Handling Finances as a College Student

Handling Finances as a College Student

by Allie Foust

Understanding finances can be difficult for a beginning college student. Many try not to get involved with the process, causing them to make simple mistakes that can cause problems later in their academic career. Getting involved in your finances early on and learning how to budget in a way that works for you can not only be beneficial for student life but also for life after college. 

The first thing one needs to do when it comes to picking a college is to obviously pick the college that works best. If it is in state, you have the option of deciding whether you want to be a commuter or a dorm student. You can decide which would be better for you financially by talking to the school’s financial aid department. They are there to help, so don’t be nervous to ask them all your questions! When you talk to your financial advisor, you can decide what works for you and your family. This especially pertains to finding out if student loans need to be taken into account. 

To help pay for tuition, loans, or even just a quick food run with your friends, you can always pick up a small part-time job. One of the best options for this can be found right on your campus. Try to reach out to your professors and office workers to see if there is anything you can do on campus to earn some extra cash. Campus jobs can be beneficial when it comes to working sound your class schedule. However, this does not mean that off-campus jobs are unattainable. Most colleges are located near busy towns and cities that always have places looking for college students to work. Some of the best on-campus jobs at Welch are in the enrollment office, the cafeteria, or the library. There are also lots of off-campus jobs located in Hendersonville and Gallatin, including daycare centers, the Shops at Indian lake, and even at your local church! 

Another tip to keep you on track to be more financially stable is that whenever you are hanging out with friends, opt for more affordable places to eat. Some great recommendations that are located near Welch are Taco Bell, Panda Express, and, one of my personal favorites, Casa Vieja. This also applies to cool and affordable hangout spots. There are a multitude of coffee shops that are perfect for catching up with friends and helping out your wallet. Skip Starbucks and try out Black Press or Stompin’ Grounds.

The last tip to help with financial woes is to try to write out a budget to make sure you don’t get behind on bills. Overspending on things can really drain your bank account. So, it’s important to try to budget what you can. It’s also important not to stress out about this! You are learning a new life skill, and it’s okay to make mistakes! It’s also important to realize that what might work for someone else might not work for you. You have to find your special way of handling money. 

One way of finding your financial groove is to find a good budgeting app. I would highly recommend Evernote. It is free and very simple to use. It also offers many different features so you can stylize your lists as needed. You can even keep track of your to-do lists. Another app that is more aimed toward financial organization is the EveryDollar app . It keeps all of your bills and adds up how much you need to save each month. It will also remind you when your bills are due each month. There are loads of different options out there to help you become more organized. Try something different out each month until you find your perfect match!

The Perfect Christmas Wishlist for College Students

The Perfect Christmas Wishlist for College Students

Christmas time is the best time of the year! As children, we looked forward to Christmas morning and running to wake our parents up so that we could open our presents as fast as we could. Now, don’t lie: even though you are in college now this is still you, isn’t it? Come on, we are all broke college kids here, we’re suckers for free stuff. If you are a freshman in college, you might have noticed that your wish list to Santa is very different from when you were in high school. You basically have your own place now and you are living on your own. So, let me give you some tips on some things you might want to ask Santa for this year.

Also, don’t be afraid to share this to your parents to drop some hints. 

