It’s August! Soon some of you will be heading back to campus (or going for the first time). Those of you going probably have your upcoming schedule on your mind—are you excited?

While those of us not on campus this fall aren’t focused on our schedule, we know what it’s like to be in your shoes. Specifically, I remember how enthusiastic I was about some classes and how others *cough* college algebra *cough* left me a little less eager. Generally, those I felt less enthusiastically about were general requirements.

Most of you have taken or will take the general required classes: a social science class, a humanities class, etc. If you ask me, there should be an additional requirement: Personal Finance 101.

The decisions you make during your college years can have a huge effect on your financial future. And just like you wouldn’t go into a Bio 101 test without studying, you shouldn’t make financial decisions without first knowing the facts.

Some schools offer opportunities to learn about managing money and debt through First Year Experience programs like this one at Ohio State University.  Personal finance is one of the programs students can attend as part of their Success Series. 

I’m wondering: are/were any of you required to take a class or seminar on personal finance?

Even if you don’t have programs like this offered, you can have a little personal finance study session of your own. Check out Wells Fargo’s Hands on Banking program—there’s a section specifically for young adults to learn about managing finances.