FINANCES 101 FINANCES 101Guide Guide
Thrive Guide Finance Booklet
GEORGETOWN AID 101 GEORGETOWN AID 101
FINANCIAL AID
Advocate for yourself – when in doubt, don’t hesitate to directly contact yourfinancialaidteam!Findyourteam'scontactinformationhere. Doyourbesttobookappointments early –theyfillupfast!
Spend time familiarizing yourself with the “Financial Aid” and “Student AccountServices” tabsonGUExperience!
You may be eligible for two additional scholarships: the Student Health Insurance Scholarship and a one-time laptop scholarship! Check with your finaidteamformoreinformation.
Checkthiscalendar forrefundandwithdrawaldeadlines.
Don't be afraid of loans, especially subsidized loans! These can help you avoidtakingoncreditcarddebtorhavingtoworktoomanyhours.
FYI:youare not required toacceptyourloanoffer’sfullamount!
CAMPUS RESOURCES
Don’t forget about GSP Necessity Grants, especially the first-year specific grants(wintercoatgrantandtravelgrant)!
While GSP grants cannot cover anything calculated into cost of attendance (e.g. tuition, room and board, textbooks, or travel), we have manyothergrantcategories:eye-care,medical,tutoring,andmore!
MSB students: Check out the McDonough Success Fund! It can cover academicexpenses,globalopportunities,andmore.
SON students: Ask your dean about the Mosher Family Nursing Student ResourceEndowedFund!
Look out for the CMEA’s scholarships and The Corp’s philanthropy scholarshipsduringthesemester!
TheHoyaHubFoodPantryassistsstudentsexperiencingfoodinsecurity.
student banking student banking (and refunds!) (and refunds!)
THE BASICS LEVEL UP!
PROXIMITY
Make sure your bank has a DC branch – Chase, PNC, and Wells Fargo are the closest to campus. Georgetown is a PNC campus: all campus ATMs are for PNC Bank.
AFFORDABILITY
When choosing a bank, consider monthly fees, minimum balance requirements, and overdraft fees/ protection. If opening a new account, always ask about special dealsorbonusesforstudents!
TYPE
We recommend opening both a checking and savings account! For convenience, you can open both at thesamebank.
GUAFSCU
One option is to open an account at GUASFCU, Georgetown's studentrun credit union. They also have a safe Credit Builder Program for students!
CREDITCARDS
Student credit cards often have special benefits (ex: Discover or Capital One)! Credit cards don’t have to be scary, but do your research (start with this Nerdwallet article!)and spend responsibly.
HYSAs will give you a higher annual percentage yield than an average savings account! Learn more in this FirstFedarticle
Smart Smart
BUDGETING & SPENDING BUDGETING & SPENDING
GROCERIES
Safeway and Trader Joe’s are close to campus! For international grocery options, visit H-Mart in Falls Church or Panam International in Columbia Heights (keep in mind these are fartherawaythough)!
NEARBYSTORES
CVS is a short walk away from campus, and Target is across the bridge in Rosslyn. Although M St shopping can be expensive, there is a TJ Maxx nearby that is more affordable!
Alternatively: Use budgeting apps such as Albert or Rocket Money. The important thing is to find a method that you'll be consistent with!
Use secondhand sites like Facebook Marketplace, Depop, or Thriftbooks tobuyusedandsavemoney!
Take full advantage of student discounts – create a UNiDAYS and StudentBeansaccountforcodes!
finding A JOB finding A JOB
Disclaimer: we strongly encourage first-years to settle into college life before looking for a job! With that being said, we fully understand that some students may need to work throughout college – here is what you need to know!
EMPLOYMENT PROCESS AT GEORGETOWN
Some jobs are only for students with a Federal Work-Study (FWS) award –check your aid package! You are not required to work or use this award, but ifyouchooseto,youwillhaveaccesstoFWSroles!
Paychecks for your FWS role will be directly deposited to your bank account(your pay doesn't automatically go toward tuition).
FWS roles are often more convenient – located on campus, more flexiblescheduling,andmayallowyoutodohomeworkwhenit’s slow! Foron-campusjobs:visitthe GMSwebsite andclickthe“StudentJobs”tab. For off-campus jobs: visit the SEO website, click “Georgetown Students,” andnavigateto“Off-CampusStudentPositions:SearchHoyaWorks”! Be sure to pack important documents for required I-9 verification.*
ON-CAMPUS RESOURCES
TheCawleyCareerCenter isan amazing resourceforstudentsthatoffers: Handshake appointments (and drop-in hours) for industry advice, practiceinterviews,andmore.Navigateto“MyMeetings”forthese! Industry-specificguides forfindinginternships. Sampleresumes,coverletters,andwritingsamples! Tailoredemailnewsletters withcareeropportunitiesforeveryone! Consider applying to student-run businesses on campus (such as GUASFCU andTheCorp)tomakemoneywhilestillexperiencingaclubenvironment!
* Some offices offer opportunities for students who cannot complete an I-9 due to status. Visit the USS website or email undocuhoyas@georgetown.edu for more info!
