Campus resources every college student should know about

Key takeaways about campus resources for college students 

• Get to know the support that's available. College campuses offer a wide range of student support services to help you thrive, from tutoring and advising to career counseling and wellness programs.
• Take advantage of what's included. Many campus resources are included in your tuition and student fees, and are just waiting to be used. Ask your school what's available and whether there are any extra out-of-pocket costs. 
• Take small steps to get involved. Joining a club, study group, or intramural sports league can help you meet new people and develop skills.
• Build relationships with people you can learn from. Professors, alumni mentors, and career coaches are great people to have in your corner. They can provide career advice, recommendations, and open doors to research and internship opportunities.
• Ask questions along the way. If you aren’t sure where to start, ask campus staff or the student services team to direct you to the right office.

College has a lot more to offer than just a degree—you also have access to all kinds of programs, connections, and opportunities that can help you make the most of your four-year journey. The best part? Many of these resources are included in the cost of your tuition and student fees. What’s available varies by school, but it’s worth getting to know your options, which we'll break down below.

What are common campus resources?

Campus resources are the services, programs, spaces, and faculty support your college offers to help you succeed in class and in everyday student life. They often include tutoring, academic advising, career services, counseling, financial aid guidance, and student organizations. Your school may have a dedicated team to advise you on what's available, commonly called “student services,” “student support,” or a “student success center.”

Don't be afraid to take advantage of all your school has to offer. According to Sallie's "Freshman Advice Report," current college students and recent graduates named the career center (29%), academic tutoring (26%), and counseling and mental health services (22%) as the campus resources they most wished they'd used sooner.

Academic support services for college students

Academic advising

Your academic advisor can help you understand which classes you need, plan your schedule, and explore majors or minors. Before picking your college courses, consider asking your advisor which classes to take first and how they fit into your degree path and graduation requirements. If you transferred, ask them how your previous credits will count toward your degree.

Peer tutoring and writing centers

Whether you’re finding a class challenging or want to make your study time more effective, look toward your college's learning center or writing lab for free support. Peer tutors can help you work through tricky concepts, revise essay drafts, prepare for tests, and build stronger study habits. Many have already taken the course, so they may be familiar with the assignments and what the professor expects.

Professor office hours

Office hours are designated times your professor sets aside each week to meet with students outside class, often posted on the syllabus or on their office door. You can clarify assignment instructions, discuss your grades, or talk through a confusing topic one-on-one. These conversations can also help you build a relationship with your professor, who may be able to provide you with research opportunities, letters of recommendation, and industry connections later on.

Libraries and technology support

If you're working on staying focused, the library can help with much more than finding a quiet place to study. Campus librarians can help you find reliable sources, access research databases, and guide you on proper citation styles. Depending on your school, you may also find laptops or course textbooks to borrow, tech help, plus media studios and equipment for class projects.

Study abroad and research opportunities

Want to take what you’re learning beyond your regular classes? Your global education office can help you explore study abroad programs in other countries, while the office of undergraduate research can point you toward summer research projects and fellowships with faculty (although it doesn't hurt to reach out to professors directly!). Ask how to get involved, whether you’ll earn credit toward your degree, and what time and costs to expect.

Campus life and student engagement resources

College clubs and student organizations

Joining a student club can help you try something new, build skills, and make friends along the way. At most colleges, there’s a campus club for just about every interest, whether you’re drawn to student government, debating, writing for the campus newspaper, photography, a cappella singing, or volunteering. To find your fit, browse your school’s club directory, attend an activities fair, or ask around for suggestions.

Peer mentors and student communities

Peer mentoring connects you with another student, often someone further along in college, who serves as a role model and a friendly face on campus. Whether you’re a first-year, transfer, first-generation, or commuter student, it can help to talk with someone who’s been in your shoes.

Some campuses also have cultural centers, international student programs, veteran services, and groups built around shared identities or experiences. Ask student affairs or academic advising about mentoring programs—and, as you gain experience, opportunities to become a mentor yourself.

