“Wisdom is a shelter as money is a shelter, but the advantage of knowledge is this: that wisdom preserves the life of its possessor.” Ecclesiastes 7:12
With the excitement of starting college comes the not-so-exciting thought of…paying for it. Especially in this hard economic time, many families are wondering how they’re going to pay for college this year. Some are having to forego the private, Christian colleges for a more local, public school. Although I hope you are financially able to attend your first choice, whether public or private, there are still ways to watch your spending habits while at college. Here are some helpful financial tips that can used whether you’re living at home or moving away.
Dining Time
Many colleges offer a food plan. Often there are several from which to choose. You may opt for a certain number of meals a week allotment, or you may choose to place a certain amount of money on a cafeteria card from which you can purchase meals. If you’re living on campus, this is probably the most frugal way to eat. However, if you want to cook, and have a kitchen available for all meals, that can certainly be a much cheaper option. The main thing to remember is that if you––or your parents––purchase a meal plan, use it! These often expire at the end of a semester. Many times you’ll find yourself wanting to dine out with friends, thus not spending the money you already designated for meals, and spending money at a restaurant that could go toward other expenses. If you want to leave money for eating out with friends, make sure you don’t get the largest meal plan offered––it will only go to waste.
College is the time for hanging out with friends, and for me, this occasionally included coffee (go for the decaf!). However, all these little trips to the local coffee shop can really start to add up. So if you really want to spend time together, and it means coffee shops, do without the coffee every time and get water with lemon slices instead. You’ll still get to enjoy the company of friends, but without spending the money.
I love coupons. And there are tons out there. Check out websites like hotcouponworld.com for coupons to restaurants and other deals. If you find yourself eating out a lot with friends, a buy-one-get-one-free coupon at your most frequented restaurant can really help out. Also, don’t hesitate to ask the waiter or cashier if they have any current coupons available for use. Even fast-food places may have a stack under the register––even if it’s just for a free drink with your sandwich. Every little bit helps!
Credit cards
When I started college, my parents gave me a credit card to purchase my textbooks and supplies, and for emergencies. However, I quickly found that having the must-have jeans that everyone was wearing was an “emergency.” And so, they went on the card. As well as the boots that my friend said looked so great on me. And soon, I was encountering “emergencies” on a weekly basis. It was easy to get carried away when I didn’t have to pay for the stuff.
Although I don’t use credit cards now, I won’t make this into a time to tell you to cut up all credit cards and use cash only. I will say that if you have credit cards, you need to be responsible with them. I know this is what your parents are probably telling you, but it’s very easy to get caught up in the excitement and newness of college and start thinking that everything is a must-have item. It may help to leave your credit card in a safe, hidden place in your room––it’ll be more difficult to have a sudden jeans emergency at the mall when your card isn’t in your purse.
We’ll continue later with more financially savvy tips, so check back soon!
By Lisa Grimenstein
College is a pivotal time in a young adult’s life, but it also can lead to a decline in healthy habits and physical activity. The “freshman 15,” or typical weight gain of a college student, is usually due to a decrease in activity, an increase in unhealthy food choices, stress, and the change in daily routine. Although it seems like a rite of passage to enjoy every single freedom that college brings, it is not an excuse to allow bad habits to take over while healthy habits decline. College can be the perfect time to change for the better.
Stress is a big problem in college due to hectic schedules, homework, job schedules, sports practice, being away from home, peer pressures, and other collegiate pressures. Try to set aside time each day just to relax. Do whatever you need to do (read, exercise, listen to music, etc.). There are a lot of new things going on in your life at this time––new adjustments to living on your own or living with people that you’ve never known before. Make sure you take some time just for you. Do not eat food just because you are stressed or bored and have nothing else to do.
Carrots are a member of the parsley family, with feathery, leafy greens and an orange root. 
