For more information on tips that will help you to prepare for an emergency wether you live on or off campus, read the following article written by Carly Swain.  Get prepared now!

http://abcnews.go.com/OnCampus/story?id=5790493

What a great feeling it is when you finally graduate. Now comes the promise, hope and excitement of a new career, financial stability and of course, time to start paying off your student loans. On average, most students will owe a large sum of money, for some their student loan debt may be over $150 000, but typically closer to $20,000. This debt is spread out over different lenders, with payments and interest rates.

When consolidating student loans, you are borrowing one larger sum of money that is used to pay off all smaller loans. This will make for one payment that is stretched over a longer time period. The biggest benefit is that it is easier to manage this way. Always keep in mind, however, that this stretches your payments much longer and the interest payments will also add up.

Nowadays, students are free to search for any company with the best interest rates and flexible options.Since this policy has been in place more consolidating information is routinely provided to students through mail outs and other sources of advertising. Keep in mind that sticking with the same loan company for the consolidation may be a good idea, if you are getting a good interest rate and are able to make all the payments.

More and more, the answer to that question is “yes!” University Business pointed out an article this week by the Associated Press on how many universities have started enforcing their codes of conduct off campus.

According to the AP article, “A growing number of universities are starting to take a more proactive approach to monitoring off-campus behavior and neighbors say the efforts are working.”

Specifically mentioned in the article are efforts by the University of Washington, Washington State University, Seattle University the University of Minnesota, Ohio State, the University of Colorado-Boulder, Duke, Rutgers and Penn State.

Crime is something that all College students and Staff members should be aware of because it can happen to anyone. The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) has been working with campus law enforcement all over to ensure they are aware of crime prevention.

Click the link below for more information on what you can do in your Community - http://ncpc.typepad.com/prevention_works_blog/2008/08/staying-safe-on.html

While attending College or University, it is important that you properly insure all of your belongings.  This is probably your first time living away from home and don’t even know to think of this. 

The average student has a computer, ipod, cell phone plus a bike. The most commonly stolen items are personal laptops / computers and other electrical goods. You must think about the cost of replacing a cd player, the cds as well, the computer, clothes and other personal belongings.

For more information, check out -

http://www.investored.ca/en/investoranswers/D/29_propertyinsurance/Pages/4_homeinsurance.aspx

 Good luck!

Rentometer by Rentomatic - Get House and Apartment Rental Comps by Entering an Address: This is kind of a cool toy that lets you compare if the rent you are paying is a good deal or not.

Check it out - http://www.rentometer.com/ca

While in College, you have the option to live on campus or rent a place off campus. There are definite advantages and disadvantages to both, it really depends on what you prefer.

If you prefer to live off campus, consider living with another person - friend or classmate.  This will help you save money in the long run because you are splitting all bills, such as rent, cable and utilities.  There are also other benefits of course, like studying together.  Especially if you are a procrastinator, you can motivate each other to finish assignments and go to class.  You also always have someone around to relax with or to go out with.  

If you have a lot of friends, and you live off campus, then your apartment will probably become the gathering place.  Although this is great socially, you will also want your own down time or study time. So, its important that you and your roommate consider laying down some ground rules.

Setting rules that you will both follow from the beginning will help make sure that you remain friends as well as roommates.

Is your roommate driving you crazy? Then this is the book for you!

Humorous and informative, you’ll recognize yourself and others as you read through the many scenarios of roommate encounters - Susan complied her information by interviewing students, teachers, counselors, and parents. In addition, you’ll find an abundance of practical, usable communication tools, tips,and strategies to prepare you for your own roommate challenges. If you want to ensure having a successful college experience, this is the book to buy.

Check out this link for more information:

http://www.kansan.com/stories/2008/aug/21/reconciling_your_roommate_differences/

There are many resources online if you’re looking for student jobs or career services. Students and recent grads seeking internships, co-op positions, or summer jobs, entry-level, or part-time work will find many helpful tools online. Some sites feature special sections of student content. Other sites are devoted exclusively to the employment and career planning needs of young people. The following sites will get you started. career planning , resume preparation, finding a job, or starting a freelance career.

Saving money while in College or University can be difficult.  Here are a few simple tips that may help.  Buy used textbooks, Sell your textbooks wisely, Don’t splurge on fashionable clothes, Use College discounts, Clip coupons, Eat at home, Consider a roommate, Transfer credit card balances with high interest rates, Avoid partying on every weekend, Ride a bike, Skip paid television. Good luck!