<p>I am not as bad as others because I have a scholarship but I am still really freakying out cuz I also have to pay for my orthodontists stuff, insurance, I mean everthing and I still dont have a job but trust me I have been on about 15 interviews and I paid way more money then I budgeted for to fly home and I am just freaking out about how to pay for everything.</p>
<p>And so it would be nice to know that everyone doesnt have rich parents that saved for them since birth and actually have to use their own savings and work.</p>
<p>Most students bear great expense and loans. You are not alone. I am sure if you are at a selective private school you may feel alone but you aren't. Are you looking for a work study job? Off campus job? I would ask about a campus work study........inquire and see how you can qualify. More flexible and frequently pay well.</p>
<p>or they did save up for college but, say they didnt get you a car when you got your license or we never "ate out" or i have to pay for cell phone and bill as well as clothing and extra food....</p>
<p>no offense, but i think you should have to pay for your car when you get your license as well as your cell phone and whatnot.. that is NOT your parents responsibility.</p>
<p>WOOF.......it seems to me that this discussion is not about responsibility but the reality of students who are less financially gifted by their parents....the struggle and worry of earnings while attending college. It can be stressful to live amongst and attend class w/ kids whose families are able to me most generous. What and whose responsibility is not what this discussion is about.</p>
<p>fendergirl: maybe it is normal for me to pay my phone/bill, but where i live its not. last week our econ teacher asked the class if anyone payed for their phone bill....i was the only one that raised my hand.</p>
<p>So.....welcome to an "elite school". I hope you survived raising your hand.....how did that feel? Many folks don't count on this type of "adjustment" when getting so excited about their acceptance into the college. One conversation at a lunch table w/ friends involved one guy disparaging financial aid....which of course he didn't need, however another friend, from far across the country, work study and all of it, nice kid......was stunned. Such lack of empathy/respect for a friend and fellow student. I might have been less offended had my friend making the remark made his tuition money himself.....but his folks are paying and there in lies the rub. He is a legacy taking up space, demonstrating poor social skills......and I have known him for 12 years. I didn't believe my ears.</p>
<p>Me and my brother both paid for college ourselves. He lived at home while doing so, so every dollar he made paid for his tuition. I lived in my own place so I had to take out loans after my guard money ran out, so I am in debt unlike him. Hooray for more debt!</p>
<p>Well, I have to pay electric/gas bill and the internet bill , netflix bill, cell phone bill. My dad wants me to pay for the insurance of my car but its too expensive for me to do on top of all of this. Im trying to save money but it seems like I'm taking care of the family moreso than my education. Is that normal?</p>
<p>NO.....it is not the norm. Is there a reason for this? Underemployment, paying tuition for you? Your situation sounds hard.....how many hours a week do you work?</p>
<p>My parents did save for my college with growth funds started when I was born. However, September 11th killed all of my funds. Luckily I still had enough to get me through just about 3 years of undergrad. I'm in debt from my senior year, but way less than most students coming out. But I also worked my butt off for all of my incidentals, including my car insurance, rent, food, clothes, bills that come with an apartment (which grow as years go on), etc. My parents never gave me any sort of an allowance (I still know grad students getting lots of money from their parents) and to tell you the truth don't remember to get me a birthday present until like ummm....3-4 mths late.</p>
<p>I know it may sound like whining, I'm freaking glad my parents had some money set aside for me and I plan to do the same for my children someday, but I do have a strong work ethic because I did work my way through college paying all of my bills and incurred no credit card debt (until after graduation...). </p>
<p>To address how many hours of work it took to get my bills paid...it took on average 20 hours a week as a waitress. I sometimes had a second job either tutoring or a Sat. morning job at a local coffee/bagel shop. Waitressing is really a great way to work through school, you gain great people skills and make as much or as little as you want/need to (tips are great!).</p>
<p>As for the cell phone situation...my parents still pay for that but we are on the Verizon Family Share Plan (only 10 bucks a month form my service). I am actually breaking off onto my own plan this weekend, finally (which I am paying for btw)....but my parents know that I wouldn't call them if I didn't have free long distance... </p>
<p>Working gives anyone whether you need the money or not a lot of responsibility in high school and in college.</p>
<p>I pay about 200 dollars in bills every month</p>
<p>My parents borrows about 100 every month.</p>
<p>I just can't do this and save enough. I still want to get a laptop but no money. I try to keep a budget but end up failing to adhere to it.</p>
<p>My dad also told me he will not pay for my college tuition if i don't become a doctor, so most likely I will be on my on. Science is not my intended subject</p>
<p>Well i have to pay for college. I see nothing wrong with it. It is an obstacle that i think is good. You learn to budget and be a penny pincher which will help later on when you are ready to retire and have a hefty retirment fund and everyone is still working to save nothing even close to what you have.</p>
<p>Well, I guess I'm spoiled. I got a $26,000 scholarship and my dad says he'll pay for everything even if I lose the scholarship due to going below a certain GPA.</p>