So I’m 19 - I took a gap year to help my parents with bills and to take a small break from school. This year I decided I was ready to head to college as a freshman. But I never really knew how early you had to start. My parents never went to college and they didn’t help me do anything as far as applying so I was pretty much in the dark and on my own. I took care of my FAFSA early on in the year so I wouldn’t have complications later down the road (and I didn’t). But I waited until May to start submitting everything, starting with my transcript. Mostly because I worked two jobs and I didn’t think I’d have any real issues when the time came to finish everything. But the college I applied to, UTSA, lost my transcript and never found it after a month of me trying to talk to them about it, and I was only just admitted about 5 days ago. Now I’m stressing because I have to move to San Antonio from where I currently live (El Paso), I have to make sure my financial aid is accepted and taken care of, and all the other stuff that comes with applying (orientation, shot records, etc.), and I just found out that I had to secure a spot for housing way back in April or something. The only place I could live is with my sister who has kids of her own and lives 45 minutes away from campus. I’m running out of options and ideas and I just need help.
Did you try UTSA’s website for off-campus housing options? It’s here: https://utsa.uloop.com/housing/
You need to determine first if this is financially feasible for you. Did you receive your financial aid package already? Did you receive a Pell grant? In regards to housing, do all freshman have to live in on campus housing with a meal plan? Can you live off campus with your sister and commute? Do you own a car? It is a lot to take care of immediately so only you can assess if it’s feasible to uproot yourself or maybe stay closer to home.
I did receive a Pell grant, I’m not sure what a FA “package” is. Apparently on-campus housing is “neither required nor guaranteed.” I can’t live with my sister because she has kids of her own, the commute is 45 minutes (and I don’t own a car) and she’s kind of an alcoholic and I don’t want to impose on her. I also can’t stay close to home as I’ve already invested too much time and effort into moving. I quit my job and I’ve said my good-byes. Regardless of how crappy it may be I have to go through with it.
I did not, but I will now. Thank you!
(Reposting because I didn’t tag the person I was replying to like a dingus) I did receive a Pell grant, I’m not sure what a FA “package” is. Apparently on-campus housing is “neither required nor guaranteed.” I can’t live with my sister because she has kids of her own, the commute is 45 minutes (and I don’t own a car) and she’s kind of an alcoholic and I don’t want to impose on her. I also can’t stay close to home as I’ve already invested too much time and effort into moving. I quit my job and I’ve said my good-byes. Regardless of how crappy it may be I have to go through with it. @goingnutsmom
@Schwifty, the financial aid package is just what the college sends to you regarding information about either aid, loans or grants that you qualify for or have obtained. I hope all works out for you.