Colleges are so much more than just classrooms and dorm rooms. Most colleges offer a wide range of support offices and opportunities that serve all students and are included in your tuition. Here are some ways you can get the most out of your college campus.

Programs Geared Toward First-Generation and/or Low-Income Students

TRIO

The Federal TRIO Programs are educational opportunity outreach programs designed to motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. TRIO support programs are targeted to serve and assist low-income, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities. You may be familiar with Upward Bound. Upward Bound is a TRIO program at the high school level, and Student Support Services is the TRIO program at the college/university level.

The Student Support Services (SSS) program provides opportunities for academic development, assists students with basic college requirements, and serves to motivate students toward the successful completion of their college education. The goal of SSS is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants and help students make the transition from one level of higher education to the next. Be sure to ask if your school has a TRIO Student Support Services program!

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Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

While not offered in every university, EOP or similar programs, provide assistance through mentorship, academic programs, financial assistance, counseling/advising, and other campus support services to those who are first-generation college students, and/or from low-income and educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. EOP is most often found in universities in New York & California, but research to see if your university offers the program or a similar program, and the requirements to join.

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Writing Center

You will have to write a lot of papers over the course of your time at school. Writing Centers are an excellent resource for getting that extra help to make your C paper into an A. They are run by students who have a passion for writing and want to help you and your paper excel. Make sure to find out where your campus writing center is and what their protocol is for getting help throughout the semester.

Counseling Center

Being a college student, while enjoyable, comes with a lot of responsibility and stress, academically and non-academically. You don’t need to hold it all in. Professionals at your campus’ counseling center are available to listen and help you feel better mentally. Your school wants you to remain healthy, both mentally and physically, so take advantage of this resource as needed.

Fitness Facility

Worried about gaining the Freshman 15? Your school gym is a great place to frequently visit throughout the school year not only to stay in shape, but exercise is a great way to blow off that extra stress. Look for classes or sports leagues you can join too. Not only will you be working out in a fun way, you might also find some new friends along the way!

Tutoring

Many campuses have tutoring centers run by students who are experts in particular subjects. Appointments can be one-on-one or in small group sessions. Much like the writing center, this valuable resource can help bump your grades to A’s, and should be used whenever subject matter is unclear to you.

Library

There is no better place to get comfortable with than the library. Not only will they have the resources you need for your classes, it is also a great place to find some peace and quiet during some much needed study time. Many schools have private areas for individual or group study sessions. During finals, many schools will even keep their libraries open 24 hours a day.

Academic Advising

Whether you’re assigned to an academic advisor, or not, there will be an area on campus where you will be able to speak with an advisor about your classes, and answering questions like: how can I fit studying abroad into my schedule? Can I double major? What if I want to switch my major? What classes do I need to take if I want to be pre-med, and more. Advisors are an invaluable source in ensuring that you are on track to graduate, so be sure to try and identify a potential academic advisor sooner rather than later.

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Professor’s Office Hours

It is important to not fall behind if things get tough. Make sure to ask for help as soon as you're feeling overwhelmed or confused on a subject. All professors will have office hours each week where you can schedule a meeting and ask questions. Office hours are not only an opportunity to gain clarity on a subject, but to get to know your professor and vice versa. This will come handy in the future if, for example, you ever need a letter of recommendation.

Identity-based Centers, Student Organizations, & Greek Life

Universities offer a plethora of services and resources for students based on their identities, such as the LGBTQ+ center, women’s center, faith-based centers, multicultural centers, as well as student-based student organizations, and sororities and fraternities through greek life. Start thinking about ways that you’d like to get involved on campus. Getting involved on campus allows you to be a part of the campus community and meet people with similar interests as you! Keep in mind, getting involved isn’t limited to only students who stay on campus.

Tip: Ask your mentor what they were/are involved with in college?

Use this worksheet to help keep track of all the services offered at your campus.

Worksheet