June 2025

Tuesday Tips

1. Check Your School Email and Portal (Regularly)

One of the biggest keys to success in college is good communication. Most colleges communicate only with the student, sending most information via a school-assigned email and/or a portal account. Be sure to check your email and portal regularly so you can promptly share any needed information in return and stay up to date! 

2. Make a Plan to Attend Orientation

New student orientation is a great way to learn more about your academic program, connect with peers and staff, finalize unfinished business, and learn about important resources. Depending on the school, orientation might be in-person, virtual, or a combination of both. Attendance is highly recommended, if not mandatory, as the experience and information shared lay the foundation for a successful transition to college.

3. Finalize Your Financial Aid and Complete Loan Requirements

Each college can have their own individual steps for what you may need to do to finalize your aid offer. Here are some pieces we want you to keep on your radar:

• Accepting aid: Some (but not all) colleges require you to accept the aid they are offering to you. Typically this is done through an online student portal. 
• Federal Student Loan requirements: If you plan on borrowing a Federal Direct Loan, you must complete Loan Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note before funds can be released to your school. These tasks can be completed online at StudentAid.gov. 
• Housing Deposits: If living on campus, make sure you have completed housing forms and submitted your housing deposit.
• Insurance Waivers: Most schools require students to submit health forms before they are allowed to move onto campus or start classes. Also, many schools automatically bill students for the school's health insurance. If you already have insurance, waive the school insurance by the school’s deadline so the fee can be removed from your bill.

4. Develop a Plan to Pay the Remaining Balance

Once you have determined the remaining amount you’ll have to pay, you’ll need to develop a plan to pay the balance. No one looks forward to paying the bill, but doing so on time will prevent late fees and additional stress. Bills are typically sent in late June or early July and are due 4-6 weeks later. Some schools send paper bills, while others send an email notifying you that your bill is available on your student portal. To help you develop your plan, check out our Resources to Pay the Balance Worksheet.

If you have questions about your financial aid, have had a change in your financial situation, or are struggling to pay the bill, contact the Financial Aid Office.

5. Register for Classes

AND, don’t forget to get excited! This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the hard work you put in to get to this point. Although it may feel overwhelming at times, you’ll have plenty of support from your new school community and those around you!

Check out FAME's Transitioning for College Check-List to help you keep track of each step in the process.

If you would like someone from FAME to help you with financial aid or the transition to college, sign up for one of our Financial Aid Coaching sessions. You can also call us at 800-228-3734 or email Education@FAMEmaine.com for more information.

Check Out FAME’s Previous Tips and Webinars

Funding Pathways for Workforce and Credentials of Value

When it comes to education after high school there are more options and sources of funding than ever! Watch this months webinar to learn about programs and discuss how traditional and non-traditional students can afford a pathway to achieve their higher education goals.

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