Confessions

mango_mochi, I know how you feel. I owe $50,000+. If your current repayment plan does not work out for you, try a different plan if your college allows you. If six months are too short for you, you may be able to extend it. I extended mines from six month to a year since I'm struggling financially. I was supposed to do payments since October this year but contacted my financial advisor ahead of time in September. If you have concerns, contact your financial advisor asap before the repayment starts. I'm currently in a 20 year repayment plan. Why did I chose this? Because this option pays less. For me, I pay around $200 a month(When I start repayment). However, I can pay over $200 if I want. If I feel I can pay above $200, then will do so. If I can't afford to pay over $200, I be sure to have at least $200 to make the payment; This is my way to not fuck up. You know, bills and shit. Currently unemployed and have until October next year to get my shit together. Spend some time thinking this out a bit. It can be depressing but think of how far you've achieved. Try to keep some positivity. Have a mindset that you can do it and take any opportunities that can benefit you.

Sorry for not saying more earlier, but I was accepted into college too at one point. I basically couldn't afford the entire tuition so they tried offering me to take the student loans route. Long story short I ended up rejecting their offer due to knowing that I will not make enough money to make those payments. I didn't go to college. I have already been looked down on for not going, but I figured that better options to make excellent money than just college.

@Snake The question however is whether there are also better options of achieving happiness. I think the Dutch system is just very different. First of all, if I finish my education, I don't have to pay my laons back. Secondly, everything I borrow only has to be paid off 2 years after I've got a job, so at this point I'm loaning max, because we don't have to pay rent. Still, if all of that wasn't the case, I'd still try my best to do whatever I want. Trying to scrape money together should feel like less work if you're doing something you love to get there. I know it sounds a little naive, but I see no reason why it shouldn't work like that. Still, that's my way of looking at it

Thats true Sanfi. The Dutch know whats up when it comes to colleges and higher learning. Alot of people including I have forgotten that life should be about pursuing happiness not just money or fame. Luckily I happen to be going into a field where I will do things I love on a ship.

It's great for the countries that can afford to subsidize free education. A large portion unfortunately isn't so lucky.