  1. An Alexa/Echo: This is one of my favorite things I have gotten for Christmas that I use all the time at college. Alexa can connect to your Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, etc. Alexa can be programmed to tell you the weather for the day, give you nice sleep sounds, help you with calculations, help answer questions and many other cool features. All you have to do is say her name and then say want you need/want. She is a lifesaver!
  2. A nice, insulated water bottle! An insulated water bottle is a lifesaver when you have classes all day and are craving some ice cold water. It is so much cheaper in the long run than buying plastic water bottles over and over again.
  3. A power bank: You might be like, “Kelsey, why do I need that? It’s not like I’ll be in class so long my battery will die.” True, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes you might forget to charge your phone at night, and then you won’t have time to charge your phone till 1pm.  You might also be in a seat in your classes that isn’t near any outlets. Trust me, this is something you’ll want to have on you for those emergency situations.
  4. Coffee Maker: Now, I know Mrs. Karen has some good coffee over at West End, but do not spend all your money over there. You don’t have to ask for an expensive Keurig, there are other cheaper brands that still can use the k-cups. Nothing better than some freshly brewed coffee to wake you up for that 8am.
  5. A Fire TV Stick: A fire tv stick is a great gift to ask for. It hooks up by HDMI, so you can plug it into your laptop, tv, or projector and watch all of your favorite streaming channels. Worried you’re going to miss all the big games because you don’t have cable anymore? The fire stick has got you covered!
  6. Apple iPad and Pencil: Whoo, now this is a pricey one but it is so worth it. An iPad has a lot of cool apps that you can download that can help with coursework. I use an app called “GoodNotes” that allows me to keep all of my notes virtually. I can make different notebooks to keep all of my courses separate and easy to access. I use the Apple Pencil to take notes and it’s just like writing with paper, without the hassle of carrying around all those notebooks/binders.
  7. Electric Kettle: An electrical kettle is so great to have because you can use it for so many things. Need to make some ramen? Use your electric kettle. Need some caffeine? Make some piping hot tea. Want to try that new whipped coffee trend? Use that electric kettle! So on and so on!
  8. An ice maker: Now, this is something I never thought about when I started college, at least not until several weeks in. Most of your mini fridges are not going to have built in ice makers like your refrigerators at home. Trust me, you’ll want ice more than you realize. If you don’t use that much ice, ask for an ice cube tray (they work great too).
  9. A steamer: Here at Welch, we obviously have a very different dress code than other colleges. Boys and girls alike have to dress nicely every single day. A steamer will be a lifesaver when you take your favorite blouse out of the closet and it is all wrinkled. It is easy to use and only takes a few minutes to make your clothes wrinkle free.
  10. A foam mattress topper: Now, this is a real game changer in college. Get ready to turn that boring old twin mattress into a soft fluffy cloud. These mattress toppers really make it a lot easier to sleep in a different bed than your one at home. Be careful though, it might make you want to take more naps next semester.

There are so many different things that you should consider adding to your wish list that will make your college experience even better, and here are just a few! I hope you enjoyed it! Make sure to check out all the other cool blog posts Welch has to offer!

written by Kelsey Horton

Are you Thornton’s or Speedway?

Are you Thornton’s or Speedway?

One of the greatest debates that has graced Welch college’s campus is which is better: Thorntons or Speedway. These are no mere gas stations. They fuel our late night study groups, pizza cravings, and are good places to meet up.

 

[tqb_quiz id=’22011′]

A Short Guide to Getting Along with Your Roommate

A Short Guide to Getting Along with Your Roommate

Are you an incoming freshman who is nervous about rooming with someone for the first time? Or are you rooming with someone who you have never met before and wonder how you will ever get along with them? Well then, I have some tips for you!

Hi, I’m Kelsey! I am currently a senior here at Welch studying Elementary Education. It feels like yesterday, I was packing up my bags getting ready to move into my new home with someone I had never met before! I was terrified, but I learned a lot of tips on how to get along with a roommate throughout these past few years.

Tip #1

Get to Know Your Roommate!

This is super important if you have never met the person you are rooming with before! However, it is also important for those of you who are rooming with your best friends! Even best friends will learn a lot more about each other while rooming together. Go out to eat with your roommate and ask some questions. What’s their favorite TV show? Favorite movie? Favorite snacks? What are they studying? Why did they choose Welch? Find the things that you have in common!

Another important one: share your testimonies! One thing that is cool about our school is that even if you feel like you have nothing in common with your roommate, there is always one thing. Your relationship and love for Christ! You don’t have to get super deep with them just yet, but tell them just a few ways God has worked in your life!

Tip #2

Address Certain Rules/Expectations

This is another important thing to discuss and find out about each other. You might have a roommate who is very picky about certain things, or you might have a roommate who is super chill. Ask them about their pet peeves or things they would like done. This is also your chance to explain things that you like a certain way! So, take advantage of this conversation. 

You can’t sleep unless it is completely dark in your room? Let your roommate know! Set a time for when you would like the lights to be off. 

Do you like things to be neat or do you not care if things get a bit messy? Let them know!

If your roommate has friends over (with masks on) and you don’t want them to sit on your bed? Let them know!

The list can go on! Just discuss and talk about it, but remember to be understanding and willing to compromise! Which leads us to the next point!

Tip #3

Be Understanding and Respectful

The Golden Rule folks! Treat people the way you want to be treated! Maybe you are a laid back person and your roommate is not. Be understanding of your roommate and respectful of his/her boundaries. You also might have to compromise every now and then (and that’s okay). Compromising is one of the things that will be a big factor in having a good relationship with your roommate! 

Your roommate has a test and the lobby is full of people, and they really need a space where they can have some light to see their notes. Let them turn on their lamp for the night or until they are done studying. (Invest in an eye mask! They can be life savers when you are trying to sleep and lights are on.)

