<p>In my financial aid package for Bucknell, I see a work study listed. I have a vague idea that this is like working in the school and stuff. Do freshmen usually take up a job in school or concentrate on their school work? I've been hearing that freshmen shouldn't work at all.</p>
<p>@ silentsteps</p>
<p>If you have been awarded work-study, it means the federal government is paying a portion of your overall tuition. Federal work study involves you working with an approved employer (usually on campus) and earning your own money. You cannot make more than your allotted amount. You almost never work more than 15-20 hours a week. The work is very flexible because employers know you are a student.</p>
<p>It varies and probably dependes on the freshman. Some freshmen chooses not to work first semester so they can adjust to college. Others do work. My daughter started off with an outside job that turned out to be very difficult hours wise with her school schedule - quit that and got a work study job. It was a lot easier as it was on campus which saved time not having to drive there and back (plus try and find parking when she got back). And she had a WS boss who was very flexible with her schedule. Sometimes having a job can actually be beneficial as it puts some structure into days that are very unstructured compared to HS. In out daughter's case I think she manages her time and procastinates less when she has the job.</p>
<p>You have to find and apply for a WS job. The govt pays a large % of the salary which the employer likes budget wise. You will be paid a salary. (We regard it as her spending money as most school expenses have been paid long before she got her first pay check). Not everyone finds they are able to earn their full WS award. We chose to have part of the award converted into a Stafford loan as we did not think she could earn the full award. She has not actually managed to earn the full remainder of the award.</p>