“An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit.” (1 Corinthians 7:34)
Not only should we be discerning about going out on dates alone with a guy, but we also need to consider our actions when we’re around guys––even if they’re just friends. Scripture warns us about a woman’s suggestive 
So far, this may sound like a pretty hopeless situation. You have to stand against the crowd, and you have to narrow your choices down to the minority. But there are ways to get to know if a guy is someone whom you could marry. First, start by getting to know guys as friends while you are with other friends. You may not have as many of those intimate conversations you long for, but you’ll learn a lot about them just by being around them with others. If you’re taking dating seriously as a possible covenant for life, that should make you very discerning as to who gets to know your thoughts and feelings more intimately. We shouldn’t feel like we have to share every innermost thought with every guy we might be interested in. And, when with a group, you’ll see how he treats other people, and will learn more about his character than you will if he’s trying to impress you on a date.
During those three years, I broke up with Frank numerous times. The very last time I broke up with him, he told me that if I ever broke up with him again he would commit suicide. He really messed with my mind. I believed him and I never broke up with him again. Within a few months I was pregnant. I have always felt that it was Frank’s way of making sure that I would never leave him. I thought to myself, what Christian boy would want me now anyway?
My parents were considerably calm and loving to me and to Frank as well. I felt very blessed that they were my parents. Even still, it was so humiliating. I knew I had let them down, and I had let God down. I really felt like I was wearing a scarlet letter around my neck.
I was in my junior year when I became pregnant. I only needed a few more classes to graduate, so I went early in the morning before school started and was tutored in the classes I needed to take. I graduated with the senior class. Graduation day was a totally humiliating experience for me. I cried all the way across the stage to receive my diploma. I wanted to disappear! I couldn’t get across the stage fast enough! My stomach was so huge! I wished I had the diploma mailed to me because that was a very horrible day.
We recently discussed how to choose a school, as well as offered wisdom from women who’ve been there, so please read that 
Extra Activities. It might take a while to get adjusted, but once you are comfortable in college, seek out different activities in which you can help others, grow in Christ, and also relax and have fun! Look for church student centers where you can meet other Christians and take part in activities of fellowship and worship. Become part of community service groups or other clubs that assist people or causes. If you like athletics, try out for a sports team if you will have the time to dedicate to that. However, while it is good to be involved, never overload yourself. In college, the extra-activity possibilities are nearly endless; just make sure to take part in the ones that glorify God.
Several of my close brothers and sisters in Him are graduating this year. I am saddened by their departure, but I have faith that they will make great impacts for Christ on the people they meet. They may stay near to home or they may go far, but they will always be able to be close to God. Here is an excerpt from Dr. Seuss’s Oh, The Places You’ll Go!: “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the [girl] who’ll decide where to go.” Now, as you depart on a bright new road, where will you go? What will you do for Christ? Make the most of this wonderful time in your life–for Him!
Can you believe it’s summer already? I’m positive you are all glad for a break from school—unless you are involved in summer studies or college prep! We will focus on Ecclesiastes 12:12-13 during the month of July: “…Of making many books, there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh…fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all.” That passage is very fitting for our 
Wisdom from Women
“For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD.” 
Next, choose a topic to study. This will help keep things moving when you get together. Don’t count on just coming together without a topic or book to discuss––it may result in everyone sitting and staring at one another. Decide on a book of the Bible that everyone agrees on. Or choose to discuss a specific topic, such as gossip, purity, or temptation. You may also agree on a book about a biblical topic to study by an author you’d all like to read. Just remember that although other authors may have very biblical things to say on certain topics, there is only one Author and Book you should ultimately go to for answers.
Moving away from home can be very difficult on family members – even though you’re busy with new friends, new classes, and new activities, their lives are basically the same as usual except you’re not there, and they are more likely to feel your absence (and miss your presence). While living far away, you can stay emotionally close to family members, and allow them to be involved in your life, in a number of easy ways.
E-mail: If you want to write, but don’t feel comfortable putting your words on the internet, consider sending an occasional e-mail to your entire family, updating them on your life and asking for an update on theirs.
Q. “How can I know I’m making the best choice about choosing which college to attend?”
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2)
By Lisa Grimenstein
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