Being in college can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be!
Reach out to the following 10 people on campus—they can be great resources during and after college.
University President
The (wo)man, the myth, the legend. You know who your school’s president is, but do you actually know him or her?
Sometimes the college leader can seem like an elusive, all-powerful figure instead of a human being. If you happen to see your president walking around campus, introduce yourself or set up an appointment just to chat. School presidents are great to know because they have tons of connections and wisdom to pass on to students.SGA President
If you want something done on campus, go to your college’s student government. Knowing the SGA president let your voice be heard more easily and keep you in the loop about what’s happening on the student side of campus at all times. It’s a win-win! Plus, if you’re the president of a club in need of funding, her or she will be able to help you out.
Head of Your Department
Department heads are department heads for a reason—they know what they’re talking about. Get to know the head of your department early on for advice on what classes to take, where to intern or look for jobs, and for just general guidance on school and your studies. They often have real-world experience and are eager to share with students who have the guts to make an appointment to meet with them.
Seniors in Your Major
They’ve taken all the classes, had all the professors, done all the projects and taken all the tests. Seniors within your major can be an invaluable resource for real advice and guidance. Get to know them and they’ll be able to give you advice on everything from studying for exams to which professors and classes to take.
Seniors in General
Like those in your major, seniors in general know pretty much everything about being a student at your school. They can share tips and tricks that they wish they’d known earlier.
The Librarians
If you need help finding a book, locating resources for a paper, or assistance figuring out MLA, APA or Chicago style for a paper, the librarians are there to help. Get to know them and they’ll help you with papers and research throughout your college years.
Director of Greek Life
If you’re interested in joining a sorority or fraternity, he or she can help answer any questions you have before, during and after the recruitment process. The director isn’t a member of a Greek organization on campus, so you can get advice from a more impartial (but still knowledgeable) person.
Your RA
It can be easy to blow your RA off once you know what it’s like to live in the dorms. However, they can be an awesome resource if there’s something wrong in your room, or you need help connecting to the other residents living in your dorm.
Study Abroad Advisor
If you’re thinking about spending a semester or summer abroad, knowing your school’s study abroad adviser can be very beneficial. They can help you decide where to go and help you figure out which courses you should take at school and which you should take abroad. They can also help you find scholarships, which you (and your parents) will definitely appreciate!
Career Services Workers
Looking for an internship or post grad job? Your school’s career services workers can help you with everything career-related, like creating a LinkedIn account, finding job listings, connecting you with people in your field and giving job interview tips. Even if you aren’t actively looking for a job right now, get to know them. It’s never too early to start thinking about what you want to do and how you’re going to accomplish it.
(Feature Photo via Saint Louis University)