Saying that transitioning to college-level academics is challenging for many students is an understatement. Although campus resources can be incredibly helpful – and it’s important to use them – not every student is aware of what is available or how to make the most of them.

Current college students recommend three key campus resources that incoming freshmen should definitely utilize: the library, instructor office hours, and student life offices.

The Campus Library

Your college library might seem like an obvious resource, but its significance is often overlooked by students. Mallory Coakley, a senior, describes her university's Brandel Library as "extremely integral to my college success."

Her experience showcases the wide array of resources a library offers. Libraries aren't just quiet places for studying. For Coakley, her library "secures copies of the required textbooks for different courses, and those textbooks are kept in the reserves section so that students can check out their textbooks for in-library use for two hours."

This service has saved Coakley hundreds of dollars. However, she also advises asking professors if you will need a personal copy of the textbook for in-class activities.

Coakley's campus library offers online resources such as Gale eBooks and JSTOR. These tools assist her in writing research papers for both general education and major-specific courses.

An added benefit, she notes, is that relying primarily on online resources for her research papers means she doesn't have to carry around 15 books about early opera in her backpack.

When you first arrive on campus, make sure to visit your college library and ask for a comprehensive list of academic resources, which may also be available on your school's website.

Remember that some colleges have multiple libraries, including ones dedicated to specific subjects. For example, my alma mater, St. Lawrence University in New York, has three libraries: a general library, a music library, and a science library.

Regardless of your school's size, classrooms may not always provide deeply personalized learning experiences. Whether you are struggling with a particular concept or aiming to advance and expand your knowledge, one-on-one support can be very helpful.

One-on-one support varies by college, but sophomore Chase Friel and junior Brooklyn Seals highlight two common resources: office hours and student life offices.

Instructor Office Hours

Office hours are scheduled times when students can have one-on-one meetings with their instructors. These sessions not only help clarify course material but also enable students to build valuable connections with their professors.

Friel mentions that office hours improved her performance in her classes and taught her how to seek assistance effectively. She emphasizes that she made the most of office hours by consistently attending them, noting that students often miss out on available help by assuming they don't need it.

For me, one of my earliest instructors eventually became my adviser, graduate thesis reader, and friend. This relationship started by attending office hours.

Student Life Offices

Student Life Offices Support can also come from non-academic sources. Seals emphasizes the importance of one student life office at North Park: the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life (ODIL).

Seals describes ODIL as "a community built on trust and mutual respect." She notes that the office staff have "significantly enhanced the student experience for many North Parkers, including myself. Their deliberate efforts to raise awareness about issues impacting students of color are highly appreciated."

Seals mentions that the office serves as a trustworthy space for students, making it truly special.

Community is frequently undervalued as a key element in student success. However, as Seals suggests, trust, respect, and comfort are essential for college students to excel both academically and socially.

Before the fall semester starts, think about your specific needs and explore how these and other campus offices and resources can assist you. Seals advises incoming freshmen to "get involved and utilize them."

Conclusion

Transitioning to college life presents numerous challenges, but utilizing campus resources can significantly ease this process and enhance student success. Current students highlight three essential resources: the campus library, instructor office hours, and student life offices.

The library offers a wealth of resources, from reserved textbooks to online databases like Gale eBooks and JSTOR, which can save money and lighten physical burdens. Instructor office hours provide personalized academic support and foster valuable relationships with professors.

Additionally, student life offices, such as the Office of Diversity and Intercultural Life, create a supportive community, especially for students of color.

As you prepare for your college journey, identify your needs and actively engage with these resources. Embrace the opportunities they offer to not only thrive academically but also to build a fulfilling college experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are five frequently asked questions (FAQs) along with their answers about campus support for first-year college students:

What types of support services are available for first-year students on campus?

Most campuses offer a variety of support services, such as academic advising, tutoring centers, counseling services, career guidance, health services, and peer mentoring programs. These services are designed to help students navigate both academic and personal challenges during their transition to college life.

How can I find a suitable mentor or advisor to guide me through my first year?

Many colleges assign academic advisors to first-year students based on their major or academic interests. Advisors help students select courses, explore career options, and navigate university policies.

Additionally, peer mentoring programs pair first-year students with more experienced students who can provide guidance and support based on their own college experiences.

What resources are available for academic support if I'm struggling in my classes?

Most campuses have tutoring centers where students can receive free academic assistance in various subjects. These centers often offer drop-in sessions, group study sessions, and sometimes one-on-one tutoring.

Additionally, professors usually have office hours where students can seek clarification on course material or ask questions about assignments.

How can I manage stress and maintain my mental health during my first year of college?

Colleges typically offer counseling services that provide confidential support for students dealing with stress, anxiety, homesickness, or other mental health issues.

These services may include individual counseling, group therapy sessions, workshops on stress management, and crisis intervention if needed. It's important for students to prioritize self-care and utilize these resources when necessary.

What should I do if I feel homesick or overwhelmed during my first semester?

Feeling homesick or overwhelmed is a common experience for many first-year students. Universities often have resident advisors (RAs) in dormitories who can provide emotional support and help students adjust to campus life.

Additionally, campus counseling services and student support offices can offer advice and strategies to cope with homesickness and manage the transition to college.