<p>work-study is a federal program which helps pay for your wage at whatever approved workstudy job exists. (The feds reimburse xx dollars to the college/department so you are ‘cheaper’ to them to hire.) </p>
<p>Many workstudy jobs are on-campus, but some private/nonprofit/government employers can be approved for workstudy.</p>
<p>And yes, you would need to find a job on campus that is willing to hire you part-time. Depending on your major, you might be able to find a research gig on campus, which is win-win.</p>
<p>But you do not have to use your workstudy funds if you don’t want to. You could spend savings, borrow more, etc.</p>