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Where should I look to for resources in college?
I want to be on the look out for opportunties in college
14 answers
Updated
Christopher’s Answer
Hi ZhiYou,
Both of my kids are in college now, and they've shared some useful resources they use:
- Professors
Professors have email, office hours, and a syllabus. If you have questions about your class or assignments, you can email them or visit during office hours.
- Academic Advisors
Academic advisors can help you plan your courses. They guide you on which classes to take, which major might be best, and how to stay on track to graduate.
- Tutoring
Most campuses have a tutoring center where you can get help with different subjects.
- Campus Library
The campus library is a great place to study, and it's full of resources. You can ask a librarian for help finding a book or researching a topic.
- Health Center
The campus health center usually offers medical and mental health services, along with wellness advice.
- Career Center
The career center can help with resumes, cover letters, interview skills, job searches, and applications.
Hope this helps!
Both of my kids are in college now, and they've shared some useful resources they use:
- Professors
Professors have email, office hours, and a syllabus. If you have questions about your class or assignments, you can email them or visit during office hours.
- Academic Advisors
Academic advisors can help you plan your courses. They guide you on which classes to take, which major might be best, and how to stay on track to graduate.
- Tutoring
Most campuses have a tutoring center where you can get help with different subjects.
- Campus Library
The campus library is a great place to study, and it's full of resources. You can ask a librarian for help finding a book or researching a topic.
- Health Center
The campus health center usually offers medical and mental health services, along with wellness advice.
- Career Center
The career center can help with resumes, cover letters, interview skills, job searches, and applications.
Hope this helps!
Updated
Zack’s Answer
Hi ZhiYou - there are many places you can get guidance / resources on campus! Professors are a great resource both about their courses, other coursework, selecting a major, and potential career paths. The student activities office can also be a great place for resources as well as opportunities to get involved. A career development center is a great resource for networking / connecting with alumni, finding an internship or career opportunities. Good luck!
Updated
Ponnu’s Answer
Hi ZhiYou,
In college, there are many valuable resources and opportunities to help you grow both academically and professionally. Start by connecting with your college’s career services office—they offer job postings, internships, resume help, and career fairs. Academic advisors can guide you on courses, majors, and connecting your interests to potential careers. Join student organizations related to your interests, such as art clubs, sports teams, or professional societies; these groups often provide networking, leadership, and project opportunities.
Look for campus events like workshops, guest lectures, and networking nights, which can introduce you to new fields and professionals. If you’re interested in research or hands-on experience, ask professors about research assistant positions or internships. Many colleges also have alumni networks—connecting with graduates can help you learn about different career paths and even find mentors.
In college, there are many valuable resources and opportunities to help you grow both academically and professionally. Start by connecting with your college’s career services office—they offer job postings, internships, resume help, and career fairs. Academic advisors can guide you on courses, majors, and connecting your interests to potential careers. Join student organizations related to your interests, such as art clubs, sports teams, or professional societies; these groups often provide networking, leadership, and project opportunities.
Look for campus events like workshops, guest lectures, and networking nights, which can introduce you to new fields and professionals. If you’re interested in research or hands-on experience, ask professors about research assistant positions or internships. Many colleges also have alumni networks—connecting with graduates can help you learn about different career paths and even find mentors.
Updated
Ritvik’s Answer
Hi ZhiYou,
When looking for opportunities in college and getting more involved with your college community, I recommend taking part in your school's clubs based on your major or interests. By joining these clubs, you open the door to many more opportunities, as through the club, you can apply to be part of the club's board of officers and directors for the following year. This will give you the leadership skills and experience necessary in running a group of people, which is something that can be applied to in your future endeavors. If you are looking for resources to understand your classes or major better or even know what clubs are there in your college, you can reach out to your professors or an academic advisor. Along with that, the career center at your college will help you with exploring internship opportunities and resume building. All in all, by doing all these things, you can build your network with various students and professionals and get better insight into what peaks your interest.
When looking for opportunities in college and getting more involved with your college community, I recommend taking part in your school's clubs based on your major or interests. By joining these clubs, you open the door to many more opportunities, as through the club, you can apply to be part of the club's board of officers and directors for the following year. This will give you the leadership skills and experience necessary in running a group of people, which is something that can be applied to in your future endeavors. If you are looking for resources to understand your classes or major better or even know what clubs are there in your college, you can reach out to your professors or an academic advisor. Along with that, the career center at your college will help you with exploring internship opportunities and resume building. All in all, by doing all these things, you can build your network with various students and professionals and get better insight into what peaks your interest.
Updated
Shreya’s Answer
College itself offers many opportunities—explore both on-campus and community resources.
