It is a pressure to pay for higher education if you have a dearth of funds. Often scholars are unsure of what to do and where to seek help. The best thing to do is to ask someone in the Financial Aid office. They would explain from where to start and what are the options. Often all the financial aid options that are available have a certain deadline date. Primarily ensure that you stick by the deadline, rather keep some buffer time in hand in case there is scope for correction in the form that you fill. All the different sources for financial aid for students would have their own eligibility criteria. Most of the time is linked to the amount of financial aid and the academic progress. Keep a very strong understanding of the terms and conditions, hidden clauses and technicalities before you actually get into a contract with any of the financial aid institutions
The second alternative for getting financial support is the using credit cards but I am not s staunch supporter of using credit cards as often they come with a cost that we might not be able to afford. Often getting se to using credit cards because of easy access and operations makes one get into a lot of frivolous spending. Sometimes too much use of credit card may take you on the other end of the continuum, from seeking financial aid for academic purpose to extreme debts for reckless spending. The credit card agencies are usually ruthless when it comes to collecting their money. A credit card is a loan that has to be paid back with interest. Remember it each time you swipe it as once you are in unmanageable debts it can have a variety of negative outcomes and have sleep deprivation, bring down your grades immensely and cause a lot of mental stress.
The third option for getting financial support during doctoral research is student savvy consumerism. Become alert and vigilant about coupons, promotions, offers and schemes. Some valid particularly for students also can be very useful. Sometimes discounts are available for students on air fare, bus fare or departmental stores. Using them judiciously can be very useful.
This time is the perfect time to start good financial management. In a perfect world, credit cards would be used only in emergencies and not for impulse purchases. Balancing your expenses and becoming a smart shopper and a savvy consumer are good ways to ensure that in this phase of your higher education your expenses don’t become a cause of concern.
