9 Academic Services You're Not Using in College

If you are going to pay a high price for tuition as a college student, it's worth taking advantage of all the services available to you. Many people know that colleges provide health services and fitness centers—but what academic services are you not using?

Although every school is different, and you will need to check with your college to be sure. Here are some common academic services that are generally free to students:

1. Academic advising

All colleges provide academic advising of some sort to their students. Make sure to take advantage of this! Find out who your academic advisor is, and schedule your first meeting at the beginning of your college career. Your academic advisor can, at a minimum, provide invaluable advice on what classes to take and how you can position yourself to meet your future academic goals.

2. Office hours

Professors don't want to see you fail. They may make you work for it, but they really do want to see you learn and succeed. Most professors hold office hours, which are specific times that they have set aside to meet with students. These hours are often some of the most underutilized opportunities that students have. If you are having trouble with a class, or if you would like to discuss your professor's research interest in more detail, make sure to schedule an appointment!

3. Transition programs

The transition from high school to college can be a difficult one. Most colleges provide some sort of transition program, including (but not limited to) freshman orientation and peer advising. Many colleges also have other transition support services (such as study skills classes or personal counseling) for those students who need them.

4. Honors programs

If you are an honors student, many colleges offer an honors program to provide extra support and enrichment during your college career. Honors programs can include honors seminars, retreats, and research opportunities.

5. Disability services

If you have a disability or other specific needs, make sure to check with your college to see what sorts of services are provided. Notetakers, interpreters, accessible dorm rooms, and the like are commonly provided by colleges.

6. First generation support

Are you a first generation college student? If so, congratulations! Many colleges have special support programs to help you continue to succeed. These can range from a summer orientation program and special academic advising to support groups and first-year seminars.

7. Library/computer lab/equipment rental

The library and computer labs are great places to conduct research, study, get free Internet access, and take a break. In addition, many colleges allow you to rent anything from cameras to laptops at a low cost. These rental items can help you complete class projects—and have a great time doing it.

8. Experiential learning opportunities

Experiential learning opportunities can be as diverse as a study abroad semester or a spring break sociology field trip with police ride-alongs and work in homeless shelters. Colleges provide experiential classes as well as volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in experiential learning, seek out what your college has to offer!

9. Career services

Whether you are trying to figure out what careers might be right for you, or you are about to graduate and need a job, check out the career services office at your college. They can administer aptitude tests, provide career advising, and connect you to job fairs.

Colleges are in the business of academics. As such, they provide all sorts of academic services to help you succeed. Many students go to college, look over the course catalog, sign up for some classes, and muddle along. Make sure to make the best of college, and take advantage of the myriad of academic services that are included in the price of your tuition!