Not all loans are alike. Be sure to also explore all the grants, fellowships, and scholarships available to you from outside sources. Don't count on any immediate financial windfalls. Borrow only what you can afford to pay back. If you have been awarded Federal Work Study, always ask your employer for the maximum hourly wage.
Employers tend to be flexible about hours.
Course packs and books are a large expense, thus if you can share materials and costs with a classmate, you will save money. Also, before purchasing books, check the course syllabus to see if the materials are on reserve in the Gutman Library. If you need furniture, wait until you arrive in Cambridge. Many students move around, thus there are moving sales in the area. You can find some good deals on barely used furnishings and appliances once in Cambridge.