Be kind to their stuff and be respectful. Don’t use their stuff unless they are okay with it. Remember that golden rule!

Tip #4

Communicate

This is important in any relationship! Constantly communicate with each other about things that need to get done or things that are going on in your life.

This semester is going to be a weird one, your roommate is going to be someone that you are going to see a lot. So, if you get in a fight, talk it out! If you are going through something, let your roommate be there for you. 

Communication is also important when setting “chores.” One person takes out trash, one cleans the sink, one vacuums, etc. (This will be important when you have room checks!) Can’t do your chore because you are running late for class, communicate with your roommate! 

Tip #5

Love Them like Christ Would

Love each other like Christ would love each of you. At some time throughout the year it might get hard to even like them, but remember how Christ would want you to act and love. It is going to be a hard semester for all, so remember to be loving throughout all of this. 

Encourage each other! Help each other to get in the word! Help them stay accountable for their actions!

Overall, remember to be like Christ throughout this time of being a roommate. Minister to each other, love each other, and have fun this semester! 

Kelsey Horton is an elementary education major at Welch College in Gallatin, TN.  Kelsey served as a society president as well as an enrollment counselor at Welch College.  She plays an active role in planning social events on campus and manages the admissions Instagram Page.
The Best Places to Buy and Sell Textbooks

The Best Places to Buy and Sell Textbooks

College is a big time of transition that can be nerve-racking for any student, but especially for freshmen who aren’t quite sure what to expect. Trying to decide which clothes to pack, picking out the perfect dorm decorations, and trying to make the most of the time before leaving home are just a few of the things that can stress out a soon-to-be college student. 

One thing that doesn’t have to be stressful is textbooks! There’s a common idea that textbooks are this super expensive part of college that simply can’t be avoided, but that’s only partly true. Books are a very necessary part of college life, but they don’t always have to be costly! Below are some methods that will help save money and time when it comes to ordering textbooks:

Amazon

Amazon is probably the most commonplace for students to buy books, which is understandable because they have everything! It’s pretty simple: search for the book you’re looking for and see what’s available! You can either rent or buy textbooks from Amazon, and they also have an option to purchase/rent eTextbooks. Another great thing about Amazon is that they offer a free six-month Prime trial for all college students, which includes two-day shipping, access to their streaming service, and so much more. And, if you’re still interested in Prime when the trial ends, they offer an exclusive subscription at 50% off for the duration of your college career. 

Chegg

Chegg is another popular place to get books. Almost every book on there is available for rent instead of purchase, and that alone saves tons of money in the long run! If you rent a book and decide to extend it, or even to purchase it, that can be done on Chegg’s website as well. You can also highlight your rentals, which makes studying so much easier! Whenever you’re done with the book, just grab a box and use Chegg’s prepaid shipping label to send it back. 

CampusBooks

If Amazon or Chegg doesn’t work for you, CampusBooks is another great option. On this site, you can type in the name of the book you’re looking for, and it will show you upfront what condition the book is in (new, used, etc.), if it’s available for rent or not, the price of the book itself, the shipping price, if there are any coupons available, and the overall price of the book+shipping. It shows multiple bookstores that have the book in stock, so it’s easy to explore and find the best price for you. 

Other Students

Other students are a GREAT resource for purchasing textbooks! Selling/trading books is something that’s done a lot on Welch’s campus. When a student is done with a book or semester, they typically post the books they’re trying to get rid of so that other students have the opportunity to save some money!

If you’re an incoming freshman, or even a current student looking for books, talk to other students! Most people don’t actually care about the money aspect of it and are more interested in getting the material off their hands to free up space. Welch students share a lot of the same books regardless of major, so there’s a good chance that they already have a book you’re looking for, and will sell it to you for cheap or maybe even give it to you for free!

In terms of selling textbooks, all of the resources I mentioned earlier are good for that as well! My personal recommendation is to check with any current or incoming students to see if they need any of the books you have BEFORE selling them back through a website (mainly because you won’t have to possibly pay for shipping, and you can get the book off of your hands almost immediately). 

I hope this helps! If you’re a current student and have any other tips for textbooks, let us know! 

