If you’re a college student headed home for winter break, your mind is likely on sleeping in, spending time with family, and opening gifts – not on tuition payments. However, your second term of school will be here before you know it.

Many families have faced financial challenges over the past few years and may need help paying for college, books, or campus housing. If you’re coming up short for the remainder of the school year, don’t panic – there could be options available. Taking a proactive approach during break can help relieve stress when classes resume. Here are a few steps to take to find the necessary funding.

Contact your school’s financial aid office.

Send an email or call the financial aid office to determine exactly how much funding you may need, and whether there are options available to help you. This is especially important if your family’s financial situation has changed since you completed your FAFSA; colleges can sometimes adjust your aid based on new circumstances such as job loss, medical expenses, or reduced income. Some schools also offer tuition payment plans, emergency grants, or short-term assistance programs for students facing financial hardship.

Consider what you can cut.

Take a look at your current expenses to see where you might be able to scale back. Could you reduce your meal plan or avoid having a car on campus that requires a parking fee? Are you paying for campus health insurance or legal fees that you don’t need? Eliminating even a few hundred dollars in expenses could make a difference.

Review your initial financial aid offer.

Did you decline any financial aid or loans at the start of the year because you thought you wouldn’t need them? If so, they may still be available. When you speak to a financial aid representative, they can help determine if any prior options are still on the table.

Find a job that accommodates your schedule.

While academics should be your number one priority, working part time could help offset some of your college costs – especially if you set up a payment plan as mentioned above. Many employers offer flexible schedules for students, and evening and weekend shifts that traditional employees avoid are often ideal for college students. On-campus jobs can be especially convenient since they’re designed to work around class schedules.

Seek out private student loans.

Private student loans are made by banks, credit unions, and other financial entities, and have terms and conditions that are set by the lender. Because offerings will vary, it’s important to review the rates, terms, and conditions before applying for a private student loan. Credit unions often offer more favorable terms for loans because they are not-for-profit cooperatives, not for-profit companies.