Financial Wellness

Financial Stress Can Cause Problems

College is already stressful enough without having to worry about how you are going to make ends meet financially. When thinking about wellness, most do not realize that there is more to it than just physical and mental. Wellness is split up into eight different categories, and you need to have a proper balance of each to reduce stress and health-related issues. These eight categories include: emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, environmental, occupational, social, and financial. Financial burdens, alone, have been shown to cause:

• Increased absences 
• Sleep problems
• Sickness from avoiding doctor bills
• Reduction in productivity 
• Reduction in your ability to concentrate 

Missing class or failing to complete assignments can cause more stress in other areas of wellness. It's important to make sure that you have your financial matters at a point where you feel comfortable handling them. If you become unsure, there are people on campus who are willing to help you figure things out to reduce that stress.  

Services available at USI

Archie’s Campus Food Closet

Archie’s Campus Food Closet is a place where nonperishable food items and personal supplies may be obtained by students and employees who find themselves in financial straits or emergency situations. To access the pantry, ask for “Archie” at the front desk of the RFWC. Students can visit Archie’s Closet once per month.

Professional Clothing for Interviews

USI students in need of professional clothing for an upcoming interview can visit and select free business wear from the Career Clothes Closet in the Career Services and Internships office (Orr Center Room 074). Students will need to bring their USI student ID card when visiting the closet. USI students may choose one free outfit from the Career Clothes Closet per calendar year. An outfit consists of one pair of slacks or a skirt, one blouse or shirt, one jacket, and one pair of shoes. Students can choose to take only one part of an outfit if they don't need the whole outfit or if their sizes /styles are not currently available. Students are invited to keep the professional clothing for their use for interviews or future jobs.