Build strong connections with professors and classmates; many opportunities come through people.
Check your college’s website for specific resources and support.
Be open to unexpected opportunities—sometimes the best ones aren’t planned.
Don’t rush into commitments; let your first semester guide you.
Explore local resources like libraries, city organizations, and venues related to your major.
Personal growth comes from being open and spontaneous.
Build strong connections with professors and classmates; many opportunities come through people.
Check your college’s website for specific resources and support.
Be open to unexpected opportunities—sometimes the best ones aren’t planned.
Don’t rush into commitments; let your first semester guide you.
Explore local resources like libraries, city organizations, and venues related to your major.
Personal growth comes from being open and spontaneous.
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Hi ZhiYou! I'm a recent college graduate I have a few ideas on resources you should be on the look out for that should apply to all colleges and majors. I graduated from a public university with a large student body which meant it was difficult to rely on school provided resources such as advisors and career centers. Depending on the university you attend, these resources may be similarly unreliable or, on the contrary, very strong, so my overall advice would be to look into what your school has to offer once you know where you will be attending.
In addition to the advice above, here are some other things you may want to look out for:
1. Scholarships provided or advertised by the school. A lot of schools will have an online website that outlines all of the scholarships they provide, and you can easily see which ones you can apply for!
2. Research opportunities in your area of interest. Many professors will be doing research as well as being lecturers, so feel free to cold email a professor to ask to join their research. Sometimes a school will have a website that lists out professors looking for students to join them.
3. Student Organizations. It's important to build a network and community of people you enjoy spending time with and can learn from. College is not just about the class, but also about the connections you make with the people there. I highly recommend joining career and interest groups on campus if you can!
In addition to the advice above, here are some other things you may want to look out for:
1. Scholarships provided or advertised by the school. A lot of schools will have an online website that outlines all of the scholarships they provide, and you can easily see which ones you can apply for!
2. Research opportunities in your area of interest. Many professors will be doing research as well as being lecturers, so feel free to cold email a professor to ask to join their research. Sometimes a school will have a website that lists out professors looking for students to join them.
3. Student Organizations. It's important to build a network and community of people you enjoy spending time with and can learn from. College is not just about the class, but also about the connections you make with the people there. I highly recommend joining career and interest groups on campus if you can!
Updated
Elyse’s Answer
Your professors and advisors are great resources, as well as your college's academic/career development center. Be sure to take advantage of all the programs and initiatives your college has to offer.
Updated
Hanieh’s Answer
All the advice and resources others shared are such a great starting point! One thing I’d add is: join LinkedIn if you haven’t already, and start following Early Career, Campus, or University Recruiters (you can just follow them - no pressure to connect since not everyone accepts connection requests). These folks often post about prep sessions, virtual networking events, internships, and other resources that can really help you explore different paths.
Try setting a small goal for yourself like following or connecting with 1 to 2 of these professionals each week. It doesn’t seem like much, but over time it adds up and can make a big difference!
Try setting a small goal for yourself like following or connecting with 1 to 2 of these professionals each week. It doesn’t seem like much, but over time it adds up and can make a big difference!
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi ZhiYou,
Different colleges will have different offerings, but here are some of the common ones.
Admissions Office and Transfer Office:
Talk to the Admissions Office early about program offerings, deadlines and admission requirements. If you are transfering/planning to transfer from another school, e.g. from a community college, talk to the Transfer Office about equivalent courses and transfer of credits.
Financial Aid Office:
They can help you with your FAFSA application, work-study, financial aid and scholarship information.
Academic Advisor:
If you need help choosing courses, have second thoughts about your choice of major or have trouble with your studies, your Academic Advisor can help you find the best path.
Disability Office:
If you need disability accommodations, talk to the Disability Office early, i.e. before you get to campus.
Housing Office/Residential Office:
For questions of accommodation, meal plans etc.
Writing Center:
You can attend courses or get feedback on your writing assignments or your thesis drafts.
Health Clinic/Couseling Center:
You'll find basic health services and a mental health counselor on campus.
Campus Police:
If there is a problem.
Parking Office:
Parking is a problem on many campuses. Inquire about a decal if you need one.
Student Affairs/Clubs/Student Organizations/Sports Program:
Look for these keywords to explore what's going on on campus outside of classes. Get involved.
Career Office:
They can help you with application strategies, your application materials, and help practice interview skills. They might have contacts to companies that hire from them frequently.
Library:
You'll find textbooks, course reserves, digital media, scientific journals, computer stations and quiet places to study. Sign up for online access. The librarians can help you access information.
