support systems in college

You may have heard the saying, “There’s safety in numbers”, and we’re here to tell you that couldn’t be more true. That’s because the larger your group, the more support you have, and more support means a higher probability for success. That’s why we’re here to remind you that there is Safety In Support. As you head into college, you’ll have a number of options available to you in order to get the help you need. Whether it’s physical, psychological, educational, financial, or any combination of the group, there are always resources available to you that can help lighten your load. Many of these resources are readily available and are funded through your tuition. If you have already paid for these services, it makes sense to use them at least every once in a while right? There is support all around you, you just need to take advantage of it.

If you are ever feeling bogged down, many colleges offer some form of psychological counseling to help you deal with some of the pressures of life. Life can be stressful, and going through college doesn’t make it any easier, but if you take the time to seek help, even if it’s just to vent about an exam, it can make a huge difference in your outlook and the way you handle the day-to-day. We all need someone to talk to sometimes.

"we all need someone to talk to sometimes"

One thing that you definitely want to take advantage of are groups, clubs, or people at your college that you can relate to, and can help you navigate your situation. Maybe you’re a first generation college student, meaning no one in your family has earned a Bachelor’s degree, you would benefit greatly from a mentorship program run by students who were also first generation. Maybe you are from a different cultural background and you’re nervous about the environment you find yourself in. This is when it would be beneficial to join a group that shares your background to help you acclimate to your new surroundings. Even if you’ve been around colleges your whole life, and everyone in your family has graduated from one, there may still be some new things to learn from these groups. Things are always changing.

This is our way of reminding you that your responsibility is to yourself first and foremost. If there is anything you need to be a better student, or a better person in general, it should be available to you. That’s why one of the best things about college is that not only are all these services at your disposal, but they are made to be extremely convenient. You can reach many of these resources a number of different ways, either through phone calls, texts, emails, or even in person. They are committed to helping you become a better version of yourself, but again, it’s up to you to take advantage of their help, starting with your College Advisor! You already have an incredible resource near you to help connect you with the tools you need to succeed. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help when you need it!