At the cusp of beginning your college career, it’s an exciting time. Whether you are living at home or in the dorms, college offers social activities to help you meet other students, as well as opportunities to form study groups to help you achieve your academic goals. All college campuses offer some sort of campus life opportunities and a plethora of academic resources that many first-year college students may not be aware of.
See how you can get the most out of college – academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually – when learning more about the resources available.
FINANCIAL AID
One of the biggest stressors for college students is finding the financial assistance to enroll in classes. It doesn’t matter if you’re attending community college, a trade school or a four-year university, federal and state financial aid assistance is available to help defray the costs of college. Before you begin your college journey, meet with a financial aid advisor at your college. Some colleges also offer financial aid workshops to help you learn more about scholarship opportunities and grants.
The first thing a financial aid advisor will point out is the need to fill out the FAFSA, also known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You will need your income information, as well as your parent or guardian tax returns to fully complete this application. Once completed, FAFSA forwards the results to the financial aid office at your colleges of choice. Next, the financial aid will provide you with an offer. This offer may include grants that you do not have to pay back and loans that must be repaid.
When meeting with a financial aid advisor, you will also learn about how to apply for scholarships offered by the college and external organizations who provide financial assistance. The more you know about opportunities that help you pay for college, the more you can save and reduce the amount of loans you may need to take while getting your education.
ACADEMIC ADVISING
While it is possible to register for your classes online, it’s best to meet with an academic advisor each semester. These advisors at your college are well-versed in the courses you need to meet general education requirements and courses necessary to fulfill the requirements for your major or minor. One of the benefits of consulting with an academic advisor is that you can share your interests and hobbies with an individual pointing you toward electives that you may enjoy and that will fulfill your degree requirements.
For instance, you maybe majoring in Business, but have an interest in art. If you need a Humanities elective for your degree program, your academic advisor can point out classes in the art department that will apply toward your degree.
HEALTH SERVICES
At some point while attending college, you may come down with a cold, a sinus infection or even the flu. Most colleges have an on-site health clinic and a pharmacy available for medication. These health services are often included in the price of your tuition or cost very little to utilize. Especially if you live on campus, having a qualified doctor who can provide you with the health care you need is essential.
In addition, Health Services typically offer workshops and seminars on health-related issues, such as how to maintain a healthy diet, how to reduce stress and how to care for your body while in college. Gaining this type of information can help you to make informed decisions while focusing on your education and your health.
COUNSELING
It’s no secret that college can be overwhelming. If you are finding yourself slipping into a mental health crisis, every college has Counseling services available to help you navigate not only college but life. Counseling services focus more on just stress, depression and anxiety. These professionals often host workshops and seminars focused on how to manage your time as a college student and how to deal with stress in a healthy manner.
You can opt to have one-on-one sessions with the Counseling staff or join in group therapy sessions to learn about how others are coping with similar issues while in college.
TUTORING
General education requirements are designed to make you a well-rounded student and person. However, some college students struggle with certain subjects. Colleges are equipped to offer you the tutoring you need, a service that is included within your tuition costs. Departments, such as Math and English may host group tutoring sessions or you can request individualized tutoring through the Academic Center on your college campus.
The Writing Center, also classified as tutoring, is a valuable resource. In just about every class you take, you will be required to communicate through writing. The Writing Center staff can help you with how to brainstorm, develop and research for college papers. In addition, you can request help with grammar or punctuation issues you may struggle with on a regular basis.
Tutoring services also include help with communication and speeches. You can practice your speeches in front of a tutor and even request to have your speeches recorded and gain feedback from teaching assistants in the communications department. Honing your presentation skills will not only help you perform better in your classes but also your career field.
CAMPUS LIFE
It’s common to feel lonely when you are embarking on a new journey in unknown territory. Campus Life can help. Campus Life on each college campus is responsible for hosting activities that help students get involved and get to know each other. This office also can supply you with a list of clubs you can join and opportunities to get involved in student government.
Whether you want to get tickets for an athletic event, attend a theater production or learn more about concerts and events on campus, the Campus Life is the place to check first.
RECREATIONAL SERVICES
Staying active is the best way to keep your mind, body and soul in a healthy place. When you arrive at your new college, inquire about any recreational activities available. Most college campuses host a gym, running tracks, swimming pools and workout equipment you can use for free. In addition, you can also join intramural sports teams or learn a new sport, including tennis, rugby, track and more.
SPIRITUAL OUTLETS
Strengthen your faith by getting involved in spiritual clubs and religious organizations on campus. Most campuses offer a chapel for non-denominational services, as well as activities that help students bond with others who have the same faith. You can also learn more about other religions when seeking out spiritual outlets and organizations on campus.
DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES
If you had an IEP in high school or struggle with a learning disorder or physical disorder, by law, all college campuses offer you the support you need. Register right away with Disability Support Services and learn about the assistance programs available. These services may include having an aid take notes for you in class if needed or even recommendations to allow for more time when taking tests. Disability Support Services can also point out access points to buildings with wheelchair ramps and accessible bathrooms on campus.
CAREER SERVICES
As you enter your junior or senior year of college, it’s time to start thinking about your next step. That’s where Career Services comes in handy. All colleges offer career workshops that focus on how to write a cover letter, interview tips, resume tips and more. You can also arrange for a mock interview to practice your interviewing skills and seek out resources available to find workplace clothing.
Career Services specialists will meet with you one on one to help you plan out your career path. This service is also available for incoming college students who are in need of help determining a major or career path.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR EDUCATIONAL ENDEAVORS
You are not alone when seeking out resources you need to achieve your academic goals. In fact, the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation is here to help make any type of educational or career transition as smooth as possible for adults and children alike.
The Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation is available to assist with furthering involvement in educational endeavors and student success. The mission of the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation is to build foundations for the future by providing educational assistance to children and adults who are members of families with low to moderate incomes. Learn more about these opportunities at https://www.weinereducationfoundation.org/.