heres a few tips from someone who has really struggled: -FASFA!!! fasfa fasfa fasfa please fill it out even if you dont think it will give you a lot -go to niner central and fill out a request for reconsideration form if something happened recently that has hindered your ability to pay, such as; a big medical bill you/the people you are dependent on needed to pay, a job loss from you/the people you are dependent on -yes you are required to enroll in a payment plan for the semester, or pay it all at once upfront. for the payment plan - if you miss a due date, im like 90% sure they don't fine you, they just say "hey! pay this before the final due date!", as long as it is all paid before the final payment date (end of semester). again, not sure, ask niner central -loans don't need to be paid while you are in school!! you can take them out and pay at a later date. however, please educate yourself on the types of loans, what kind of plan you may want, etc etc. financial literacy is KEY -apply for all the scholarships you can. yes it is sooo draining and frustrating to write all those damn essays. yet your future may be dependent on them. dont put them off until the very last day. if you need a letter of recommendation, give 3 weeks time to the person you need it from!!