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Students First Plan:
Financial Tips & Useful Web Links for Students
The total cost of education can be high, but it's well worth the investment! Avoid sticker shock by planning ahead and creating a budget. Visit http://alberta-learning.ab.ca/tips/archive.asp?EK=202 for assistance with budgeting.
- Check into the cost of tuition and materials. Many schools provide payment plans, which may include paying for each semester individually. Tuition might not be part of your monthly budget, but you should include it in your yearly total.
- Making the first move? If you are relocating to complete your studies, start early when looking for your new home. Make contact with apartment buildings and advertised landlords to find out about average rental rates and utility costs in the community where you will study. Most colleges and universities have student bulletin boards that advertise shared accommodation. Consider a suite in a private home, where you might even get meals included in the rent.
- Find free money! Research sources of scholarships, grants and bursaries to assist with the cost of your studies. There are many available, but you need to be well prepared, and apply early for best chance of success!
- Borrow wisely. Both federal and provincial governments offer assistance based on financial need. These are well worth looking into, as the interest rates and repayment terms are attractive for students.
- When the combination of scholarships and government financing doesn't cover all the costs of going to school, student lines of credit provide access to additional funds. Reduce your total costs of borrowing by using an ATB Financial Students First Line of Credit only when you need it, and make deposits whenever possible.
- For peace of mind in the event of unplanned expenses, a credit card can come in handy. ATB Financial's Students First MasterCard carries a low interest rate and makes an excellent emergency fund when managed properly.
Useful Links*
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Scholarships
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Housing: |
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Telephones: |
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General
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*While visiting
the ATB.com website, you may leave the website and access certain
non-ATB.com sites. Any links to other sites and content found at
linked sites is provided "as is" and is without any express
or implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability or
fitness for a particular purpose. Every effort is made to provide
accurate and useful information; however, ATB does not warrant or
make any representations regarding the usefulness of or the expected
results of the material contained on any linked sites. ATB neither
reviews nor controls the content and accuracy of these linked sites,
and will not be responsible for their content and accuracy. Your
access to non-ATB sites is at your sole risk and discretion. For more information on ATB Financial's Students First products, visit
any branch of ATB Financial, or call us today at 1-800-332-8383 (toll
free). For
the address
of the ATB Financial
location
nearest
you, please browse this site using the Branch
Locator. |
