12 Helpful Campus Resources Adult Undergraduates Need to Know About
Attending class at a physical campus opens up a lot of opportunities to seek help. No matter what you might need, there’s someone on campus ready and able to help. Campus resources make it easier to get that degree. Check out our list of the top 12 campus resources.
1. Writing Center
No matter what you’ve decided to major in, you’ll be required to write. For those who aren’t strong writers, the writing center is there to help. They’ll be able to assist with anything from writer’s block to proofreading to creating an outline. The writing center is the place to explore the differences between creative essays, critiques, and research papers and to make sure you’re creating something great.
Most college students will finish their degree with a thesis or capstone research project that involves a lot of writing. If you struggle with motivation or knowing how to complete such a lengthy project, the advisors at the writing center can help you to break it down into smaller steps. You might even be able to set up an appointment with them to meet once a week or once every two weeks to check on your progress.
2. Tutoring
During your college career, you’ll find that some classes are a breeze while others might not be so easy. Whether it’s the material or how the material is presented, some classes may be more difficult than others. Instead of struggling over a difficult class, consider seeking the help of a tutor.
Find out if your campus offers tutoring in the subject, or look for tutoring classes that help with test-taking or reading complicated material in general. Some tutoring will be offered as one-on-one while others might be done in group sessions. Before hiring a tutor and paying out-of-pocket, make sure you know what resources are available to you for free.
3. Career Services
The career services department is all about helping you find a job after you graduate. Most campus career services departments help students write resumes, learn interview skills, write cover letters, and discover potential jobs and job markets that fit your skills and knowledge. Career services might also help you find and apply for internships before you graduate.
4. Financial Aid
The financial department can help you to find financial aid that you’re eligible for and manage the financial aid that you already have. Financial aid might include grants, scholarships, and loans.
5. Advisors
Your college advisors play a major role in the decisions that you make in college. Advisors are trained to help you achieve your goals and graduate from college. There’s no reason that you should go through college alone. Academic advisors aren’t your only advisor in college.
Many students also find that their professors are fantastic advisors when figuring out the ins and outs of college. One easy way to get to know your professors is through their office hours. Office hours are a great time to ask for advice from professors on problems that you’re having in their class or even about other academic problems you might be facing.
6. Library
The library isn’t just for checking out books on a college campus. Libraries have begun to modernize offering a lot of online resources for research, so you can do your research without ever stepping into the library. Many libraries also offer physical spaces for students to study individually or in groups and classes in how to complete research.
7. Dining Services
If you’re living on campus, dining services are essential. If you have to eat meals there three times a day, it’s important that the meals are tasty. Depending on the size of your college, there might be multiple cafeterias or restaurants available. Some colleges offer you a meal plan for discounted food prices or you can use cash to pay for meals.
Good tasting, healthy meals are an important part of staying focused and productive while studying. Hard work and stress can take a toll on your body and eating healthy foods and balanced meals can keep you from getting sick.
8. Recreational Services
Going to the gym isn’t always high priority for college students, but many campuses offer students free or affordable access to high-quality facilities. Some college gyms have will have training centers that are reserved for student athletes at certain times of the year. They may also offer group classes. Physical activity is a great stress relief, so don’t hesitate to take advantage of this resource on your campus.
9. Child Care Services
Not every campus offers this resources, but for parents who are going back to school, it’s invaluable. If you need child care, be sure to ask if your college offers any on campus child care, or if they offer a subsidy for student parents to enroll their child at a nearby child care center while they attend classes. This is a newer resource at many campuses, but it’s one that’s very important.
10. Adult Cohorts
It’s becoming more common for adults and parents to go back to school, but some still feel out of place on campus. One of the most important aspects of college success is to get involved, to feel like you belong. Each campus has numerous student organizations, including some focused on adult students or students who are going back to school later in life. Make sure to seek out student groups that interest you, and start to get involved however you can.
11. Health Services
Everyone gets overwhelmed sometimes. To combat this stress, many colleges offer free or discounted counseling for students.
Many colleges also offer crisis centers or hotlines to help students who are suicidal or have been sexually assaulted. These hotlines are confidential and run by people trained to help in crisis situations.Many colleges offer free or discounted health services for students who get sick or need annual visits during their time on campus. Whether you’re struggling with mental or physical problems, make sure to find out what services are offered to students at your college.
12. Information Technology Department
Some colleges offer technical assistance for students’ IT woes. If your computer stops working, crashes, or you need training, don’t hesitate to reach out to the IT department of your school and ask if they provide help to students.
Campus resources are designed to make college easier, but that’s only the case if you take advantage of them. Remember, every student needs help at some point. Taking advantage of these resources doesn’t mean that you’re failing at college, it means that you know how to take advantage of the resources. Use all of the resources you need and go get that degree!
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