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College can be overwhelming. You’re suddenly in charge of taking care of yourself, managing your studies, and figuring out a career path. But don’t worry—most colleges offer vital on-campus services designed to help you be healthy, resilient, and successful. 

The best part about college resources: They’re usually available for free or at a low cost. Of course, a gym membership, counseling, and other resources are not literally free; their costs are covered by your tuition and other required fees. If you don’t use them, you’re not getting your money’s worth. And if you wait until after you’ve graduated to learn yoga or get professional help for your anxiety, it will likely be costly.

Not sure what services your school offers? Here’s how to check

The availability of resources at any given school depends on various factors. Here’s how to learn what’s available on your campus:

  • Scour the school website.
  • Attend school events or read campus publications. 
  • Consider opportunities to work with campus resource centers.
  • Take a look at the orientation resources you received when you started college (e.g., Class of 2024 Facebook page).
  • Take advantage of recommendations by professors and advisors about key resources.
  • Talk to classmates about what they use.

Note: Campus services vary by school and some may involve a fee; check with your campus departments to learn more.

Campus “freebies” that can make your life easier

Tutoring, office hours, and study support

  • Office hours provide one-on-one time with faculty/instructors or teaching assistants  to ask questions or get help clarifying assignments.
  • Study centers can help with time management, overcoming procrastination, note taking, effective reading, exam prep, etc.
  • Many study centers provide workshops and specialized tutoring for different subjects.
  • Writing centers help students build college-level writing skills.

“The tutoring center has helped me more than words can describe. I finally understand the work I’m doing, plus it’s free! I went from being an average student to being above average and helping other kids in my classes.”
—Fifth-year student, University of New Mexico

Academic advising

  • Guidance around what classes to take and when; this helps students complete their program faster and in the most appropriate sequence.
  • Opportunities relating to degree goals (e.g., internships and conferences)
  • Support with personal goals relating to career, interests, and/or advanced degrees
  • Tip: Visit your academic advisor often to make sure you stay on track for your intended graduation date.

“Academic advisors are there to help you choose classes. It’s part of their job: don’t be afraid to communicate with them. They can save you time, money, and stress.”
—Austin D., fourth-year graduate student, Texas A&M, Galveston

Recreational and fitness resources

  • Access to a gym, weight room, track, pool, etc.
  • Fitness classes, intramurals, personal training, and club sports 
  • Consultation with a nutritionist or fitness director

“The rec center is a great way to blow off steam.”
—Bailey B., first-year graduate student, Portland State University

Library services

  • Books, articles, and journals, including hard copies and electronic resources
  • Research assistance (e.g., finding resources, navigating databases, requesting articles)
  • IT stations, including free software access (e.g., Microsoft Office)
  • Private or group study spaces
  • Loans or rentals of textbooks, laptops, and other materials 
  • Specialized research resources for needs relating to disability services and other programs
  • Printing, photocopying, and scanning services

“Our librarians help find articles on research topics. My classmates and I have utilized this resource because we were writing a systematic review and our librarian helped us make sure we had done an exhaustive search.”
—Bethany F., second-year graduate student, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston

Disability, injury, and illness accommodations and services

  • Works towards equitable support services for students with physical, psychiatric, or developmental disabilities and illness (e.g., academic and living accommodations)
  • Core services include: 
    • learning plan development 
    • exam accommodations 
    • assistive technologies 
    • resources in alternate formats (e.g., braille)
    • finding funding support
    • general advising
    • personalized support staff
  • Transportation assistance for students with limited mobility

“It changed everything. I finally felt like I was on an even playing field with my peers and didn’t have to stress that my condition was setting me back anymore.”
—Fourth-year undergraduate, Stanford University, California

Counseling

  • Counseling/therapy services, confidential for those ages 18+ (below that age, inquire about confidentiality law and policy)
  • Group counseling, emergency psychological services, and wellness programming
  • Support for issues such as life transitions and navigating college
  • Support for: 
    • stress and anxiety 
    • depression
    • identity 
    • anger management 
    • body image and disordered eating
    • family and/or relationship issues
    • motivation
    • substance use or dependency 
    • abuse
    • suicidal thoughts
  • Emergency phone line and/or on-call staff for after-business hours and on weekends

“I went through an incredibly difficult family emergency while in a very demanding program. Counseling helped me understand and work through the emergency and also provided support when I struggled academically, allowing me to carry on.”
—Second-year undergraduate, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario

Health services

  • Consultations and treatment for injury, illness, and health 
  • Preventive health services, including vaccinations (COVID-19, flu shots, HPV, travel vaccines, and more)
  • Help quitting tobacco, moderating alcohol use, recovery support, and other substance use services
  • Specialist health services, including STI and pregnancy testing, and birth control (many Health Services departments offer free condoms)
  • Care for chronic allergies, illnesses (e.g., diabetes), and other conditions, including administering injections
  • Health care providers may include physicians, nurses, psychologists, and specialists (e.g., psychiatrists)
  • Appointments are often free; tests and medications may have fees
  • Many schools offer student health insurance and/or accept other health insurance
  • Urgent care centers (cost will vary based on need and insurance)

