College can be a life-changing experience for many young adults. It provides them with the opportunity to really discover who they are and what they want to be as they move forward with career plans and personal goals.
However, it can also be a difficult time too, with the stresses of exams and peer pressure making it tricky to navigate and often being the root of problems later in life, such as drug addiction, depression and loneliness.
Going through college is a pivotal time in a young person’s life for a number of reasons, and getting the support needed is a key part of that. That said, many people aren’t aware of different forms of support that are available, and can really make sure that people stay on track and maximise their time at college.
Here are five services that may be able to help you during your time in college that you may not be aware of, or many never have considered receiving previously…
Language and Writing Support
Firstly, colleges understand the diverse needs of their student body, including those whose first language may not be English. Language and writing support services are available to assist students in improving their academic writing skills, language proficiency, and communication. This can really help people get the most out of their studies, and have a significant impact on the day-to-day life of people at college, as well as their overall results.
Financial Aid and Advisory Services
Navigating the financial aspects of college life can be challenging, and students may not be aware of the comprehensive financial aid and advisory services offered by their institutions.
Many students struggle with their finances, so support and information on the options available is always worth sourcing. Whether it’s information about scholarships, grants, or guidance on managing student loans, colleges often have dedicated teams to assist students in understanding and accessing available financial resources. This can be hugely instrumental in alleviating the stresses that students can often face, which in turn has an impact on their studies.
Student Societies and Extracurricular Activities
Beyond the classroom, colleges offer a rich tapestry of student societies and extracurricular activities, but so many people often don’t take up these opportunities or don’t think there’s anything for them. However, that isn’t the case with a huge number of sports clubs, cultural societies, and interest groups covering a wide range of hobbies and passions. There really is something for everyone. Joining such societies provides an excellent opportunity to make friends, develop leadership skills, and enrich your college experience, as well as looking great on their resume.
Career Guidance and Employability Workshops
Many colleges provide extensive career guidance services to help students navigate the transition from academia to the professional world. These services may include resume building, interview preparation, and career counselling. Employability workshops are often organised, offering practical insights into job searching, networking, and professional development. Take advantage of these services early in your college journey to maximise your career prospects upon graduation.
Mental Health and Counselling Services
Finally, more and more people are requiring help with their mental health these days, and colleges can offer services that can help with the various challenges they may face.
Colleges provide access to trained professionals and can help with the likes of stress, anxiety and more commonly than ever, addiction, with there being a siginificant increase in students struggling as a result of the current opioid crisis. Counselling services can provide access to professionals, rehabilitation and even help find grants and funds to aid with the cost of rehab.
All this support is hugely important to a student really making the most of their experience at college and ensuring that the life they lead following graduation is the very best one and they’re fully equipped to help face life’s challenges.
