In college, having a roommate can be a tough one.  Its not fun living with someone that’s not going to follow the rules.  Yes, there are pros, as well as cons with having a roommate, but if you’re going to have one, its essential that you work something up before you start living together.

No matter what you do in college, you’re going to find that you’re going to have to live with someone else in the dorms.  There is just no such thing as living by yourself.  Even if you have your own apartment, you’re more than likely going to need a roommate to bring down the costs.

When you’re looking to get a roommate agreement put together, this form below should be simple enough to make the process easier.

---

This agreement is made by the following roommates:

_____________________            _____________________

_____________________            _____________________

The roommates are  tenants in the premises located at _____________________, _____________________.

1.  All roommates agree to the bounds of the terms listed on the terms of the rental agreement.

2.  Leasing term will be from _____________________ to _____________________.

3.  The total monthly rent for this location is _____________________.  Each roommate will pay _____________________ each.  Rent should be received by the _____________________ day of the month.

4.  The security deposit on this location is _____________________.  Each roommate has supplied _____________________ each.

5.  Special house rules are as follows

<your list here>

6.  If one roommate decides to leave early, he/she will need to

[ ]  Find a replacement.

[ ] Will not be responsible anymore.

[ ] Will have to pay the remainder on the lease.

7.  Visitors may not stay longer than _____________________.

8.  As for utilities, each roommate is going to responsible for the following.

_____________________ for gas.

_____________________ for electric.

_____________________ for water.

_____________________ for cable / TV.

_____________________ for ETC expenses.

10.  During the hours of _____________________ and _____________________, roommates are required to be quiet.

11.  Smoking is / isn’t allowed (circle one)

12.  Alcohol is / isn’t allowed on premises (circle one)

This is just an example of an agreement that you can write up or get ideas from.  This isn’t intended to be used as lawful advice.  For more examples, you can view on here, as well as here.

When I went to college, I wanted to get a class ring at the end of my year, but I had found that they cost way too much money.  After paying out thousands in housing, loans, and more, I just couldn’t stand to add even more money on top of my debts.

What many students don’t know is that you can get your class rings from more than provider.  What you’re going to find is that the college is going to partner up with a particular company.  This company is going to help you choose your ring, as well as order it.  This is your #1 mistake, because this may be the most expensive option.

What you’re going to want to do is make sure that you look into other ways into getting one.  Listed below are a handful of ways that you can use when you’re looking to save on your college class ring.

Highly consider Walmart: I’m personally not a fan of Walmart but I know of a few people that had purchased their rings there.  What I had found out is that you can get one that’s identical!  The cool thing about this is that you can pay up to 70% less.  You can’t beat a deal like that one.

Consider a company named Jostens: If you’ve already done research, you’re going to find that a company named Jostens is really reasonable when it comes to ring.  Out of many students surveyed, it honestly seemed as if 90% of them recommended a company like this!

Try your local jewelry store: Head into a few jewelry stores in your area.  It would be best if you can take in a picture of the ring that you want to get. What you can do is ask them if they can provide something like that.  See what they can do it for.  If they can’t do it for a cheaper price, that’s fine.  You can say at least you tried!

Change up your options:  You may not realize it but if you’re talking with a salesperson from the college ring merchant, they may be upgrading you with some crazy options.  Be sure to ask them what kind of options that are there, as well as how you can lower you price.

One thing that you will want to consider is the price.  Just because you’re getting it at a cheap price, it doesn’t mean that you’re going to get quality.  Explore your options and see what you can find at a reasonable price!

We all know that when you’re in college, you’re not going to be able to wine and dine every Friday and Saturday night for $150.  Instead, you’re going to have to think of some great alternatives that really aren’t going to cost you an arm and leg.

What you’re going to find out is that if you’re creative, you can still have fun.  You don’t have to spend a boat load of money in order to have fun with your date.

Listed below are a few ideas that you can potentially use when you’re thinking about going out and not having to spend a lot of money!