If you are a first-generation student, check out this organisation that provides not only scholarships but close mentoring from choosing a major and a university all the way to graduation:
https://www.scholarmatch.org/
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Different colleges will have different offerings, but here are some of the common ones.
Admissions Office and Transfer Office:
Talk to the Admissions Office early about program offerings, deadlines and admission requirements. If you are transfering/planning to transfer from another school, e.g. from a community college, talk to the Transfer Office about equivalent courses and transfer of credits.
Financial Aid Office:
They can help you with your FAFSA application, work-study, financial aid and scholarship information.
Academic Advisor:
If you need help choosing courses, have second thoughts about your choice of major or have trouble with your studies, your Academic Advisor can help you find the best path.
Disability Office:
If you need disability accommodations, talk to the Disability Office early, i.e. before you get to campus.
Housing Office/Residential Office:
For questions of accommodation, meal plans etc.
Writing Center:
You can attend courses or get feedback on your writing assignments or your thesis drafts.
Health Clinic/Couseling Center:
You'll find basic health services and a mental health counselor on campus.
Campus Police:
If there is a problem.
Parking Office:
Parking is a problem on many campuses. Inquire about a decal if you need one.
Student Affairs/Clubs/Student Organizations/Sports Program:
Look for these keywords to explore what's going on on campus outside of classes. Get involved.
Career Office:
They can help you with application strategies, your application materials, and help practice interview skills. They might have contacts to companies that hire from them frequently.
Library:
You'll find textbooks, course reserves, digital media, scientific journals, computer stations and quiet places to study. Sign up for online access. The librarians can help you access information.
If you are a first-generation student, check out this organisation that provides not only scholarships but close mentoring from choosing a major and a university all the way to graduation:
https://www.scholarmatch.org/
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Updated
Andersen’s Answer
GREAT QUESTION! As a first-generation student I had no idea who could make my college experience smoother, so I wasted a lot of time, lost self-confidence and dropped out. THE GOOD NEWS IS: I went back, asked questions, found resources, I’m finishing my Masters at a Big10 university, I teach first-year-writing on a full academic scholarship and I’ll be applying to Ph.D. Programs in the fall. BETTER NEWS: I’m 47 and only started asking questions 7 years ago—YOU’RE ASKING THEM NOW! Great Job!
1. Find your academic advisor and become BEST FRIENDS. Meet with them (ideally) before registering for classes EVERY SEMESTER. Make sure you’re taking the classes that are the most direct route to graduation AND if you find yourself in a bind, they often have creative solutions you may not have thought of
2. When you start classes, sit in the front, ask questions! This will do a couple things for you: it will show your professor you’re engaged AND if you’re in a huge lecture where it may become tempting to skip class, YOU’LL BE MISSED! :) It help keep you accountable
3. If your school has a writing center…GO! They help you refine your work, generate ideas, and offer consultations for writing in every subject from your first assignment to a doctoral dissertation
4. Student services is usually a TREASURE TROVE of information from mental health and stress management help to specialized testing
5. If you have a question and aren’t sure who to ask, just start asking! LOL! I’ll often say “you may not have the answer to my question, but I’m hoping you can help me get closer to finding it!” People usually laugh and are happy to help! You’re already asking the right questions! GOOD LUCK!.
Andersen recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, ZhiYou !
Well, since you haven't mentioned what subject or type of opportunities you are curious about, I am not able to provide you with direct referrals, but I can shed some light on what to expect while you are enrolled at college.
College in itself is the opportunity. You will have resources that will lead to experiences from sources on campus as well as off campus so look into what connects with your Major in the community, too. No matter what your Major will be or what your personal needs will be, San Francisco and the Bay Area are full of resources, so you should be fine. As a student attending college through the week, you will also find that opportunities may not stem from resources per se, but rather from people, so it's very important to make strong connections with your professors and classmates and spend a lot of time in your Major Department.
You also forgot to state what college you will be attending. Most colleges have similar basic resources but all colleges are different. The website of the college you plan to go to will have information about various resources for their students. Go to the college website and read what resources your specific college includes for their students. Remember that "opportunities" cannot be pre-arranged because sometimes they happen unexpectedly out of the blue.
For instance, as a Theatre Major while in college, I had an unexpected opportunity that came out of the blue. Our department chair held a meeting for the theatre students to vote for different offices among the student body in the theatre department. While in attendance, one of my classmates nominated me for Student Representative and I was put on the spot and asked if I accept that office. All I kept thinking was that I was so super busy, booked solid schedule and should I do this ? I felt obligated, though, because the department had been so good to me and the person who nominated me was wonderful, so I said yes. I was thankful that the only time I had to put in was during faculty meetings where I would present issues that concerned the students so it didn't take up too much extra time. But what this opportunity did was create a stronger connection to my professors and that was a great opportunity - which came unexpectedly.
