College is an very important time in our lives. It is a time in our lives where we are able to make our own decisions and become independent. There could never be a better time to explore more of who you are as a person. But college isn’t easy. And it’s definitely not cheap. It’s rare to find someone who has just graduated college and doesn’t have debt. So, it’s important to know what college resources are available to you and to take advantage of them.
Financial Services
As there are always ways to receive financial help in college, one of the best places to look first is your Financial Aid Office. They usually have different forms of aid that may benefit you. You should also see a financial advisor if you want to find more aid suited for you or if you don’t know where to look. They generally offer scholarships, grants, or student employment opportunities. In addition, they could let you know about external scholarships as well. They are a wealth of information about what is available to you that you might not have thought of yet.
There could even be other services available that are a bit more hidden if you don’t know where to look. Some colleges may even offer free financial seminars, planning, and counseling if you are inclined to go. It could make all the difference if you learn about finances before taking on a student loan, and explore all your options before then. Loans should be your last resort. So make sure you ask about that, probably with a financial advisor. I honestly believe that you should go see an advisor at least once during college, if not every year.
Legal Services
Now since not all colleges are the same, some might have more than what I mention here. But for sure, every college should have a notary service. Just in case you need something notarized. Some may also have an attorney that you can contact if you are having legal issues. Make sure to see what these legal issues include. They may cover most minor things like name changes or landlord/tenant disputes. But they may not cover things like robbery or assault.
Career Services
There is a lot to look forward to after college, like getting a job. Most if not all colleges should having something similar to a Career Center. This will have a plethora of information regarding anything related to jobs. They can post things like information on upcoming career fairs and events, or host webinars/seminars and workshops about the different aspects of career development. Some may offer mock interviews, document/resume critiques, career assessments and exploration, and help with job searches. They may even help you dress for an interview. I didn’t know at the time but my college offered business professional attire for interviews that they could lend you at no cost.
This is why you should know what college resources are available to you when you get to college. They can save you money, educate you on life, and further your career opportunities. Or if you are unsure about whether you should attend college, you can read this article.
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