Tap Into College Services
From the health centre to career guidance—don’t miss out on all the assistance your school has to offer.
By Keith Gillogly, student, University of Pittsburgh
Are you taking advantage of all your college provides? In a recent survey conducted by Student Health 101, 74% of students polled said they think they should be using more of their college services. Here’s a quick rundown of top services you should be using:
Health Centre. Whether you’re looking to combat weight gain or the common cold, your school’s student health centre can help. It can also offer treatment, and often low-cost prescriptions, for more serious medical needs—if you’re suffering from mono, strep throat, a sexually transmitted infection, etc. Or you might just want information to educate yourself on drugs, alcohol, nutrition, sleep, or stress. “A lot of students are not aware that there’s a full-service Health Clinic on campus with more than 10 medical doctors on staff,” says Derrick Enslow, Program Manager of Health Promotion at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia.
Counselling Services. If you’re experiencing anxiety, depression, or other mental issues at college, counselling centres generally provide a team of specialists, such as psychologists, counsellors, social workers, and psychiatrists, to advise you. If you’re having test anxiety, feel overwhelmed by coursework, are struggling with an eating disorder or relationship dilemma, sometimes being able to talk to a professional in a counselling centre can help.
Career Centre. Even if you’re a new student, it’s never too early to think about career plans. Your school’s career centre can assist you in finding suitable jobs and internships. It can be tough to network on your own, but your school’s career centre can connect you to potential employers.
Financial Aid Office. Filing financial aid forms can be tedious, but funds are out there, and a school’s financial aid office can help you apply for them. Students also mentioned centres for academic support and tutoring, study abroad, and student affairs/activities as services to take full advantage of. Explore your school’s website—you may find a service that provides exactly what you need.
KEITH GILLOGLY IS A NONFICTION WRITING MAJOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH. HE IS THE EDITOR OF THE OPINIONS SECTION OF THE PITT NEWS, THE CAMPUS NEWSPAPER.