So try not to think so far ahead. You are going to live in the moment during college. Part of personal growth is learning how to be spontaneous.
So after exploring your on campus college resources connected to your major and for personal needs, explore your community. Good places in general to look would be the Public Library, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, City Hall and any venues connected to the subject you are majoring in. But don't jump in too fast. Give it a little time at first. See how your first semester unfolds and be open to letting things happen as they happen. By making one commitment too soon, you may not be available for a better opportunity, so it's okay to take it slow at first.
Depending on what your major is, you may not have to put much effort into seeking out opportunities. Like I said, college in itself is an opportunity.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Well, since you haven't mentioned what subject or type of opportunities you are curious about, I am not able to provide you with direct referrals, but I can shed some light on what to expect while you are enrolled at college.
College in itself is the opportunity. You will have resources that will lead to experiences from sources on campus as well as off campus so look into what connects with your Major in the community, too. No matter what your Major will be or what your personal needs will be, San Francisco and the Bay Area are full of resources, so you should be fine. As a student attending college through the week, you will also find that opportunities may not stem from resources per se, but rather from people, so it's very important to make strong connections with your professors and classmates and spend a lot of time in your Major Department.
You also forgot to state what college you will be attending. Most colleges have similar basic resources but all colleges are different. The website of the college you plan to go to will have information about various resources for their students. Go to the college website and read what resources your specific college includes for their students. Remember that "opportunities" cannot be pre-arranged because sometimes they happen unexpectedly out of the blue.
For instance, as a Theatre Major while in college, I had an unexpected opportunity that came out of the blue. Our department chair held a meeting for the theatre students to vote for different offices among the student body in the theatre department. While in attendance, one of my classmates nominated me for Student Representative and I was put on the spot and asked if I accept that office. All I kept thinking was that I was so super busy, booked solid schedule and should I do this ? I felt obligated, though, because the department had been so good to me and the person who nominated me was wonderful, so I said yes. I was thankful that the only time I had to put in was during faculty meetings where I would present issues that concerned the students so it didn't take up too much extra time. But what this opportunity did was create a stronger connection to my professors and that was a great opportunity - which came unexpectedly.
So try not to think so far ahead. You are going to live in the moment during college. Part of personal growth is learning how to be spontaneous.
So after exploring your on campus college resources connected to your major and for personal needs, explore your community. Good places in general to look would be the Public Library, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, City Hall and any venues connected to the subject you are majoring in. But don't jump in too fast. Give it a little time at first. See how your first semester unfolds and be open to letting things happen as they happen. By making one commitment too soon, you may not be available for a better opportunity, so it's okay to take it slow at first.
Depending on what your major is, you may not have to put much effort into seeking out opportunities. Like I said, college in itself is an opportunity.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Thank you!
kari
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Hi! Resources on campus should all be available free at cost to you as they are included in the tuition. For incoming students, the career center, health center, and the residential/work study programs should be easily accessible on campus. If you are staying on campus, getting to know the management and resources to ensure a safe living space is essential. The career center is great to learn about opportunities within your field as it is important to engage and use the experiences learned in the classroom for professional experiences and new job opportunities. Lastly, the health center can be very useful in case of any random doctor visits that can come up during your time at school.
Updated
Tiana’s Answer
I would recommend looking into your career center and reaching out to your college advisor. Sometimes personality quizzes can also say a lot about what your career could look like in the future as well.
I talked with a lot of people who are already working, scheduling informational interviews can help you get more attuned to what people do each day as well.
I hope this was helpful and wish you all the best in your future career!! You got this!
Best,
Tiana
I talked with a lot of people who are already working, scheduling informational interviews can help you get more attuned to what people do each day as well.
I hope this was helpful and wish you all the best in your future career!! You got this!
Best,
Tiana
Updated
Nicholas’s Answer
Hi ZhiYou,
Even though I came from a small university, my greatest asset was connecting with peers and alumni. By joining social groups, I grew my network, landed internships, and eventually found a full-time job I truly enjoyed. I encourage you to keep an open mind and attend events to meet new people. You never know what exciting opportunities might come your way!
Even though I came from a small university, my greatest asset was connecting with peers and alumni. By joining social groups, I grew my network, landed internships, and eventually found a full-time job I truly enjoyed. I encourage you to keep an open mind and attend events to meet new people. You never know what exciting opportunities might come your way!
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