Congratulations on taking the next step in continuing your education and applying for college! As a young adult, heading to college is an exciting time because you get to experience freedom, responsibility, and new encounters that will shape your future.
To help make your college journey as smooth as possible, we’ve put together a few helpful tips for you.
One of the first steps to becoming a thriving college student is planning. While it may not sound glamorous or fun, we promise it’ll be valuable when it comes to balancing your coursework, a part-time job, plus a social life. Being a college student brings new experiences and learning opportunities. That’s why it’s important to know how to prioritize, plan, and set goals so you can live your best life while you’re there.
Many financial institutions offer checking accounts designed specifically for young adults. If you don’t already have a checking account, now is the perfect time to open one! Becoming a member at Peach State FCU is fast and easy. Our helpful branch team can get you set up with our eXtreme Checking Account and a Visa Debit Card in no time.
If you’re thinking to yourself “Why do I need a checking account?” – here’s why. A checking account connects your money to your Visa Debit Card so you can pay for the things you need and want.
After your checking account is opened and you’ve received your Peach State Visa Debit Card, we recommend signing up for our online and mobile banking and taking advantage of our other great resources and tools like BALANCE Financial Fitness, our financial resource partner. We also offer mobile check deposit, mobile wallet, and eStatements to make accessing your money easy no matter how far away from home you are.
If you’re planning on picking up a part-time job to earn some extra cash, be sure to sign up for direct deposit so your paycheck is quickly and automatically deposited into your checking account.
So you’ve gotten your checking account and debit card but what about a savings account to tuck money away for things like your first car or a trip during spring break? The reality is, you just never know when you’re going to need extra cash. A savings account will help you set money aside in case an emergency comes up.
If you’re over the age of 18, consider applying for our Student Platinum with Rewards Visa Credit Card.1 It’s designed to help young adults like yourself build credit while earning rewards that can be redeemed for name-brand merchandise, electronics, sports, travel, gift cards, and more!
Financial aid is a federal government program that awards financial assistance to students in need in the form of grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Here are some helpful steps for you and your parents when completing a FAFSA form.
For a full list of federal deadlines, visit studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/fafsa-deadlines. For more information about completing the FAFSA form, visit studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out.
A scholarship is financial support that is awarded to students based on academic achievement or other criteria such as a financial need for the purpose of continuing education. You can learn about scholarships by contacting the financial aid office at the school you’re attending, checking your local public library, and researching online. As you’re searching for scholarships, be careful of potential scams by making sure the information and offers you receive are legitimate. Remember, you don't have to pay to find scholarships or other financial aid. Check out more information on how to avoid scams.
Each year in December, Peach State offers a Scholarship Program for graduating seniors in high school and adults seeing career advancement. During that time, we’ll provide details about all available scholarships, eligibility requirements, and instructions for applying. Please visit our Scholarship Program page for more information.
When applying for student loans it’s important to note that there are different lending alternatives available. Before you make a decision, it’s best to do a comparison of federal and private loans so you can determine which option is best for you.
The key to a successful college experience is knowing what to expect and how to prepare for it. It’s also important to remember that your experience may look different from your classmates because everyone’s goals are different.
Take advantage of all that college has to offer from participating in clubs, and exploring the incredible opportunities for academic achievement to enjoying events, meeting new people, and making new friends. Your college experience will be filled with new adventures and everlasting memories. This is one of the most exciting times of your life, so make the best of it!
To learn more financial tips that will help you thrive in college, check out our “Top Financial Tips for New College Students” blog.
1 The minimum age for a Peach State Visa Credit Card is 18 and a guarantor may be necessary if your annual income is not sufficient for repayment.