Yeah, yeah, your bags, boxes and laundry baskets are packed. You've got all the goods for college 
: a couch, TV, dorm fridge, new towels, laptop. What else could you possibly need?
There are a few more things to bring to college with you, but don't worry, they won't take up any more room in your parents' already loaded-down minivan! This is a more non-traditional packing list, but vital stuff to have with you as you embark on your new adventure:
- An open mind. You're going to meet all kinds of people and study all kinds of subjects in college. Be ready and willing to listen to new people and new ideas.
- Consideration for others. This is especially important if you've never had to share your room, your clothes or your car. Remember that your roommate may not appreciate your taste in music or housekeeping habits. Try to respect that and come to an agreement.
- Curiosity. A healthy curiosity about life will take you far in college. Pay attention, ask questions and get involved. You'll be amazed at what you learn when you actively look for the opportunity.
- The ability to speak up. You'll have to be your own advocate in college, so if you're not used to speaking up, now's the time to start practicing. If your roommate didn't remember to bring #2 on this list, you'll probably have to say something. If your professor grades on class participation, you'll have to be ready to jump in the discussion. If you're struggling with a class, or need some academic advice, your advisor isn't going to come looking for you — you'll have to speak up.
- A sense of responsibility. Going to class, managing your money, doing your laundry — it's up to you now. As you head off to school, know that it's your job to tackle it.
For those of you already in college, anything else the freshmen need to pack?
how long does it take to get approved for a student loan?
I am a father of a second year student at the u of Minnesota. We have paid for the first year and are looking at financing part of this year and most of the next 2 of a 4 year degree? Can you help me with the major difference between goverment backed student loans and Bank student loans. We did not qualify for any aid because I own a small bussiness. I have excelent credit,but the bussiness has not been great. I have heard horror stories of difficulties with student loan fees and excessive interest rates kicking in.
Wayne
@Anonymous: If we receive all documents we can approve your loan within 24 hours. If you're an undergraduate student, the application process will go more quickly and smoothly if you have a cosigner ready to apply with you. Depending on the product type, the funds could disburse that day. Certain loan products need to be certified by the school, and fund disbursement then depends on when we receive their certification.
Hi Wayne – thanks for your question. There are several differences between federal student loans and private (“bank”) student loans. We always encourage borrowers to pursue federal student loans first, because they are lower-cost than private student loans.
The Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan is not based on income, so if your student is attending at least half-time and meets the citizenship requirements, he or she should qualify for this loan. If the Stafford Loan is not enough to cover your student’s expenses, parents have the option to take out a Federal PLUS Loan to help them cover costs. The Federal PLUS Loan is also not based on your income.
With the Federal PLUS Loan, parents can borrow up to the entire cost of the student’s education, minus other aid.
Federal student loans, like the Stafford Loan and the Federal PLUS Loan have a fixed interest rate and don’t require a cosigner. On a standard repayment plan, 10 years is the maximum repayment timeframe for Federal Stafford Loans.
Federal student loans offer students the ability to defer or forbear (temporarily postpone) payments under certain circumstances, such as economic hardship, returning to school, etc.
To get started securing federal financial aid, first fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). You will then receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that will let you know how much you qualify for in loans and other aid (if any). The University of Minnesota uses the Direct Loan Program, so you’ll need to work with U of M financial aid office to complete a federal loan application, once you receive your SAR.
If you have exhausted your options for federal funding and still need funds, we then suggest you look into private student loans. Wells Fargo private student loans have variable interest rates and we typically require a cosigner for undergraduate students.
To learn more about our private student loans, please visit https://www.wellsfargo.com/student/undergrad/ or call 1-800-658-3567 to talk with a student loan representative. The financial aid office at the University of Minnesota should also be able to help.
If I have applied for a private loan and have 2 cosigners, but was denied; what was the reasoning? Can I lower the amount needed to get the loan? I have ran into afew unexpected costs with Nursing school this semester.
Thank you
@Robster – thanks for your question. If you can email us some further details through our ‘Ask the expert’ function, we can look into the situation.
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