Direct Loan / Loan for Living in College?

I was on the Federal Student Aid website, and I saw something about a Direct Loan. I tried to find out what it is, but I didn't see anything. What is a Direct Loan and how do I get one? Feel free to give me any additional information. I need a small loan to cover my living expenses in college. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

I worked for Direct Loans for 7 years. Direct Loans is a company that has been contracted by the US Dept of ED since 1994 to service the governments federal student and parent loans. A direct loan, is a Stafford Student loan from the federal government. You can apply for one by completeing a FAFSA application. If you are offerred a student loan and your school participates in the Direct Loan Program, you may accept a Direct Loan. Direct Loans are good because they are governed by the goverment (federally backed) instead of bank trying to make a quick buck.