💳 Understanding How Aid is Disbursed

Before budgeting, it’s essential to know how and when you’ll receive your funds:

• Federal Aid (like Pell Grants or Direct Loans) is usually disbursed at the start of each term directly to your school. After covering tuition and fees, any remaining balance (“refund”) is sent to you.
• Scholarships may be disbursed through the university or sent directly to you.
• Private Loans are often paid to your university, then refunded, similar to federal loans.

📆 Monthly Budgeting: Think in Semesters but Spend Monthly

It’s tempting to treat a lump-sum refund as disposable income. Instead, divide it into monthly portions.

🌐 Plan for Delays and Gaps

• Disbursement delays can leave you temporarily without funds. Make sure to have a buffer or backup plan (family support, credit line, savings).
• Some landlords may allow flexible move-in dates to align with refund schedules. Ask in advance.
• Summer housing is often not covered by aid. Plan in advance if you need to sublease or relocate.

🏡 Direct Payment vs. Reimbursement

• Tuition-only aid: Cannot be used for rent unless there’s a refund.
• Flexible scholarships: Can be used for rent, groceries, and other off-campus living expenses.

🚫 Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Spending refund money too fast on non-essentials (tech, fashion, travel).
• Forgetting to reserve money for rent due dates.
• Ignoring lease terms like summer rent or utility caps.
• Not using discounts (Tentunit occasionally offers referral rewards or listing promos).

💸 How Tentunit Helps

• Filter Listings by Price: Stay within your aid budget.
• See Average Utility Costs: Avoid surprises.
• Automatic Rent Splits: Great for roommates on separate budgets.