Residence life staff

If you live on campus, your resident assistant (RA) is there to help you settle into dorm life. RAs are typically upperclassmen who organize activities, help with roommate disagreements, and can offer a listening ear when you need one. They also help residents understand housing rules and keep the community safe. Stop by to introduce yourself and find out what events are happening on your floor—it’s a simple way to start feeling more at home.

Intramural leagues, club sports, and group fitness

You don’t have to be a varsity athlete to stay active or meet a gym buddy. Intramural leagues let you play against others at your school, usually with a more casual schedule and options for different skill levels. Club sports are a little more competitive, involving regular practices and travel to other colleges. Ask your campus recreation center about fitness classes, too, if you enjoy group workouts without the commitment of joining a team.

College career services, internships, and mentorship

Your college career center

Your college career center can help you explore what comes next, even if graduation is still years away. Career advisors can help you connect your interests and strengths to possible careers, explore internships, and prepare for your job search. They may also introduce you to alumni and employers through networking events and career fairs, or share information about where recent graduates work.

These visits can actually make a difference in finding an internship. In Sallie's "Internship Confidence Gap" report, 53% of respondents who had completed an internship found it through a school channel, such as a professor, advisor, or campus career center. Among respondents with internship experience, 71% said it led to an opportunity such as an interview, referral, professional connection, or job offer.

Alumni and graduate student mentors

Many colleges offer mentoring programs that connect students with alumni who can share career advice and help you prepare for professional life in your field. Some programs also include graduate student mentors who can offer guidance on academics and next steps if you're considering graduate school. Ask your academic department, career center, or alumni office about potential mentorships that match your goals.

College health, wellness, and accessibility services

Counseling and mental health services

Prioritizing your mental health in college is vital for both your academic success and personal well-being. If you're ever looking for support, your school’s counseling center is a great place to talk through stress, relationships, loneliness, or simply adjusting to college life. A counselor can help you understand what you’re feeling and come up with strategies and next steps that fit your needs.

Student health services

Your student health center can help with common illnesses, minor injuries, and preventive care. Services vary by school but typically include vaccinations, lab testing, sexual health care, and nutrition guidance, plus referrals when you need care elsewhere. Check the student health services website to learn how to book an appointment, what’s covered by student fees or insurance, and where to find care after hours. 

Accessibility and disability services

Your college’s disability or accessibility services office can help you arrange accommodations, such as extra time on tests, note-taking support, or assistive technology, depending on your needs. If you received support in high school, ask how to arrange support at college rather than assuming it will carry over automatically. Reach out early to ask how to register, what documentation you’ll need, and how to share approved accommodations with your professors.

College resources for financial aid and basic needs

Financial aid and bursar's offices

Your financial aid office can help you complete the FAFSA^®, understand your aid offer, and explore scholarships, grants, and payment options. Staff can also help with aid delays and walk you through renewing your funding each year. If your family’s finances change or unexpected expenses come up, ask whether the school can review your situation. For questions about your bill, payment deadlines, or payment plans, contact the bursar's office.

Food, housing, and basic needs support

Basic needs support can help you find assistance with everyday essentials like food, housing, transportation, and internet access. If you're having trouble covering an everyday expense, ask your basic needs office or student services team what’s available and who qualifies—common resources include food assistance, emergency funding, textbook and supplies assistance, and referrals to community programs.

Campus safety and transportation

Getting familiar with campus safety services can help you feel more comfortable and prepared as you navigate campus life. Many schools offer walking escorts, late-night rides, campus shuttles, and emergency call stations. Start by signing up for emergency alerts, saving campus safety’s contact information, and downloading your school’s safety app if available.

How to find the right campus resource

Your school's student services website or student portal are good places to start your search. If you're unsure of the office's name, an academic advisor or student services team member will give you the contact information of someone who can help. Once you've found the right office, check whether it requires an appointment and whether you should bring anything with you to help get the most out of your visit.

Find campus support for your next step

Next steps

Finding your way in college takes time, but the right support can make things a little easier. Peer tutoring, career advising, mentorships, and other academic and personal resources can create a solid support system for you to lean on whenever you need it.

Start by reaching out and asking questions. Even if you aren’t sure you’re contacting the right person for your specific issue, go ahead and send that email. Campus staff are there to help—and will point you in the right direction.