I NEED help understanding the price of UF!

I received my financial aid package in March and it covered almost everything except some stuff that would be covered by the Florida Machen Opportunity Scholarship. But a week ago or so I received an email telling me I had to pay for rent, which I had initially assumed would be covered under Room in room and board (I also assumed meals would be too but I’m starting to realize I can’t assume much). Basically I just really don’t understand what the $21,210 UF is charging consists of. I have looked up online the various tables they have on everything included in those $21,210 but I’m even more confused because of them since they include things like “personal” and “clothing maintenance” which I don’t understand why money would be taken from my financial aid for such things. Any advise or help would be really appreciated since every time I call I just seem to get a wack answer that leaves me even more confused. Thank you!
Also, I’m very sorry if this sounds as much as a mess as it does to me. I’m basically going through this entire college process on my own and I can’t seem to figure it out very well but hopefully I get the hang of it!

Post your award how it is presented.

@Sybylla

Total Offered $21,210.00
Total Accepted $16,355.00
Grants
Federal Pell Grant

Offered $6,195.00
Accepted $6,195.00
Term Breakdown

Fall 2019

$3,097.50
Spring 2020
$3,097.50
Summer 2020

Federal Supplemental Grant

Offered $200.00
Accepted $200.00
Term Breakdown

Fall 2019

$100.00
Spring 2020
$100.00
Summer 2020

FL Academic Scholars Award

Offered $6,360.00
Accepted $6,360.00
Term Breakdown

Fall 2019

$3,180.00
Spring 2020
$3,180.00
Summer 2020

FL Academic Education Stipend

Offered $600.00
Accepted $600.00
Term Breakdown

Fall 2019

$300.00
Spring 2020
$300.00
Summer 2020

UF Undergraduate Grant

Offered $3,000.00
Accepted $3,000.00
Term Breakdown

Fall 2019

$1,500.00
Spring 2020
$1,500.00
Summer 2020

Total Gift Aid

Offered $16,355.00
Accepted $16,355.00
Term Breakdown

Fall 2019 $8,177.50
Spring 2020 $8,177.50
Summer 2020

Work Study
Federal Work Study

Offered $3,000.00
Accepted
Term Breakdown

Fall 2019

$1,500.00
Spring 2020
$1,500.00
Summer 2020
Total Work Study

Offered $3,000.00
Accepted
Term Breakdown

Fall 2019 $1,500.00
Spring 2020 $1,500.00
Summer 2020
Loan
Federal Direct Sub Loan

Offered $1,855.00
Accepted
Term Breakdown

Fall 2019

$928.00
Spring 2020
$927.00
Summer 2020

Total Loan

Offered $1,855.00
Accepted $0.00
Term Breakdown

Fall 2019 $928.00
Spring 2020 $927.00
Summer 2020

I’m not sure if you meant copy and paste it but that’s what I did up above^

What does the email say? It might just be the way billing looks, it looks to me that you should be covered looking at the numbers. Is it s generic email? it may not be specific to your situation, once the bill is set up it might look clearer? you ARE instate, right?

You have 'accepted $16.3k in gift aid. The difference is the work study and the loans, which you have to go into your portal and actually accept those amount. Then your total will go up.

The school assumes you are going to take all the ‘free’ money - Bright futures, school grants, SEOG, but the stuff you have to sign for (loans) or work for (work study) you have to check the box that you want it.

That’s from the middle of your list.

When you get the bill from UF (probably need to go online for it) the direct billed costs should be covered, and if you take the loan you should get a check from the school (or deposit into your account). Also the book money will be there, $300.

UF is not charging you $21k. That’s the estimate of cost of attendance for the year. Half of tuition, r&b and fees will be billed in the summer, and it will be about $8k for tuition, room and board and fees.

You are fine. That email goes to everyone and some people don’t get that much in aid so they do have to pay.

UF will bill you for tuition and rent, several weeks before the start of the semester. Since you’re receiving financial aid, those cost will be deferred. Once UF receives your FA (a few weeks into the semester) they will pay any incurred cost (like tuition/rent) and then roll any surplus $ into your checking account.

You have to decide between purchasing a meal plan or buying/preparing your own food. Meal plans can be a bit pricey and you can save money buying your own food, but I do think meal plan cost can also be differed.

You need to identify all of your cost and FA (and when it would arrive). Also, keep in mind that FA doesn’t come in until week 3 or 4 of the semester, so you may need $ for that time period. Also, you will get billed for the Spring term rent and tuition around November, but it should again be deferred until you get your FA in mid/late January.