“I used the counseling and health services when I did not have health insurance and it was a fantastic experience. The Wellness Center is an amazing resource for students. It was crucial for me when I didn’t have insurance and needed medical care.”
—Kelly S., fourth-year undergraduate, University of California, Riverside

Career services

  • Help finding internships, summer jobs, and co-op opportunities; application information
  • Guidance on making the most of your work experiences
  • Résumé and cover letter review and workshops
  • Assessment of career interests, options, and strategy
  • Networking assistance, including connections with alumni
  • Assistance with pursuing further education (e.g., graduate school)
  • Recruitment, job postings, and career fairs
  • Mock interviews

“Career services offers mock interviews which is so helpful since interviewing is tough! But they give great feedback. They also can help you build a really strong resume.”
—Kristen S., fifth-year undergraduate, Utah State University, Logan

Resident assistants (RAs) and peer mentoring

  • RAs provide support for challenges relating to transitions and college life, including conflict resolution strategies and problem-solving advice.
  • Formal peer-mentoring programs can provide regular, structured check-ins.
  • Informal mentoring by mutual agreement.
  • Mentorship fosters connections to peers and alumni.

“RAs are incredibly important and useful. They’re the first person I go to with basically any question, and because they are older students, they can answer any question that you can come up with.”
—Fifth-year undergraduate, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks

Financial aid office

  • Information on grants and scholarships
  • Student loan information, counseling, and advocacy
  • Personal finance consultations for budgeting strategies

“Finance services can help you get a jump on financial opportunities on and around campus, such as work-study, job openings, and budgeting.”
—Fourth-year undergraduate student, Clemson University, South Carolina

Support for cultural and social communities

  • International student services assist with cultural transitions and other issues.
  • Cultural groups or alliances host events and provide space for people who share identities related to their race or ethnicity.
  • Chaplaincy and other religious and spiritual services offer community and worship, often in a multi-faith environment.
  • Gender equity services and women’s centers provide community and support with issues relating to discrimination.
  • Special benefits/scholarships are available for veterans via the Veteran Affairs Office or equivalent.

“The gender equity center changed my perspective, provided support and education, and allowed me to connect with the campus community.”
—Fourth-year undergraduate, Boise State University, Idaho

Title IX services

  • Confidential resources and support relating to violations of nondiscrimination laws and policies, including sexual assault, coercion, and harassment, and exclusion of transgender students from opportunities and facilities
  • Investigates cases of alleged misconduct and applies appropriate remedies
  • Provides advocacy and training related to discrimination and violence
  • Offers housing assistance, academic support, counseling, disability services, health and mental health services, and legal assistance
  • Promotes a nondiscriminatory educational, living, and working environment

“One girl was harassing and bullying me. The police took the situation very seriously and took me to meet with the dean. I received a no-contact order with that student and have yet to hear from her since.”
—Second-year undergraduate, Indiana University Southeast, New Albany


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Article sources

Burress, H. (2015, January 19). What factors affect the cost of a personal trainer? AngiesList.com. https://www.angieslist.com/articles/what-factors-affect-cost-personal-trainer.htm

Georgia State University. (2021). Nutrition consultations. http://recreation.gsu.edu/fitness/fitness-center/nutrition-consultations/

Hobart and William Smith Colleges. (n.d.). Treatment providers in the community. http://www.hws.edu/studentlife/pdf/psychotherapists_community.pdf

Hobart and William Smith Colleges. (2021). Options after an experience of sexual misconduct. https://www2.hws.edu/title-ix/options-after-an-experience-of-sexual-misconduct/

Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. (2015, May 5). Primary care visits available to most uninsured but at high price. http://www.jhsph.edu/news/news-releases/2015/primary-care-visits-available-to-most-uninsured-but-at-a-high-price.html

Marquit, Miranda. (2021, April 16). What is a financial plan? How to build one for your goals. Bankrate. https://www.bankrate.com/banking/what-is-a-financial-plan/ 

Miedaner, Talane. Lifecoach.com. (n.d.). Frequently asked questions. Lifecoach.com. http://www.lifecoach.com/coaching-faqs

NCSU Libraries. (n.d.). Technology Lending Guidelines. https://www.lib.ncsu.edu/borrow/techlending 

CampusWell surveys, August 2016, September 2016, November 2019

Sundberg, J. (n.d.). Is a career coach worth the money? UndercoverRecruiter.com. http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/career-coach-worth-money/

University of Lethbridge. (n.d.). U of L resources. http://www.uleth.ca/counselling/content/u-l-resources

The University of Maine. (n.d.). Financial resources for students. http://umaine.edu/sss/finances/

University of Washington. (n.d.). Finding help.. UW undergraduate advising.  https://www.washington.edu/uaa/advising/academic-support/finding-help/