Resources For College Students
Once you have decided to go to college, it is critical to think about the numerous college preparation options accessible to you.
If you look about, you’ll notice that there are numerous resources available to assist you in preparing for your college experience. So, where should you begin?
What resources do college students need? The top resources when attending college you should have are Financial Aid & Scholarships, Student Housing, and Books & Study Materials. While college students need several resources, these three should be your top considerations.
You may believe that college is simply a continuation of high school, but this is not the case. College opens doors for you that you wouldn’t have had access to in high school.
And, especially for low-income kids, college is a financially draining experience. Look at our list of campus resources that can assist you.
Crucial College Resources
There is a strong link between income and academic achievement. It is difficult to concentrate in class when you’re worried about what you’ll eat or where you’ll live.
Nearly one-third of all undergraduate college students are poor. 36% report that they do not have enough to eat daily. Furthermore, 57% of students who qualify for food assistance programs do not use them or are unaware that they exist.
The good news is that both universities and the government offer assistance to needy college students. Stanford University’s Phoenix Scholars Program pairs students with academics and colleagues for mentorship and career networking.
Boston College’s Options Through Education program assists low-income, high-achieving students with tuition and living expenses.
With so many undergraduates juggling employment, life, and school, it is critical to gather and communicate as much information as possible.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Free Tuition For Low-income Students
Many colleges and institutions around the United States offer entirely free tuition to low-income college students like the University of Texas at Austin.
Check your school to see whether they give low-income students free tuition and if you qualify.
Scholarships
There are numerous scholarships available, many of which are targeted towards low-income students. You are free to apply for as many positions as you wish. When you apply for more scholarships, you are likely to get into one or several of them.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The FSEOG is another grant that you can be eligible for. It is a federal award that is given to students who are in desperate need.
The great thing about this grant is students are not pressured to repay it.
It is an outstanding award to add to your financial assistance package. You can win anything from $100 to $4,000 per year.
Subsidized Loans
The US Department of Education offers direct subsidized loans to undergraduate college students. Subsidized loans, unlike unsubsidized loans, do not accumulate interest while you are enrolled in school or during your 6-month grace period following graduation.
Low-income students stand a strong chance of receiving one of these loans, which can amount to thousands of dollars per year.
Financial Aid/FAFSA
To be eligible for many grants and loans, you must first complete the FAFSA. The FAFSA is the acronym for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
It will take some time since you will need to gather financial information from your parent(s) or guardian(s). But it will be worthwhile because low-income students frequently qualify for generous financial help.
Federal Grants (Pell)
You have a strong possibility of qualifying for the Federal Pell Grant if you are a low-income college student. It is a federal grant for financially disadvantaged students. It doesn’t have to be repaid, and you might get as much as $6,195 per year.
Emergency Financial Assistance
Some offer emergency financial aid programs to assist students with tuition, fees, and/or basic living expenses. In the event of an emergency – any emergency – this is what you should do.
It could be a loan or a grant. For example, Georgia State University offers interest-free loans of up to $2,000 per year. This cost should help cover essential living expenses in an emergency.
Student Housing
College Housing Grants
What about off-campus accommodation, you might wonder? While many student loans and grants are primarily focused on tuition and fees, a handful of them also provides housing assistance.
Some may require on-campus living in the dorms, while others may have off-campus housing options. Cal Grants in California and the Wayne County Housing Award in Michigan are two excellent examples.
The latter places students in a campus residential community and pays $1,500 per year for four years. Grants of this type differ in terms of amount and length.
Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities can assist low-income students in finding suitable accommodation and, if necessary, provide financial aid. They have locations all around the United States.
Check with your local Catholic Charities if you need housing aid but can’t find any grants or scholarships to fund it. Allowing a lack of accommodation to prevent you from acquiring a college education is a mistake.
Cheap Apartments For College Students
It is an excellent resource, particularly for pupils from low-income families. You may find rentals in your price range on this site. And you may also gather information on renters’ insurance, tenant screening, and other topics.
If you want more direct advice from the community, there’s even a message board. It is all completely free for college students.
HUD Housing For Homeless Youth
If you’re experiencing homelessness, go to the HUD’s website. It contains a wealth of tools and programs that can assist you in obtaining the information and assistance you require. They work with homeless youth, as well as low-income students.
Don’t let a shortage of accommodation keep you from getting an education and progressing in your job. HUD can be of assistance.
Residence Life Offices
A residence life office can be found at almost any college that provides dorms or off-campus student living. These offices assist students in obtaining student housing and deal with any housing-related concerns that may arise.
