Seeking Support in School: You’re Not in This Alone!
College life is fun and new and exciting, but sometimes it can also be scary and overwhelming. For many students, moving away from home and living with new people for the first time can be challenging, especially when you add schoolwork and deadlines into the mix. However, there is good news: colleges and universities have so many different resources available to help students transition to college life and to provide support in different areas. .
Student Resources
Some of the different resources students may have access to through their school include:
Academic Advisors
Typically, most schools will assign students an academic advisor upon enrollment. This is usually a professor or someone working within the university who could help guide you with your degree track, registration, and any other academic questions. If you’re looking for academic support, your advisor is a great resource to turn to.
Resident Assistants (RAs)
For anyone living in campus housing, RAs will be a fantastic source of support and guidance. RAs live and work in the dorms for the housing department. They are responsible for overseeing residents within the dorms, settling roommate conflicts, conveying safety information, and engaging the residential community. If students are looking for guidance or support with any issues, such as living arrangements, social situations, or adjusting to college life in general, RAs are a great place to start.
Mentors
As students begin to take classes and network within the university, there will be many opportunities to connect with professors and other contacts within their field of interest. Mentors may be a great resource for students to ask both academic and professional questions as they pursue their studies and begin to think critically about their future professional career.
The Career Center
Whether you’re looking for help with declaring a major, searching for internships, resume building, or anything in between, the Career Center is where you want to be. If you are having any doubts or issues relating to your future or your career, the Career Center could help you in so many ways – and if they can’t help, they may be able to connect you with someone who can.
Health Services
Feeling sick is always a challenge, but feeling sick away from home is another challenge entirely. Most campuses will have some kind of medical center or health services department that you could visit when you’re feeling under the weather or need medical attention.
Counseling Services
With so many massive changes happening all at once, it is crucial to be aware of your mental health as a college student. Most schools have mental health and counseling centers that could provide support to students, and many schools also have crisis hotlines that students may use in times of distress.
Family
Don’t forget to pick up the phone and call home - just because you’re living away from home doesn’t mean your family isn’t there for you! Don’t forget that if you’re feeling sad, overwhelmed, stressed, or just homesick, a quick phone call or FaceTime could be a great pick-me-up and provide you with safe and comforting support.
The Bottom Line
It’s important to note that every school is different, so some of these services may have different names, and some of them may not be offered at certain institutions. You can always check your school’s website or ask someone on campus to learn more about the services your specific college offers. Ultimately, the most important thing to remember is that you’re never alone or unsupported during your time as a university student. If you’re ever looking for guidance, don’t be afraid to seek out these resources and get support – it could make all the difference in your college experience.
