Figuring out Finances

When it comes to college, every family faces unique circumstances, but one thing that’s universal is finances - how to pay for school, housing, food, books, and everything else necessary to succeed at college. Summer is a good time to talk to your student about what they can do to become financially literate and independent. Money management is an important topic that prepares them for a variety of real world challenges.

Financial Aid Director Peggy Metzger offers this advice for families teaching students about finances:

• Help them understand the importance of meeting deadlines for payments – classes and housing can be cancelled if payments aren’t made on time. Tell them if they can’t meet it, ask for help, to talk to someone about their challenges.
• Learn how fees are paid – through financial aid or other means – and the differences with out of pocket expenses. Do you have enough aid to cover tuition and housing? If not, develop a plan for covering the rest. Use this budgeting tool to help.
• Have your student shadow you while you pay bills - show them how you manage your budget.
• If your student will have any leftover money after food, housing, tuition, and school expenses, help them create a budget by looking at what they spend daily, weekly, and monthly. Teach them about credit and debt.
• Learn about other resources for students who have limited money. Students have access to a food pantry, can search for on- and off-campus jobs through the Career Center and find affordable off-campus housing. Look for opportunities.
• Very important: Encourage your students to ask for help when they have questions. HSU faculty and staff are here to help them succeed.

Summer Student Send-offs

Forever Humboldt is hosting student send-offs for incoming freshmen this summer. If you’re the family of a new student, it’s a great opportunity to meet other students and parents from your area who are joining the Humboldt State community. Alumni and families of current students are welcome to visit with new students and share advice and stories.

HSU is hosting four send-offs in different parts of California:

• Sacramento area: Saturday, July 29, William Land Park
• Bay Area: Sunday, July 30, Wayside Picnic Area, Redwood Regional Park, Oakland
• Los Angeles area: Saturday, August 5, Modjeska Park Picnic Shelter, Anaheim
• San Diego area: Sunday, August 6, De Anza Cove Park

For more information and to register, visit forever.humboldt.edu.

Join the Conversation

» Social Network: hsufamilynetwork.org
» Website: humboldt.edu/family
» Email: family@humboldt.edu

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Care Packages

Sending your student off to college can take some getting used to. You want to be there for them every step of the way from the first moments on campus to graduation day. For the moments in between, Forever Humboldt offers special care packages. Help your student celebrate special occasions or pump up their spirits by sending them one through our special program. Visit the Care Package Program website to view all available options.