What's it like to live on FA?

<p>My economic bracket has placed me in a situation where Stanford’s FA grant is covering most of my expenses, a scholarship will exceed my expected student contribution, and my mom insists on paying what she can scrap together to afford (a bit more than travel). (It appears that her contribution has been deducted from mine … ???) I’d still like to get a job (Intl F1=> 20 hrs or less) if it can get me more involved beyond maintaining performance.</p>

<p>What surprises do full-FA people encounter?
What’s the deal with the International taxes? (Or OOS)
How is the FA funding dispersed? (Of course, the schol will be paid directly to the university, so every quantity to pass to me will still be FA).
Does any of it actually pass through your hands?
Are fees to be paid automatically deducted?</p>

<p>just be happy you have been granted such a great opportunity. if i attend, i will living in debt almost as soon as I go, so enjoy paying next to nothing. however, your work ethic is very commendable</p>