College campuses offer all kinds of free resources and services for students. From academic and career support services to health and counseling centers, your campus likely has a resource for anything you need.
This post will list some of the campus resources you should take advantage of throughout your time at college. In addition, if you’re a rising college student or parent, these on-campus resources are something to inquire about when applying for schools.
Academic Resources
1. Faculty and Staff
Although it seems obvious, few people take full advantage of one of the most useful academic resources: faculty and staff. Professors have email, office hours, and a syllabus. If you have questions about your course, an assignment, or anything else class-related, you can check your syllabus, email your professor, or visit their office hours.
2. Peer Tutoring
Most campuses have a tutoring center where students can get help in various subjects. In addition to peer tutoring, your school may also provide professional tutoring services. Working with a tutor weekly can significantly improve your performance in a class, so ask your professors or TA if they have any suggestions.
3. Writing Center
The writing center helps with organizing and editing your papers. Come with a rough or final draft; they’ll be happy to help! You can bring your projects, presentations, essays, research papers, and more to have them peer-reviewed.
A second set of eyes can earn points on an assignment, especially from a trained student.
4. Academic Advisors
Academic advisors help with planning your courses throughout college. They help you determine which classes you need to take, which major best suits you, and how you can stay on track to graduate. They help you make informed decisions regarding your academic plan. You should do independent research as well.
You may be assigned an academic advisor at the start of your first year. At some universities, you may work with the same one every semester, but at others, you may not have an assigned advisor. If you’re not assigned an advisor, make sure to check where to reach out and how to contact them.
Some universities make it mandatory to visit with your advisor at least once a semester, so be sure to know if that’s your case.
5. Campus Library
The campus library and its librarians can help you find resources for your assignments, whether physical or online. For example, they can teach you about a helpful database or point you in the direction of some books that will help you complete your assignments. Librarians can also inform you about the necessary steps in the research process.
The library is also a great study space. There are usually group work and quiet areas. You can study with others or complete projects in the group areas, while you can go to the quiet room to focus and work independently.
Other Resources
6. Health Center
The campus health center typically offers medical and mental health services and general wellness advice. The health center is a place to visit if you’re sick, feeling stressed or anxious, or need medical-related assistance (physical or psychological).
7. Disability Services
The disability services center supports students with physical, learning, cognitive, or other types of disabilities and helps them get the accommodations they need. Some accommodations offered are note-taking, sign language interpreters, test-taking accommodations (such as extended time or alternative formats), special parking spaces, and more.
Students needing these services should head to the disability services center before the start of the semester to register and develop a plan with a representative.
8. Career Center
The career services center does far more than help university students find jobs. It’s a place where students can get help with resumes and cover letters, interview skills, job searches, job applications, and more. They can also help you discover your talent and connect you to internships and on- and off-campus jobs.
Also, career centers often host free job fairs and networking events. Many students find jobs and build essential connections at these types of events. We recommend visiting your career center early in college to get a head start on your professional development.
9. Financial Aid Office
The financial aid office is a resource for exploring ways to pay for college, discovering scholarships, and getting information about deadlines and forms. This office is useful for both parents and students.
10. IT Support Department
The IT support department can assist students with any technical issues or questions. For example, they can help you download necessary software on your computer or teach you how to use a program. If you have any technology-related doubts, chances are your campus’s IT department can help you solve them.
Wrapping Up
Colleges are full of campus resources for college students and parents. They are usually free, so use them to make your college career much smoother.