• #1 Head to the park: Grab a picnic lunch, grab a blanket and head to your favorite park.  As long as the weather is good, this shouldn’t cost you that much money.  Don’t have a lot of money?   Well, if you wish, you can hit up a local sub joint to grab some chips and subs.
• #2 Head out for a bike ride: You should have a bike on campus because its the best way to go.  Grab your bikes, head around town, and just explore.  Its a great way to chat with one another, as well as explore the area.
• #3 Just rent a movie: The movies are just outrageous today.  Who wants to spend $20 for a movie night?  I know I don’t!  Instead, head back to your apartment, dorm, or whatever it may be.  Grab a movie at your local Redbox and pay no more than $1.
• #4 Visit a local museum: Your local museums, as well as botanical gardens have free days, as well as days where you can get discounts.  Check out the schedule to see what you can take advantage of.  This is a great way to take advantage of the day!
• #5 Go to a local sporting game: No, you don’t have to go to a pro sporting event.  Instead, find the minor league teams.  These are just as fun and you can get tickets for as low as a few dollars each!
• #6 Make a meal together: A lot of people like to cook and if you want to be creative, what you can do is grab a recipe, gather up the ingredients, and cook for the night.  Its a great way to spend the night!
• #7 Lounge at the coffee shop: A place like Starbucks or your local Mom and Pop shop is a great place to lounge around and chat.  Its quiet, as well as a great place to people watch.  Grab a $2 coffee and spend a few hours there.
• #8 Walk around the city: If you live in a fun city such as Chicago or New York, you’re going to have millions of things to do.  Head downtown, hit up a few shops, as well as a bite to eat!

The list could potentially go on and on.  A few other sites that you may want to check out to get more silly ideas are here, as well as here.

Whether you want to study abroad or you want to take advantage of your youth and study somewhere else rather than where you are today, you’re going to soon realize that there are a lot of options out there.

No matter what you want to do, I did some research on a few programs that you may be interested in.  Listed below are a few company names, as well as what they can do for you.

American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS)  – AIFS is one of the largest, oldest, and one of the most respected exchange programs in the world today.  I have heard nothing but good things about this program.  They have offices in more than 50 countries, as well as help out more than 50,000 participants each year!

Two Worlds United - Two Worlds helps those between ages 16 and 28.  You will need to meet certain requirements in order to join their program.  With them, you will basically fill out an application, choose your destination country, and lets hope that you can get accepted into the program!

AFS - AFS is an international based company that’s non-governmental, as well as a non-profit.  They are here to help you gain opportunities, as well as gain knowledge throughout other countries.   Founded in 1914,  they have programs in more than 50 countries!

Cultral Homestay International (CHI) - A non profit group that has been around for more than 25 years.  Their mission is bring people of diverse cultures together.  They believe that the best way to learn through other cultures.

When looking into a program, you’re going to want to look into more than one.  What you’re going to find out is that each one has its own price tag.  Just because you’re going to pay more for one, doesn’t mean that you’re going to get the best quality.

If possible, when you meet with a counselor, ask as many questions as possible.  See if you can meet with others that have used the program in the past.  You’re really going to want to know how this program is going to help you and your future.

A foreign exchange program is something that you will remember forever.  There’s nothing better than going to another country to experience the cultural difference, as well as learn at the same time!

College is very expensive, we all know that.  If you have no help whatsoever when it comes to your college loans, you may want to look into government money when it comes to getting help.

Now, when you’re thinking about getting government assistance, you don’t have to feel like a bum, because thousands, if not millions of students each year rely on some sort of government assistance.  This is a program that I don’t  mind the government using, since we’re basically educating the future of America.

Since I’m a rant, I’ll get off it now.  I wanted to give you 5 tips that you can use today when you’re looking to get government money for your future college courses.

Financial Aid: This is the biggest of them all.  You’re going to have to make sure that you’re applying on time and you will also have to make sure that you’re meeting their minimum requirements.  Most college advisers will be more than helpful when it comes to applying for something such as this.

College Grants: A grant is an excellent source that you can use when you’re looking to get funding directly from the government.  Grants are ideal for those that are looking for a form of payment that you don’t have to repay.  You’re going to need to meet certain requirements for this one as well too.

State assistance: Every state is different when it comes to assisting those in college.  Financial aid is on a federal level, while state aid is going to be on your state level.  Check your state’s government home page to get more information on how you can get help with your education.

The biggest option as far as I can tell is through financial aid.  I don’t hear that many other students that are able to get grants, as well as that much assistance through their state.  While I’m not trying to discourage you from it, you’re going to find that its going to be a lot easier to apply for financial aid, rather than the other two.  To be safe, I would apply for all 3, but be prepared to get denied for a few.

Who most likely gets approved for government money?

Generally those that meet certain income requirements, as well as are attending an accredited college that the government approves.  What you’re going to find out is that if your parents aren’t going to support you during college, you will more than likely be approved for some sort of assistance.

Try out a few of the ways up above and let me know how it works out.  Don’t be ashamed and definitely don’t feel as if you’re not entitled to it!