10 things I wish I knew before being in my 5th year as an Undergraduate

  1. Do your research on what grants and scholarships are only good for 4 years. This will help you plan ahead in your finances.
  2. Your financial aid works over summer term, it does not get divided into 4 terms but rather gives you a separate amount for summer.
  3. Access codes usually work for up to a year of when you take the class. If you are taking a series it saves you money if you take them all the same year. Also, if you fail the class (because we know it happens) retake the class before your access code expires. 
  4. Network and volunteer throughout your undergrad career, trying to fit everything into your senior year is very stressful. 
  5. That being said plan out your senior year know when your last set of classes are offered and most importantly don’t forget to register on time, classes do fill up.
  6. Do your own research on what classes you can double dip in. For example psych 201 counts for a bacc core but, it also counts towards a lot of degrees ‘s requirements. It might save you a fifth year.
  7. Apply for SNAP benefits, buying grocery adds up real quick and with the new SNAP requirements it has made it easier to qualify as a student. Stop by the HSRC if you need assistance with the application.
  8. Apply for scholarships such as scholar dollars every year. You would be surprised on the number of scholarships available that you can qualify for.
  9.  Find ways to save money on things that make you feel good, such as coffee and shopping without breaking your bank. Aka take advantage of student discounts using platforms such as pocket points. Stay tuned for a more detailed blog on all student discounts available. 
  10.  Lastly, taking advantage of the resources available at the HSRC. Sometimes you may think that you need the resource but do not realize the amount of stress that gets relieved once you are able to relocate your funds which reduces the financial burden. Check out our website for a full list of resources offered.

Get to Know Our Staff: Michelle

 

Name: Michelle Garibay

 Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

HSRC Job Title: HSRC Student Fee Committee  Liaison

 Major/minor:  My major is Kinesiology with an option in Pre-therapy and Allied Health and a minor in Business and Entrepreneurship.

Career Aspirations: My end goal is to become a Physical Therapist and work with young athletes and/or kids in order to help them recover from their injuries. 

Why did you want to work at the HSRC? The HSRC is able to provide basic human need to many students including myself. I wanted to be apart of a team that has had such a big impact on students lives. Also, being able to see how each of our resources is  helping student achieve their academic goals reminds me that I am part of a team that is making a difference people’s lives.

What will you be working on this year?I will be the liaison for the HSRC at all of the student fee committee meetings and will also attend all advisor board meetings. Additionally, I will be assisting with the SNAP Ambassador Program.

What do you like to do in your free time? During my free time I enjoy hanging out with friends. I also, enjoy binge watching shows on Netflix.

What’s your favorite yummy and cheap meal to make? My favorite cheap meal is tuna pasta. You boil the pasta of your choice, once it’s ready you add tuna, pepper, salt, corn, peas, and butter. Tada it’s super easy and yummy.

Do you have any tips for students on how to save money? I use pocket points (an app) to get a Dutch Bros coffee for 2 dollars. Additionally, I try really hard not to purchase food on-campus.

What are your favorite things to do in Corvallis? In Corvallis, there is not a lot of activities to do but, I do like to try new places to eat around town.

What is your favorite spot to relax on campus? I enjoy studying and hanging out at the Student Experience Center (SEC). The SEC is a beautiful building full of colors and natural lighting.

What is your favorite TV show and why? I watch a lot of TV so, I have way too many. However, during the summer my favorite is Big Brother. I’ve been watching it for years now so, feel the obligation to watch it every summer.