Resources You're Not Using (but paying for) in College

Looking back, I can see the support that most colleges and universities provide for students, much of which goes untapped. I kick myself thinking about all of the unused resources - the stones left unturned. It took working at a college, nearly ten years after graduating from one, to learn about most of them. From health services to housing support to academic coaching, surveys show that only a fraction of students use many of the resources they (or their parents) are paying for. With the spring semester now in session, you may be a senior rushing to wrap up your thesis, or you’re a freshman with a new inventory of what worked well and what didn’t, hoping to connect to more supports on campus. We’ve outlined steps you can take to make the most of your long-term writing assignments, especially those working towards their thesis!

Research Grants

Many colleges offer research grants and stipends to students. Sometimes these are part of a bigger admission scholarship a student can receive, but other times, all you have to do is ask. Start with your academic advisor or department chair, and inquire about grants and stipends related to your field of study. Is there an academic conference in Berlin that you’re dying to attend? It never hurts to ask your department for a travel stipend. You can offer to present your findings to the department upon your return.

Executive Functioning Tip: Write a 6-sentence email draft. That’s it. No sending. No perfecting. Just drafting. This reduces cognitive load and turns a scary, vague task into a concrete one.

1) Open email + type subject line (1 min)
Example: Travel Grant Request – [Conference Name], [Dates]

2) Fill in this template (8–10 min)

Subject: Travel Grant Request – [Conference], [Dates]

Hi [Name/Department/Admin Contact],
I’m a [year/major] student planning to attend [Conference Name] on [dates], where I will be [presenting / attending sessions / representing the department].

I’m writing to ask whether the department offers travel funding or travel grants for student conference attendance. The estimated total cost is $[amount] (registration $, travel $, lodging $__).

If there is an application process, could you please point me to the form and any deadlines? I’m happy to provide additional documentation (conference acceptance letter, budget, itinerary, etc.). I would also be more than happy to present to the department about my experience and findings upon my return.

Thank you so much for your time and support,
Best,
[Full Name]

3) Save as draft (1 min)

4) Add one calendar reminder (1 min)
“Send travel grant email – 3:30pm tomorrow”

5) Optional: Forward to advisor/mentor for quick check (2 min)

On-Campus Writing Center and Peer Support

Many institutions have a Writing Center on campus. The format can vary but may include an open-concept setting where you can work on your writing projects, with professionals or peer tutors available as needed. Some colleges may have more of an appointment-style center, where you can schedule an appointment to work one-on-one with a writing tutor. These centers may also be located in an Academic Advising office

Executive Functioning Tip: Schedule these appointments or time spent in the writing center before you’re desperate for help. This should be scheduled in advance, not only to hold you accountable for working on your writing, but also to provide a basis for making the feedback you receive more valuable. For longer-term projects, such as a thesis, schedule regular meetings (e.g., every three weeks) to build momentum.

Study Carrels

A study carrel is a small, partitioned desk in a university library that can be reserved by students, especially when working on a big paper, like a thesis. Go to your university library’s online booking system or talk to a librarian. You can keep your books there during the duration of your rental. It’s like a small temporary office space that will help you feel more focused, intentional, and like a big deal (which you are).

Executive Functioning Tip: Having a separate, defined study space can help physically “cross over” into a new environment associated with a certain task – in this case, studying. While a simple concept, crossing over a threshold, like a library, can signal to your brain that it’s time for a new activity, helping you focus and get your work done.

Office Hours

Whether hosted by your professor or your T.A., office hours are there to help and are often missed. Use this before your assignments to clarify the assignment and before they are due to ensure you are on track. While it might feel nerve-racking to attend, know that professors are hosting these sessions because they want to support you!

Executive Functioning Tip: At the beginning of each semester, calendar the available office hours for each of your classes, just as you would your class times. Sure, you may not go every week, but it will automatically be scheduled for you if you need to. Similar to the tip above, going prepared with questions is a great way to make the most of your time.

Not sure where to go? Connect with your class dean! They will be aware of the services your school offers. They’re a great resource to connect with regularly to make sure you’re on track with your classes and course trajectory for fulfilling your major. They can also provide support with communication to the professor should that ever be needed.

If you found these tips helpful, you may be interested in our College Concierge program, which provides monthly, individualized meetings focused on maximizing your time in college. You also have access to your very own college concierge to help point you in the right direction!