Some students may be required to stay in the dorms during breaks, which may be especially beneficial to low-income students.
United Way 211
For low-income students, the United Way’s 211 programs can be a valuable resource. It can include food, work possibilities, health information, and support groups in addition to housing and shelter aid.
It is entirely free, and assistance is available all around the United States. If you need it to finish college, take advantage of it.
Section 8 Housing
Section 8 housing is federal judicial legislation that provides landlords in the United States with rental housing assistance.
For those who qualify, this means decreased housing prices. It is a low-cost accommodation alternative for students on a tight budget. To discover section 8 housing in your area, contact your local public housing agency.
Student Housing Database
The student housing database maintained by American Campus Communities will assist you in finding homes near your school.
It is beneficial for low-income students, as it displays a variety of cheap housing possibilities. Type in your city or school, and you’ll be sent to a list of possible destinations.
Books & Study Materials
Libraries
Going to libraries is an excellent method to save money on textbooks, whether your school library or a community library.
It would help if you didn’t have to pay anything for this choice. Ensure that the library has the book you want and that you may borrow it for as long as you need it.
Book Swaps
You might ask a buddy who took the course you’re taking and still has the book to lend it to you. You might also make a transaction for a book that they require. Some colleges, such as Heartland Community College, have textbook exchange programs.
Textbook Rentals
You will be able to save a lot of money by renting a textbook rather than buying one. This is a terrific alternative, especially for low-income students trying to save money. Unless, however, you want to keep the book permanently.
Ebooks
The advantage of ebooks is that they are frequently less expensive than print books. It is mainly for low-income kids.
It’s also more convenient because you can keep all of your textbooks on one tablet. Just make sure there’s an ebook edition of whatever it is you’re looking for.
Amazon
Buying books on Amazon is a terrific alternative to buying them from your school shop. It is frequently the most cost-effective alternative.
Amazon also provides a large selection of books, and you may search around for the lowest prices. They often allow you to choose between print and ebook textbooks.
Academic Preparation
Some low-income schools may not be adequately preparing children for college success. It means that these students may require academic assistance to excel in college.
Fortunately, there is lots of assistance accessible. Here are some tools for academic preparation and help that are entirely free:
Academic Advisors
Your college counselors have a significant impact on the decisions you make in college. Advisors have been trained to assist you in achieving your objectives and graduating from college.
Whatever you require, there is someone on campus who is willing and able to assist you. There’s no reason why you should go to college by yourself. Academic advisers aren’t the only people who can help you in college.
Many also find that their professors are excellent advisors when it comes to navigating the complexities of college. Visiting your teachers during their office hours is an excellent opportunity to get to know them.
Office hours are a fantastic time to get guidance from instructors regarding challenges you’re having.
Academic Retention Programs
Academic retention programs assist students in succeeding academically in college, particularly those with situations that may make it more challenging (such as low-income students).
Academic retention programs are available at several universities across the country, including Portland State University and Hilbert College.
Academic Skill Centers
Academic skill centers assist students in honing the abilities required for success in college—tutoring in math or writing, learning time management, or test-taking skills.
Furthermore, assistance with graduate school applications and tests are all possibilities. Many colleges provide these services for free, so money isn’t an issue.
Writing Centers
You will be expected to write regardless of your chosen major. The writing center is available to folks who aren’t strong writers. They will be able to help with everything from writer’s block to proofreading to outlining.
The writing center is where you may learn about the variations between creative essays, critiques, and research papers. These centers will also ensure that you’re writing something fantastic.
The majority of college students will complete their degree with a thesis or capstone research project. All of which will require a significant amount of writing.
Some students have trouble staying motivated or figuring out how to finish a large project. The writing center’s advisors can help you break it down into manageable chunks. You may schedule a meeting with them to check in on your progress.
Tutors
Throughout your college career, you’ll discover that certain classes are simple and others are not. Some classes might be more challenging than others, depending on the content or how it is presented. Consider hiring a tutor instead of suffering through a challenging lesson.
Check to see whether your campus provides tutoring on the topic. You can also look for tutoring sessions that can assist with test-taking or reading complex material in general.
Some tuition will be provided one-on-one, while others will be delivered in groups. Ensure you know what free options are accessible to you before hiring a tutor and spending out of pocket.
Medical & Health Services
Everybody feels overwhelmed from time to time. Many institutions provide free or inexpensive counseling to students to help them cope with their stress.
Many institutions now have crisis centers or hotlines to assist suicidal or sexually assaulted students. These hotlines are private and are staffed by people who have been trained to assist in crisis circumstances.
