<p>If you qualify for FA then you use your refund to pay rent and such. If you need more money...you do what I said earlier...fill out a form...show FA your lease and utility bills. If all those costs exceed the double room + board rate...you can get more money to cover the difference. </p>
<p>Often...your off campus expenses will be considerably less than on campus housing...unless you choose to live at 400 College Ave...or 312...or a studio/1 bedroom</p>
<p>who do you show this to? what do you do exactly?
please elaborate</p>
<p>I can't elaborate anymore...I told you what to do.</p>
<p>If you find you need more money...you call the FA office and ask for an appointment with a FA counselor. You show up at the appointment with the budget increase request form (found online in August) filled out, show them all of your bills and they will tell you if you're eligible for and increase and how you get the money. More often than not, you will have to get a loan. </p>
<p>Keep in mind the only eligible expenses for a cost of living increase are: rent, electricity, internet and heat and only for the 9 month period of the academic year.</p>
<p>Let give an example for the 2008-2009 academic year:</p>
<p>Cornell is allotting $6,950 for a double room and $4,690 for the Bear Traditional Meal plan. The total cost of room + board is $11,640.</p>
<p>If, during the 9 month period your rent + utility expenses are more than this...you can ask for a budget increase.</p>
<p>If your living expenses during the 9 months are under $11,640, but you have a 12 month lease and the remaining 3 months cause your expenses to be more than $11, 640...you MAY NOT ask for an increase.</p>
<p>Hey. I understand the whole off-campus procedure as I have previously lived off campus before. But dewdrop, I'm just wondering what kinda money does FA give if you request for budget increase? (expected answer: loans?) </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I think in 99.9% of cases you're only eligible for loans. You may take out additional federal loans if you qualify and have eligibility left. If not, private loans are the alternative.</p>