College Support Services
Get Help Meeting College Demands
Like many other students, you may be on your own for the first time when you go to college. Colleges know this and offer campus services like these to help you succeed.
Academic Assistance
Take advantage of the academic resources your college offers to help you in your studies. Try these strategies:
- Meet with your professors during office hours to ask any questions you have about assignments and course topics.
- If you have a problem with a professor, speak with the chair of the department or with a dean.
- Get help with basic composition techniques in the writing center.
- Find out if tutors and guided study groups are available through the campus learning center or a particular department.
- Join or start study groups with other students in your courses for informal support.
Academic Advising
You’ll probably be assigned to an academic adviser who will help you choose your classes and — eventually — your major. Your adviser provides information on the academic requirements for completing your degree. Some academic advisers specialize in specific fields of study, such as biology, while others work with certain groups of students, such as athletes.
Residential Services
Dorms and other campus housing options usually have resident advisers (RAs) who can talk to you about issues not related to your classes. RAs are often upperclassmen. If necessary, your RA can direct you to other campus services that can provide more-specialized assistance.
Also, many colleges have living-learning programs which let you live with others who have similar interests, interact with faculty outside of the classroom, and broaden your involvement in academic, social and leadership activities.
Commuter Services
Your college may have services for commuters — students who don’t live on campus. These include student lounges, services to help commuting students find off-campus housing, commuter parking and clubs for older adult students.
Counseling
Transitioning to a college environment is challenging for most students. If you're having a tough time coping with stress, pressures from home, or problems in relationships, mental health counselors are a great resource. They can also help if you feel isolated or depressed, or have other personal issues that you want to work through.
Colleges generally offer free and confidential counseling for a set number of sessions or semesters. If you have continued counseling needs, they can refer you to off-campus counselors and psychologists.
Health Centers
The doctors and nurses at college health centers provide confidential medical services and education. Services include treatment of illness and injury, immunizations, and diagnostic testing. Counseling and health centers work together with the goal of maintaining students' overall wellness.
Religious Centers
Most colleges have clergy members with whom you can talk, as well as religious organizations that hold services and sponsor activities.
Financial Aid Office
The financial aid office can explain your financing and loan options. Financial aid forms can be daunting, but college financial aid officers know all the options and can introduce you to strategies you may not have previously considered. This is the place to go if you have questions about the federal work-study program, which offers certain students the chance to have a part-time job as part of their financial aid package.
Information Technology Support
As a college student, you’ll rely heavily on computers, Wi-Fi and other educational technologies. There are staff members available to help you with your Internet connection and network access to keep you online and on track.
