Academic resources for new college students

College is meant to challenge your student and compel them to work hard. And though it may sometimes seem to your student that their school wants them to fail, nothing could be further from the truth. Their college and professors are rooting for them and want them to succeed — and lots of academic resources are made available to your student to help them take on the challenge of college.

Let’s take a look at some scenarios that may arise in your student’s first semester and explore all the resources available to them.

Your student isn’t sure what to major in

Resource: Academic advisor

An academic advisor’s job is to help your student figure out what they want to study, explain to them the classes they’ll need to take for a particular degree, assist them in registering for classes, and help them stay on track toward their degree. Your student should meet with their academic advisor before they start college and then every semester or two after that.

Your student wants to plan their next four years

Resource: Degree roadmap

Most colleges offer degree roadmaps, which map out the classes your student needs to take over their four years in college. The roadmap ensures that they know what to expect and when, and helps keep them on track to graduate.

Your student needs the proper tools to succeed

Resource: College bookstore

At the university bookstore, students can purchase or rent the textbooks they’ll need for their classes, as well as buy pens, notebooks, calculators and all the school supplies necessary to be ready for success.

Your student wants to plan and be prepared for the entire semester

Resources: Academic calendar and syllabus

Your student should become familiar with the university’s academic calendar so they know when the semester begins and ends, any deadlines they need to meet, when the university is closed for holidays, and what the final exam schedule is. They should also be familiar with the syllabus of each of their classes so they are prepared for exams and assignment due dates.

Your student needs a nice, quiet place to study

Resource: Campus library

Maybe your student gets distracted by their phone or TV when they need to study, or perhaps their roommate is a little noisy. That’s the perfect time to head for the library. Their college library has lots of benefits — it’s quiet, study rooms are available, research resources abound and they can find supplemental course readings there. Plus, being in a library might help get them into study mode.

Your student’s computer crashes right in the middle of an assignment

Resource: University IT

Computer trouble feels like the worst. But your student will have access to their college’s IT department — experts who can help them with their computer issues and get them back in business. Additionally, your student will have access to the college Wi-Fi network and certain software, and be able to purchase computers, laptops and other equipment from their school.

Your student is struggling in one of their classes

Resource: Tutoring services and faculty office hours

If your student is falling behind, they should ask for help as soon as possible. Most colleges offer free tutoring, and asking for help is nothing your student should be ashamed of. Almost all students struggle with course material at some point in college. Many colleges also offer writing assistance, which your student should consider if they feel their writing isn’t as good as it could be. And faculty office hours are a great way to get feedback and help directly from professors; your student should definitely schedule a meeting if they’re struggling in a class.

Your student needs guidance navigating where they are and where they’re going

Resource: Mentor network

Every student should have a mentor at some point during their college experience. The good news is that many colleges have mentor programs or networks available to students. Mentors can be professors, college administrators or upper-division students. And mentor programs aren’t always obvious, so your student may need to ask around to see if their school has one.

By using these academic resources, your student will be in a better position to succeed and thrive throughout their college experience.