You may want to look at how to apply that tax stimulus check to and educational costs you may have. If you apply it to existing debt you will reduce next year's tax liability as you take the educational tax credit. If you are starting out for fall semester this can be applied directly to school cost and give you a nice tax break and less debt needed from FASFA applied student loans.

Consider using the student loans ONLY for classes and the tax stimulus for books. Look to find ways to decrease your overall debt. Less debt, less interest and you get to write off the education.