Ni is "two" in Japanese, if you didn't know.

I'm still planning and saving and scouring job and apartment websites. And glancing around colleges in the Denver area, of course. I still prefer English to most anything else (as I'm an aspiring writer).

But, I don't want to waste a lot of money right when I just get there as I won't establish residency right away...and I'd get hit with extra fees for being an out-of-state student.

I'm not really going to depend on the roommates being available anymore, as their answers grow doubtful and whatnot.

How do the student loans function? I'm hoping to use them, somehow, for both school and living expenses, if that is possible. If I can get them of course--my credit is so new that I cannot even get credit at Best Buy for a laptop.

When I fill out the FAFSA and say "provide info to xxxx school" must I have applied to that school to do that?

Thanks and thanks again.

Karma:

Get yourself to any financial aid office at a local college. They can answer most of your questions. The rules are the pretty much the same across the country. Each school has its own rules, and own endowments, and other things, but you can learn alot quickly.

Avoid anything that is a "trade" or "specialty" school up front. Many just want your signature on the student loans to pay thier tuition.

You can have your SAT/ACT/etc test results and FAFSA #'s sent to any schools you want. Colorado, or elsewhere. The first five or ten are free, or on the report, I believe. No, you don't have to apply. They may send you something after they get it, however.

Don't worry about the in-state or out-of-state rates. Since your income is so low, and I hope your grades are high, the Financial aid folks may help erase any differences.

Also, do not be afraid of starting in a community college. If you do really well, the room/board/tuition may be far less than a semester in a four year school. Plus, many universities have scholarships for people transferring in for the second two years. Plus, you may qualify for in-state rates then.

And yes, you can borrow more than the tuition on your student loans to pay room and board.

There is plenty of info on the web. Just go to the FAFSA site for starters. Then the various schools in CO you may be interested in.

LG

I'm also looking at one of the Art Institute schools, the one in Denver, particularly at the Baking & Pastry section.

So, I have two choices, either way. I can always do B&P and go back later and do something related to English.

However, the FAFSA site says I would have to provide documentation/proof of leaving home due to abusive situation/etc and/or not knowing where parents are.

It also says I'd have to talk to the Financial Aid people of the school I go to.