Your college tuition covers the cost of on-campus amenities, so you might as well use them whether you’re a first-year student or finishing your last year of study. Here are four ideas to get you started.
Athletic Center
Most college campuses have a fitness center where students can run on the treadmill, lift free weights, and use exercise machines. Other common amenities include swimming pools, football and soccer fields, and tennis courts. Some schools even have rock-climbing walls.
If you’re looking for something more structured, you may want to look into fitness classes such as yoga, dance, or kickboxing. Looking for a group sport? Check to see if your school offers intramural leagues. Information is usually listed on the college’s website, but you can also call or visit the recreation center to learn about events or programs that didn’t make it online.
Academic Resources
If you’re struggling with a particular class or just want to boost your grades, make sure to check out the on-campus academic resources. Need help with a paper? The writing center can teach you writing strategies, give you feedback on structure and content, or help you with developing the draft. For subject-specific help, check out the individual or group tutoring services. The tutors are usually students who successfully passed the class already.
Some schools offer workshops on general study techniques such as time management. Also keep in mind that colleges should provide reasonable accommodations for students with learning disabilities or hearing or visual disabilities. Contact the learning center to find out if it provides more learning aids such as recorded notes. In certain circumstances, the school may allow extended time for taking tests.
Health and Counseling Services
With a health center right on campus, there’s no excuse for neglecting your well-being. It’s useful whether you’re ill, need to book your yearly physical exam, or just need to ask for a prescription renewal. Depending on the college, you may also be able to get any needed blood tests in the same building. Free counseling services are also available if you ever need to talk to someone.
Career Services
Because you’re going to college to train for a career, it goes without saying that your school is one of the best places to find career-related resources. Haven’t chosen a major yet? A career counselor can help you go over your options. Searching for a job or internship? The adviser can give you interview tips, discuss job-search strategies, or help you with your résumé.
It’s also a good idea to conduct research on your own. Most colleges post resources through their websites so students can take self-assessment quizzes, explore career paths, research different industries, and more. You should also keep an eye open for on-campus events like career fairs or networking workshops.
Make the most of your college experience, and check out at least one of these amenities. To learn more, you can search your school’s website or call the main campus line to be patched through to the correct department.