Important Resources to Know for Every College Campus
The jump from high school to college can feel like you're leaping over the Grand Canyon.
You have to adapt to your college classes very quickly, all while adjusting to a new campus and meeting new friends. It may even be the first time in your life you're away from your parents, so it can feel like you're all alone—but you're not.
Colleges understand that school can be overwhelming, so every campus has essential services to help their students. You may have heard about these resources on your college tour, but it's easy to overlook and forget that they exist in the bustle of excitement, which is why we want to remind you! Here are seven essential resources to know for every college campus you should take advantage of during your college experience.
1. Tutors
The majority of colleges offer professional or peer tutoring for every single course. Tutors are not only for when you are having difficulty in a class—they can help you work more efficiently and offer advice on how to succeed in your classes. You can usually visit your student center, and they will let you know how to sign up for tutoring. It's a good idea to take advantage of any outside guidance you can receive in your classes, which is why you should also check out your professor's and teacher assistant's (TA) office hours. It's an underrated and valuable resource.
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2. Financial Aid
It can be very challenging to navigate student loans, grants, scholarships and aid programs. Financial Aid Services can advise you on the confusing processes and steps you'll need to take when handling financial matters. They can help you find resources like federal and state student aid programs. Financial aid will also assist you in applying for scholarships and let you know when new opportunities arise.
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3. Academic Advisors
College is not like high school, where the classes you choose are pretty straightforward. Instead, you are trying to reach a specific degree and there are precise requirements for each diploma. Academic Advisors support you in achieving your educational goals. They will give you the breakdown of your degree and precisely what credits you'll need to graduate. In addition, they can also monitor your grades, offer resources, understand school policies, switch degrees and adjust to the new college curriculum.
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4. Library
You learn that librarians are heroes and the library is a haven when you start college. Libraries have all the databases, books, study material and archival material that will allow you to succeed in your classes. Libraries provide an excellent place for studying alone, or you can rent out rooms for groups. If you need guidance, librarians offer workshops to teach you how to navigate databases, request books from other libraries, write within proper format and source correctly. Libraries usually have Writing Centers as well. A Writing Center will instruct you on structuring outlines, researching, writing essays and proofreading your work.
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5. Health Services
Health Services help you stay in the best physical shape. They offer discounted health services, flu shots and advice on how to take care of your body. In addition, they can help you take care of your mental health. They often offer free counseling, information on coping strategies, referrals to professionals, and a crisis center phone line for emergencies. College can be a jarring change, so health services are there to make sure you have a strong wellness foundation.
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6. Career Services
Are you looking for a job or internship? If the answer is yes, then you'll want to check out your Career Services Center. Career Services offer career and internship opportunities. They will also help you write resumes and cover letters, and help prep you for interviews. You can always stop by the office to see if they've posted new jobs!
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7. Office of Special Services
The Office of Special Services is essential if you have a disability. They offer accommodations and work with your professors to help you excel in your classes. It's worth noting that they usually help students when they need to miss school for significant periods. For example, if you have to miss class due to health or personal reasons, they can send somebody to your classes to take notes and keep you updated on learning material. The Office of Special Services always keeps your information confidential, so don't be nervous to stop by.
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Feeling a little anxious about starting college? Check out THESE seven helpful tips to learn how to cope with pre-college stress.