College Resources 101
You’re in! Now what?
Whether you’ve already accepted an offer, or are still weighing up your options, this is a great time to look at the many resources available on college campuses. They vary greatly from college to college, but if you know what’s out there, you will know what to look for, helping you make the most of your college experience.
Social Resources
International Students
The UK and many universities across Europe are well prepared to host large numbers of international students. Be sure to check for resources designed to ease the transition to a new country and provide assistance once settled.
In the U.S., look for an Office of International Student Services (OISS) and International Centers on campus. Find out if there are welcome events and programs for new international students.
Free language classes may also be provided for non-native English speakers.
Cultural & Religious Centers
There are often a variety of cultural centers on campus. They can be a great way to meet others with a similar cultural identity or explore new ones. Many cultural centers can be welcoming places, providing food and a place to relax and gather.
Check for religious centers and places of worship on or near campus to facilitate your needs and interests.
Organizations & Societies
Cultural centers can also include affiliated organizations, such as political and social action groups, as well as fraternities and sororities.
Look for groups on campus that you identify with or support, such as LGBTQ+ Centers, Women’s Centers, and First Gen facilities and resources. These can help you feel your campus is a safe and welcoming place.
Health Resources
Physical & Mental Health
Every student will visit the Student Health Center at some point over their college years, but find out what services they cover, such as COVID testing and vaccinations. Students with specific health concerns may find they need to set up additional appointments with local specialists.
Research what mental health counselling services are available and how many sessions are free. This will vary widely between campuses. Wellness coaching may also be available, which can teach students healthy living and sleep habits.
Health Insurance
Most countries require students to have some health insurance.
In the UK, paying into the National Health Services is a requirement to receive health services. It is very affordable compared to the US, approximately 470 UK pounds per year.
U.S. colleges also require students to have health insurance and often offer their own insurance options. Domestic students may find remaining on their parent’s plan more affordable, so might need to opt out of the college insurance. Low income students may be eligible for state Medicare or a health insurance scholarship.
Disability Services
Whether a student arrives on campus with an ADHD diagnosis or breaks a leg once there, students may find themselves in need of accommodations while at college.
Some common accommodations available to qualifying students include, note-takers, assistive listening devices, text-to-speech software, additional time on tests or to get to class, and a quiet room for exams.
An application with supporting documentation is usually a prerequisite, so speak with Disability Services to find out what is needed and apply ASAP.
Academic Resources
Advising
The level of advising can vary hugely from college to college. Find out if you would get a dedicated advisor to help you select courses and to make sure you stay on track to graduate in four years. Program-specific advising may also be available to assist with degree and career planning. Pre-health & pre-law advising is a must for budding doctors and lawyers.
Building a relationship with faculty is important, not just for help with assignments, but also for recommendations for jobs and grad school. Plan to take advantage of professor office hours, where students can drop by to ask questions or even just chat. Sound creepy? Don’t be put off! Professors are very receptive to students reaching out and it’s actually a positive that they know your name.
Tutoring
You may feel you don’t need it now, but lots of academically strong students benefit from some tutoring over the course of their degree. They can be class-specific or general, group or 1:1.
Writing centers can provide valuable essay and report reviews for free. Resumes and cover letters can also be included, and there may be assistance for analytical and statistical research too.
Libraries & IT Centers
Are you a night owl and need access to a library 24-7? You may just need somewhere quiet to tune out the noise of your roommate for a while. Some libraries also have access to media production labs and data services, alongside the usual textbook banks and printing services. Librarians are a too often overlooked resource for research assistance. It’s their job to find information, so let them help you.
IT centers can not only repair your laptop, but may offer student pricing for laptops/tablets and even free software, like Adobe suite and MS Office. If your laptop crashes during the semester, ask if loaners are available. It’s amazing what you can get if you only ask.
Study Abroad & Research
Study abroad services can be centrally located but there may also be program-specific resources available. They can advise on scheduling the opportunity that makes the most sense with your studies. Internships abroad may also be available, and ask about help with student travel insurance and study abroad financial aid. You want to make sure that your financial aid will travel with with you and there may also be study abroad specific scholarships to explore.
Some colleges have an office or program dedicated to undergraduate research. Search for your college name and undergraduate research to find out how easy it would be to get involved in research project.
Facilities
Explore college webpages to see what options are available on campus, such as high tech labs, makerspaces, music & art studios, trading rooms, planetariums, performing arts spaces, museums, and art galleries.
Some campuses are home to botanical gardens and even small zoos. Others have working farms or hospitals on site for student involvement. A few even have student-run airports.
Take a look at what athletic facilities are reserved for college athletes and what are open for all. Check if tickets for college games are free for all students, given out via lottery, or require pre-paid season tickets.
Career Resources
Careers Centers & Fairs
Find the careers center and use it early. They are invaluable for finding interesting summer internships and help with longer term career planning too. Careers centers have resources to help you explore your interests and find the right fit career. Careers centers often provide resume and cover letter workshops, as well as interview and networking practice. They will also help you evaluate and negotiate offers.
College fairs - both general and departmental - bring company recruiters to you and can be a great way to get on the spot interviews and internships. Job boards like Handshake are another place to look at who is hiring and find co-ops.
No jacket? No problem! Some colleges have Clothes Closets for students to borrow interview clothes.
Alumni Networks
So often it’s not what you know, but who you know. Some colleges have extensive alumni networks and platforms to help you connect with them. They may also be available through departmental or program resources, and can offer career advice and enable you to build valuable connections.
Financial Aid & Legal Resources
Financial Aid Office & Budgeting
Many are familiar with this resources but they are the go to if your financial situation changes or you have any questions about financing. They can also provide emergency funds for unexpected expenditures or if there is a delay with funding transfers.
As it is the first time many students have had to manage their money over an extended period of time, colleges may also offer workshops on budgeting and financial literacy.
Housing & Student Legal Services
Finding accommodation off campus can be daunting, and many colleges provide assistance and advice to help students navigate that process.
Student Legal Services can be invaluable for help with leases and dealing with landlords.
Food Security & Transportation
Many colleges provide on campus food cupboards/pantries to provide equitable access to food. These can be essential for students experiencing food insecurity and also when colleges are located in food deserts. Having access to fresh and healthier produce is extremely helpful for student wellbeing when access is limited. Free cleaning, cooking, and personal care items may also be available.
Free shuttle buses often run around large campuses and there may also be free local bus passes provided to access nearby towns and cities. Campus police or the transportation department may also sell cut price bikes from their stock of bicycles left unclaimed each year.
Thank you to Christopher Seger & Shaz Talukder from College Possible for sharing their valuable insight into campus resources at the Feb 2022 CollegePoint Symposium.
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