Kenae Briggs, Welch College, Gallatin, TN

Kenae Briggs is a Senior at Welch College majoring in Psychology.  Kenae has worked for the enrollment department throughout her time at Welch as a Student Rep and as a Summer Representative traveling to camps throughout the US. Kenae is an avid Welch Flames fan and can always be seen supporting her classmates.
A Guide to the “Hot Spots” Around Welch

A Guide to the “Hot Spots” Around Welch

For me, moving to a new college meant moving to a new community! I wanted to get plugged into the “local” way of life as soon as possible. I set out to find the best restaurants, coffee shops, and places to hang out. The best place to start is the Gallatin Square. It is super cute and filled with locally owned eateries and shops. The Streets of Indian Lake in Hendersonville is also a great place to shop or go to the movies. It is also home to the famous Brixx Pizza. 

As a freshman, you will want to find off-campus places to gather with your friends and classmates. Inviting someone to grab a cup of coffee is a wonderful first move to find and make new friends. Hendersonville offers more of the popular places that you know and love. From shopping to the movies, Hendersonville has you covered! This list is not exhaustive, but it will give you a great start to finding the “aesthetic” places to hang out in Gallatin and Hendersonville.

GALLATIN

Swaney Swift’s is definitely a Welch favorite. Swaney’s is known for its monster-sized burgers and delicious house-made shakes!! 10/10

Lime Street Deli is a great locally owned deli in the Square. It is perfect for a light lunch with friends.  I loved the Fajita Hot Sandwich 😊 8/10

Filly’s is literally the coolest. It is a really fun place to stop in and hang out. They have a full arcade, pool table, and the most amazing Philly cheesesteaks. 9/10

Black Press Coffee Shop is the perfect place if you’re trying to feel extra hipster. It is a super great place to vibe or study with your pals. 9/10

No. 1 Chinese is a Welch favorite AND they have a door dash. The egg drop soup alone deserves a 10/10.

Top Hog BBQ is a little taste of home for this North Carolina girl. Their famous burgers, catfish, and BBQ have made them a hot spot in Gallatin. 7.5/10

Los Toritos is highly recommended by our culinary expert professors. I would trust them with my life but mainly with my food recommendations. Credit: Russell Houske, Chris Talbot, and Jesse Owens. 8/10

Mama’s Kitchen is homey and absolutely delicious! Their country cooking is just what the doctor ordered when you are getting a little homesick. One of my favorite places to eat!!!! 10/10

Casa Vieja is the typical choice for Sunday lunch and is always there with good deals and good salsa. Students debate whether Casa is overrated or not, but I think you will just have to figure that out for yourself. 11/10

 

HENDERSONVILLE

Pie Five is kinda basic, but I still think it’s really good. If you find yourself at Pie 5 you MUST get the cinnamon twist. Trust me; this is a pro tip. 8/20

Koi Japanese Hibachi and Sushi has literally the best sushi around. They have a two roll deal that is reasonably priced and a great portion size. 10/10 would totally recommend it.

The Lost Cajun is the perfect place if you are looking for some gumbo. LOL that’s all. 7/10

Chicken Salad Chick is a great place to get a pick two deal. I go in and get the Lemon Pepper Chicken Salad Sandwich and a side of the Loaded Potato Soup. So yummy! 9.5/10

The Taco restaurants I would check out in Hendersonville are as follows in ranking from best to still amazing: 1. Blue Coast Burritos 2. El Trompo Tacos 3. La Fondita Taqueria (Mr. Houske top pick). 10/10, 9/10, 8/10

Slim Chickens is the biggest bro eatery. It is literally chicken tenders and fries; a must check out spot in Hendersonville. 10/10

First Watch is the place to be if you are feeling a little hipster. It has delicious Instagram-worthy meals, and from personal experience, I strongly recommend the chickichanga (Jesse Owens top pick)….trust me. 45/10

Kave Express is a great little drive-through coffee shop. If you are trying to rush back to class with a Cuban, this is the place for you. 7/10

Stompin Grounds is a personal favorite. It has a great environment to hang out and chat with friends or lounge around and read! Their Crème brûlée coffee is to die for! 30/10

I hope this is helpful, and remember, once you come to Welch you will find other places to hang out that can be added to your own list! As far as places to hang out, I love being in the parks surrounding the campus or driving out to Drake’s Creek. You should also check out the historical sites around like the Douglas Clark House, Historical Rock Castle, or drive out to the Hermitage if you’re feeling extra historical.

Sarah Benton, Welch College in Gallatin, TN Admissions Blog
Sarah Benton is a Junior at Welch College majoring in History and English and works for the Enrollment Department as a Student Rep for prospective students.  An active member of Student Council,  Sarah has organized multiple student events on campus and is very active on stage sharing her musical and acting talents.