College students throughout the country are hitting the classroom for the second semester. All of these students have paid their tuition and other expenses in some way, shape, or form.

Even though classes are in full swing, it doesn’t mean you should shy away from speaking with your financial aid counselor. In fact, there are many questions you should feel compelled to ask during this time of the year. Here are three that may be on your mind:

1. What are my options for the future? Unless you are a senior, there is no better time than now to look forward to the fall semester. It may be a long way off, but it is always a good idea to get your finances in line as soon as possible.

2. Can you point me in the direction of “free money?” Nobody wants to be swimming in student loan debt upon graduating from college. Unfortunately, this is the situation that many people find themselves in.

To protect against this, to a certain degree, search around for as much free money as possible. This includes both scholarships and grants.

3. Do I qualify for the work study program? This is one of the most overlooked ways to earn money while in college. There is nothing wrong with getting a job off campus, but if you qualify for work study you might as well take advantage. Many students take the money they earn through this program and apply it directly to their tuition, room and board, and other expenses.

These are the types of questions you should discuss with your financial aid counselor in the near future. As your conversation continues, don’t be surprised if many other questions come to mind.

Your financial aid counselor is available to help. Why not take advantage of this resource?