Keep all those documents
Right now you are signing a lot of documents—loan papers and such. They seem like annoying formalities that just don’t mean that much. Trust me. They do mean that much. You need to read them carefully and get someone to explain them to you if you do not understand what you are signing. Take your time. Don’t let anyone stampede you. Ask your parents if they have a safe deposit box at their bank, and if they do, the loan documents belong there. At the very least get one of those accordion file folders, and keep your copy of everything you sign. If you are uncertain about what all that paperwork means, you would certainly be wise to get a second professional opinion. (The first place I would ask would be my bank—unless they are the ones loaning me the money!) By the way, you will also want to keep your textbook receipts from the college bookstore so you can return the book if you bought the wrong one or your schedule changes. ...