On-Campus Resources

Academic Department - Campus Facilities - ResLife - Health Services - Counselling - Mail - Dining - Libraries - Campus Bookstore

US universities are known for the high level of support they provide to students, including international students. During orientation, you will be introduced to the numerous offices available on campus. As noted in the previous section, the international student office may be your best resource. However, please take note of the offices listed below, as you never know when you will need to take advantage of the advice or services offered.

Academic Department

For those students studying abroad for a full degree, once you choose your major, your academic department will help you understand what classes you need to take to graduate and pursue your professional goals. They may organise departmental trips and job-shadowing opportunities and provide general assistance if you are having trouble with a class. You will be assigned an academic advisor who will mentor you on academic decisions. If you enter undecided (you have not declared a major), you may be assigned a general undergraduate advisor that can help you decide what majors or minors you may want to pursue.

Campus Facilities

Campus facilities look after and perform maintenance on campus buildings, including residence halls. Contact them if there is a problem with your room or your bathroom.

Residential Life

Most commonly called ResLife, the Residential Life Office handles to everything related to housing. Your first point of contact will be someone called a Resident Assistant (RA), a fellow student. Your RA will be able to answer many questions you have regarding campus life as well as offer advice. Many ResLife departments also have an off-campus housing office, which will be able to assist you if you are searching for an off-campus apartment.

Health Services

The university health service is where you will find nurses and doctors in an on-campus clinic. You can get existing prescriptions filled as well as new prescriptions if you fall ill. Many offices will take appointments as well as see walk-in patients. If you have the university’s student insurance plan, it may be free to use the health service and will be less expensive to fill prescriptions. See our page on healthcare in the US for more information.

Counselling and Mental Health Services

Counselling and Mental Health Services provide professional advice about mental health issues, including transitioning to a new country and a new university. Feel free to seek them out regarding any questions or insecurities you may have or culture shock you may experience. Many students speak with a counsellor at some point during their university career. 

Mail Services

University Mail Services manages all incoming mail to the university. Some halls of residence have mailboxes in the lobby while others are centrally located in a separate building. Some mailboxes are opened by keys, others by combination. Be sure to get your key or combination when you arrive and check your mail regularly. Universities send out important information via campus mail, and you may get a care package from home!

Dining Services

The Dining Services oversee all on-campus eating locations. Universities generally have a variety of eateries, including dining halls, take-away, and cafés. Find out about your university’s meal plan system and choose which one best reflects your eating habits. See our page on dining for more information.

Libraries

The library (most often, libraries, as most universities have multiple) is the most common area for students to study, work on group projects and research for assignments. Along with holding all of the university’s books and reference materials, libraries are often the technology centres of a university. An extensive staff will help you find books, navigate online resources and use available technology. 

Campus Bookstore

At the campus bookstore, you can get a list of required books for your courses and purchase them as well as university apparel and items for your dorm. Most bookstores have pre-order sections of the website, so your books are ready when you get to campus. The campus book store often stock university clothing, stationary, gifts, food, stamps and other accessories. See our budget page for tips on buying books.