Okay, I'm all set with college tuition. But how do I pay for the massive living expense of the city?

My rent is too high!  The phone bill is not paid!  I'm broke the first week I get my monthly paycheck!  Heard it, seen it, been through it.  Bills, bills, bills! 

If you live in a big city like Boston, you know the standard of living is through the roof.  Really, why can't the school understand that a student needs more money?

I mean, apart from the rent and utility expense, there are also books to buy, there are transportation costs, there are medical expenses, there are unseen personal expenditures, there are sport events to go to,  and there are weekend parties to throw and attend.  Responsible or irresponsible, these are ALL a part of the college experience. And a student needs to be a part of it!

Each school has a Cost of Attendance (CoA) which takes into account the cost for tuition, room and board, and other living expenses for the academic year. The total amount of financial aid you receive (scholarships, grants, loans) cannot exceed the schools set Cost of Attendance (in principle).

HOWEVER, there are always exceptions to the rule.  In the event you've reached your schools Cost of Attendance and need extra funds, you are allowed to submit a budget appeal to your financial aid office. In the appeal you should provide documents such as your lease agreement, utility bills and other relevant document supporting your appeal. If your expense surpass the schools set budget for that particular item, the school may increase the Cost of Attendance, thereby allowing you to receive more aid. (check with your financial aid office on what items they'll allow a budget increase)

This is a right that many, if not most students are unaware of.  Should schools be more open about it?  Are they not because they feel students may abuse this privilege?  Are they right or are they wrong?  I can't say. What I do value as a student in a school, or a staff at a company, or a member of an organization, a right to seek and a license to learn.