First, you need to look over your financial aid award. The FAFSA is the application required by the financial aid office to determine if you qualify for need-based aid. This will range anything from institutional funds (the college's scholarships, grants) and federal funding (Stafford Loans, Perkins, Pell and any state aid).

Second, do you need all, some or none of the overage created from your financial aid? If the answer is some or none, then don't borrow loans. The first to go should be the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. For other loans, you can keep the amount awarded or reduce it so that way you are lowering your overall debt. Keep any grants and scholarships.

Third, speak to your Student Accounts/Bursar's Office and ensure funds are sent directly to you. This is a federal requirement as the account is yours and all checks must be cut to you. If your mom is borrowing a PLUS Loan, then any overage created by PLUS Loan funds must go directly to her. If they have direct deposit in place, sign up for it today. Spring semester refunds are right around the corner and your business office will need up to a week to verify your checking/savings account.

Four, consider your actions. If you withhold these funds from your mother, your mother can very well deny future financial aid. The FAFSA, if you are under the age of 25, is your parents' information. Your mom can very well choose not to provide the information needed to complete the FAFSA which means the financial aid cannot award you funding without it. If your parents are divorced, you may change your custodial parent to your father and use his information. However, if his income is higher, you may risk loosing funding. This is something you need to discuss your financial aid counselor before making any serious decision. Talk and ask questions. It is better to have all information now. Plus letting your aid officer know what is happening with you helps a lot.

Five, move out. Even if this means going to school part-time, it is not the end of the world taking longer to earn your degree if it means staying sane and not raking up enormous amounts of debt under her name.

Finally, get good grades. Aid is impacted by your GPA. If you are performing badly, you can loose all aid eligibility and you'll have to pay out of pocket.

Speak with your offices first. There is never a dumb question.