You should pay it because after a while universities will outsource it to other thugs (i.e. mean debt collectors) who can get pretty mean depending on the amoun

You should pay it because after a while universities will outsource it to other thugs (i.e. mean debt collectors) who can get pretty mean depending on the amount owed. Not to mention ruining your credit. That startup job is great, but also consider the possibility of not passing the credit checks done by landlords near its office or the office of your next job. Keep in mind you don't necessarily need to pay it off as soon as possible (though it is what I'd recommend.) I do know PhDs that have a monthly payment and they think of it the same as like the monthly power bill. They consider just something people pay in life to keep the lights on. You could go that route too. Either route, whether it be living frugally and paying off quickly or paying it off over time in exchange for having more alcohol money, get it paid off. If you're already overdue, also call the school asap. Once they hand it off to third parties you'll be in a bigger world of hurt. Often the finance dept of the school can give some leeway if you just talk to them, including zero interest payment plans.