<p>When should incoming freshman students start looking into private student loans? Who is the most common lender (or most trustworthy, beneficial, safe, etc.) for Northeastern University students? How does the whole process work and how should I begin? Should I wait until I get my first bill to figure out how much money I need in private loans? Thanks in advance -- I am really nervous about taking out private loans so any help is greatly appreciated!</p>
<p>Also, in the "Cost of Attendance" for Northeastern, they estimate that Books & Supplies will cost $1000, Transportation $900, and Personal $900. Would you consider this to be an overestimate, an underestimate, or just about right? What would be included in these "personal" costs by the way? Are they just referring to toiletries and laundry...? Or clothing..?</p>