Resources to help you reach your educational and career goals are available on most college campuses.

Here are several campus resources to know about and find early in your college tenure. You may not need them right away; some you may not need at all. However, you will likely find several to be vital to your success. Become familiar with your options. Know where to find the services. Find the appropriate contact information and be prepared to access these resources for help.

Academic Advising

Most colleges and universities assign an academic adviser to each student. The adviser may be associated with your major. There may also be an office or department that provides advising. Call upon your adviser or the advising office if you have an issue with your adviser or you need other help.

Tutoring and Writing Centers

Tutoring and writing centers are established for all students, and seeking help from them is expected and to your advantage. Such services are covered by your tuition costs, and they can richly enhance performance in any area of your studies. Know where to find these centers and how to schedule appointments.

Other Academic Support Facilities

Your college may also offer academic support in various other forms: for example, computer labs with trained assistants, tutors, mentors, peer advisers, and more. You can research what kinds of special support are available and be ready to take advantage of them.

Library Reference Desk

College libraries are staffed with professionals whose main function is to assist you and the college community in finding needed resources. Don’t hesitate to find the reference desk and get to know the reference librarians. Invariably, you will learn about valuable resources—many of them online—that you didn’t know existed. Reference librarians are also educators, and they’re there to help you.

Campus Health Center

In the event that you need any health services whatsoever, the campus health center can be your first destination. Stop into the center and learn about the services offered, the hours of operation, emergency provisions, and routine health services available.

Campus Counseling

Counseling is an essential service that colleges and universities invariably provide. Services can ranges from life-saving care to assistance with minor concerns. Life stressors, such as deaths and divorces in the family, issues with friends, substance abuse, and suicide are just a few of the many issues that college students may experience or witness others struggling with. Don’t take matters into your own hands. Get help! The counseling center can help you and support you in gaining solid footing during difficult times. Don’t hesitate to take full advantage of the services and help they offer.

Career Services

One of the most important purposes of college is to prepare students for a career. All colleges and universities have a career office that can assist you with many critical aspects of finding a suitable career. It may also help you find a campus job or review options for your major, help you get an internship, draft your résumé, and practice interview skills. Visiting the career office is a must for every student, and it’s worth doing early and often (rather than waiting until you’re about to graduate).

Spiritual Life

Most college campuses have interfaith facilities to meet the spiritual-life needs of the entire college community. You may find these facilities to be a refuge in special moments of need or resources for your ongoing involvement. A healthy spiritual life can bring greater balance to your student life.

Financial Aid Office

Many students apply for and receive financial aid to pay for their education. The financial aid office is a good place to get all your questions about financial aid answered. There are people working there who are dedicated to helping you with your financial aid questions, and finding you additional information as needed.

Disabilities Office

The disabilities office may vary from campus to campus regarding what specific services they offer to students. Your campus should have information available to you regarding who you can contact for disabilities support and accommodations requests. If you’re not sure where to start, you can visit your school’s website for more information or get in contact with your advisor or other student support services so they can connect you with the right resources.

Multicultural Resource Center

Every multicultural resource center is different, but all support the success of students of different cultures during their time in school. Your multicultural center might provide a quiet study space, a space to socialize with other students, guidance for navigating campus policies and systems, academic support, leadership development, or a place that encourages exploring issues of race, ethnicity, and culture.

Campus Housing Office

If you are a residential student, you may need to access resources through your campus housing office, whether it’s regarding housing placement, payment, or other housing-related concerns.

Additional support centers include offices for student organizations, athletics, continuing education, international students, child care, and many others. Refer to your college website or other college directory for information about the many, many services that can be part of your college experience.

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