner to an organizer near the shower spout to dry between uses and prevent mildew and stains
Maintaining a clean shower curtain in humid climates can be easily achieved by clipping one corner to an organizer near the shower spout, allowing it to dry between uses and preventing mildew and stains. This simple tip, shared by listener Stacy Prada, can keep your shower curtain clean for months. Additionally, for those interested in exploring the funnier side of life's questions, tune in to NPR's Ask Me Another, featuring comedian Jim Gaffigan and a blend of comedy and celebrity interviews. For those seeking clarity in retirement planning, Jackson offers easy-to-understand resources and user-friendly digital tools. And for those who enjoy listening to important people discuss unimportant things, check out NPR's Wait Wait Don't Tell Me, featuring US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and other notable guests.
