Have you filed a FASFA Form yet???
At my college this is what they do: They give you a finanical aide package. This is where it shows you what you have been rewarded (as in scholarships, grants, loans, etc...) and you just accept it if you want it. You should go to the financial aide office and see what type of loans they have. Many schools will not let have a loan too big b/c they don't want you to have so much to pay back when you get out. But, I would say do the once year loan, b/c you don't know if you will continue going to college (as in college just might not be for you) or change to another college.
Oh..and I go to a private university that cost 20,000 a year and I am a commuter so...I know where you are coming from!!! Good luck!! =)

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Hit me with your best
shot...FIRE AWAY!!!

First you fill out the FAFSA and through that you will be offered Stafford student loans.  There is a limit to how much you can take out each year with a Stafford loan. (See here for the limits)

There are also PLUS loans for parents.  And there are probably other loan options that are not thought the FAFSA.

FAFAS
Stafford Loans (offical site)
Student Loan Network  

But to get the details of this you really should go talk to the Financial Aid office at Occidental.  They can explain all this to you on the phone or in person and they know a LOT more than any of us, here on LiveWire, do.

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"Dancing through life mindless and careless.
Make sure your where less trouble is rife.  
Woes are fleeting blows are glancing
when you're dancing through life..."