Personal Expense Loans?

Hello. I am transferring to a 4 year university this fall (from a community college) and have some questions regarding aid. I am an independent student (I don’t have my parents in my life and have the proper documentation for that already) so I am in this alone. I do not have a lot of money saved because I have been supporting myself and my money has been going to bills. My question is: are there loans that are available for personal expenses? I need to have some money to spend for food and living expenses or I am afraid I won’t be able to attend the university. If it matters it is a private college and I am attending as an out of state student. I am 19 years old and have pretty decent credit. Anybody have any advice, tips, suggestions… thank you in advance!

Student loans are part of the total financial aid package, which are normally granted for the entire cost of attendance. The school has a bill for its expenses - tuition, fees, room and board if you are living on campus, insurance. The school will then apply your grants and scholarships to the bill, and then loans, and refund to you what is left.

So you need to know what is covered by scholarships and grants to know if you will get money through the school for your personal needs.

How much money do you need? Do you have any options that are less costly than a private college?

Did you get a LOT of financial aid from this school?

I know about the refund part but I’m hoping for the best but preparing for the work so to speak… I want to know if there are loans out there for personal expenses if I don’t get what I want. It’s my dream school so I’m not sacrificing it until I know for sure I financially can’t go. Private universities can be really competitive with funding compared to state schools (as an out of state). But really I want to know of personal expense loans for students if there are any

There might be private loans, but you’d have to apply and meet their requirements (co-signers, income). Student loans from the school or government are going to go through the school FA office.