Something that is consistent for any student in any year in college is a general feeling of anxiety when it comes to starting classes. The important thing to remember is you are not alone. Not only are you not alone in the way you feel, but you are not alone in your struggle. There are so many options for help on campus and so many people who want to help you in the many facets of college life.
Some of the most helpful resources are those that are academic in nature. There are other resources too, however. Some of the best resources on campus are non-academic as well. There are tons of resources that help you get involved on campus and allow you to find interests.
Peer tutoring with the AAC
The Academic Achievement Center, or AAC, is a great resource for all academic needs. Located on the second floor of Alden Library, this is a great resource for all classes. The AAC is great for writing help and for other resources to help with becoming an overall better student. One of the better tools available is peer tutoring, as it allows you to work with students who have been there before. You’re allowed to receive valuable information from students that have taken the course you’re taking. This allows students to give you insight into ways to make the work more manageable and allows you to find the style of studying that works best for you.
Multicultural Center
This is a great resource to get involved in, no matter who you are. This is located in Baker University Center. Not only does the Multicultural Center allow you to make connections with student leaders, but it also allows you to connect with other students and share unique experiences. The Multicultural Center is an office that is great for including students and providing opportunities for students to connect with one another and find community. Students can make meaningful connections on a campus that is so large and foreboding. Offices like the Multicultural Center make being a student on our large campus easier.
Alden Library Study Spaces
The perfect thing to do when you’re first trying to find your footing on campus is to find places where you can study effectively. Alden Library is a great resource for that. One of the most crucial things to consider when going to Alden Library is finding the right floor. You might differentiate based on the floor or many other characteristics, but an important thing to do is to reserve study spaces for yourself and/or your friends. These study rooms can be accessed on any floor and are a great way to set yourself apart from the rest of the library and find space to do work that’s closed and controlled.
Bobcat Connect
Bobcat Connect is not necessarily a physical landmark or space; however, it is an online website that allows you to “match” with organizations on campus that fit your interests. This could mean you fill out the interests part of the website and select things that you’re interested in and the website gives you different organizations and clubs that might suit you based on those interests. The website is a great starter if you’re at all interested in getting involved on campus but don’t really know what’s offered. There are a ton of organizations that are hoping you join them and all you have to do is reach out and find out more about them.
Academic Advisers
These are some of the most crucial people to make sure your academic endeavors run smoothly because they can help you decide what interests you have that might correlate to your class schedule. Scheduling classes can be one of the most stressful aspects of college, so it’s important to have a good relationship with your adviser. They are willing to help you figure out your career path and anything else you may need assistance with. Advisers are also very knowledgeable about most things going on throughout the university and might also show you different things that you can get involved in on campus that other people may not be able to show you. When in doubt, reach out to your adviser to get your issues figured out.
