Refer to your campus directory for specific office titles, telephone numbers and contact names. This list is intended to raise your awareness of the services that are most likely available on your college campus.
Problem: My computer died.
Where to Get Help: Campus Computer Services
Most universities have a computer services department that is staffed by helpful, computer savvy students. Before you do anything else, call the help desk. You might be able to solve the problem over the phone.
Problem: I’m broke. I need money fast.
Where to Get Help: Student Employment Center or Career Services
Get a part-time job on campus. You’ll earn extra cash and you won’t have to travel far to do it. Alternatively, your university’s career services department can help you find off-campus jobs. Get to know career counselors early. They’ll help you find your first job after graduation, too.
Problem: I don’t even know why I’m at college in the first place.
Where to Get Help: Career Services
Career counselors can help you sort through life’s big questions. They’ll help you identify your career goals and build a plan that will help you achieve them.
Problem: I’ve got the flu.
Where to Get Help: Student Health Services
When mom’s not around to make chicken soup, go to Student Health Services. Even if you’ve never been there before, a team of nurses, doctors and physicians assistants’ will take care of you.
Problem: My bike got swiped.
Where to Get Help: Campus Police
Stolen bikes are big enterprise on some college campuses. If you want to protect yours, register it with campus police and lock it up with the best lock you can afford – every time. If your bike still gets stolen, contact campus police right away.
Problem: My roommate is driving me nuts.
Where to Get Help: Residence Life
Living with a college roommate is a right of passage. Sometimes, roommates get along famously but often, they don’t. If you hate the thought of coming home to your roommate's snarky attitude, don’t be afraid to contact your resident assistant or Office of Residence Life for ideas on how to live more harmoniously with your roommate. They can also help you change rooms or take other action if you have bigger concerns.
Problem: Could I be pregnant?
Where to Get Help: Student Health Services, Pregnancy Counseling
Contact Student Health Services to make an appointment or to get the number for your community’s local pregnancy counseling office. Get advice from a doctor right away. You don’t have to tell anyone else, but you do need support.
Problem: My best friend was sexually assaulted.
Where to Get Help: Campus Police, Student Health Services
If you have a friend who has been sexually assaulted, make sure he or she visits Student Health Services. There, your friend will have access to a medical team and counseling. Sexual assault is a serious crime. Encourage your friend to report the crime to campus police.
Problem: I’m not getting any sleep.
Where to Get Help: Counseling Services
It takes a while to adjust to college. Everything is new – the food, your friends, your schedule, your living arrangements. It’s natural to have some difficulty falling asleep. Plus, when the assignments start piling up, stress can take its toll. Contact Health Services and speak with a counselor. You will learn strategies that will help you find balance and get some rest.
Problem: My grades stink.
Where to Get Help: Learning Resources Center
Don’t take chances with your academic record. Contact your university’s learning resource center to get a tutor. Visit the campus writing center for help with essays and be sure to talk with your professors directly about how to raise your grades.
Jon Morgan is EduGuide's User Host. He made it through college working at his campus computer help desk.