Many colleges provide free or discounted health care to students who become ill or require annual visits while on campus. Find out the resources available to students at your college, whether you’re dealing with mental or physical issues.
Campus Medical Health Services
The benefit of being a college student is that you have access to free (or reasonably priced) healthcare on campus.
Almost every school provides this service, which includes checkups, testing, and occasionally even free drugs. It will allow you to save a lot of money and may also assist you in staying healthy during your college years.
Campus Mental Health Services
Free counseling is another excellent option that many institutions provide. This may be with a licensed therapist, or it may be with a graduate student studying to become a licensed therapist.
In either case, you get someone to talk to for free, which may be highly beneficial for low-income students. This service will help you, particularly during stressful times.
Helplines
Calling a medical hotline might be a fantastic alternative if you have a medical concern but can’t afford to see a doctor or aren’t sure if you need one. These services allow you to speak with a medical practitioner over the phone regarding your issues.
Online Chat
If you prefer not to speak with a medical professional over the phone, you can chat with one online. You can talk about your medical problems without the need to speak.
Of course, this isn’t a substitute for a doctor’s appointment. However, it might help you relax until you can afford one. First Opinion is a fantastic app that does this.
Local Homeless Medical Clinics
A variety of homeless medical clinics can be found across the country. You don’t have to be homeless to attend one of these events.
They also serve low-income individuals. It is an excellent alternative for low-income students because the fee is usually what you can afford. Determine if one is located near you.
Food & Family Services
College Food Banks
College food banks provide free food to students and families that are in desperate need. Non-perishable items, such as canned goods and snacks, are typical examples. Essentials such as toothpaste, toilet paper, and laundry detergent can also be included.
Food banks or pantries can be found at many schools and institutions across the country.
These are an excellent alternative for low-income students who have found a method to pay for education but still have trouble covering basic living expenses. Find out whether your school has a food pantry.
Campus Kitchens
Some colleges provide complimentary meals to low-income students. This is the case at the University of Washington, where they have a program called Any Hungry Husky.
This program provides a food pantry with shelf-stable goods and fresh produce. It also offers grants for low-income students to use on campus for meals.
The Campus Kitchen Project is another excellent resource for low-income students. They provide nutritious meals to students and the general public.
And can also offer culinary job training for those who want to pursue a career in the industry without going into debt.
Look into what your college’s cafeteria has to offer. You might be startled by what you discover.
Campus Daycare
Campus daycares are beneficial to parents for a variety of reasons. For starters, the cost is frequently meager, far lower than other types of daycare. Another plus is that the daycares are located on campus. You won’t have to travel far to pick up your child(ren).
Reduced-cost Dining
Some colleges provide low-cost eating to students, especially those from low-income families. This can take the shape of one-time grants, regular funding, or even membership.
Vanderbilt University is a fantastic example of an institution that uses this membership-based concept. Perhaps your college provides something similar.
Transportation
It is critical to be able to get to your lessons. It’s not always simple for low-income pupils to find affordable, reliable transportation to school.
Fortunately, there are numerous low-cost transportation choices available to students of all financial levels. Here are a few of the numerous options for getting to and from school:
Walk
Not everyone is a fan of walking. However, if you live close to campus, you’ll save a lot of money. Ensure that the place is secure.
However, if you don’t feel safe walking home at night, always be willing to choose an alternate route. Even doing this on a part-time basis could help you save money.
College Shuttles
Buses that pick up and drop off college students are known as college shuttles. They make frequent trips both on and off-campus. They might travel anywhere on campus or throughout the city. It differs.
Some college shuttles are free, and others are not, but it is usually a cost-effective alternative. To see some shuttle possibilities in your region, click the link above.
Bus
If you don’t have a car, using the city bus to and from school could be a terrific option. It is usually a cost-effective alternative, as it costs less in the short term than car insurance and gas.
All you need to do is to make sure that you’re close to a bus route that goes to your school.
Cheap Used Car
Not all automobiles are expensive. If you have savings, you could get a good bargain on an older, less expensive automobile from a private seller. You can also check for a low-interest loan from a dealership.
Just because something isn’t brand new doesn’t mean it can’t be in excellent condition. Examine your choices.
Carpool
You might have friends in your neighborhood who go to the same school as you. This is a great advantage. Another way you could cut costs on transportation is to carpool.
So start asking around. Whether possible, see if you know somebody with similar schedules or be willing to be on campus when they are.
Conclusion
In summary, your student’s college or university may offer some or all of these services. To find more detailed information, students can visit their school’s websites.
Also, students will most likely be given some information about these services when they arrive on campus. During the orientation for new students and parent/family sessions, information about campus services is also offered.
