<p>I didn’t read through all the responses, but the work-study income does NOT count towards the income that Harvard will expect you to contribute for next year. So taking the work-study job, even if you don’t need the money this year, could help you next year.</p>
<p>You’re sure to have some living expenses come up that you don’t anticipate now, especially if you become friends with much more affluent kids who go out a lot. (Watch out for those expenses!) Or if you need to pay to travel home. I was a work-study student at an Ivy League school and made most of my closest friends through my jobs, since they were in the same boat I was in (socioeconomically…). Good luck!</p>