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❑ Find out how to get tutoring, attend office hours or find other academic supports. (August)

Successful students start working with tutors at the beginning of the semester. Tutors aren’t just for students who are trying to catch up or who are struggling. Tutors are there to help students are doing well, stay on track and get ahead. Ask your academic advisor and your professors where you can get tutoring for each of your classes. Start by going to tutoring and office hours (like tutoring directly with your professor) within the first two weeks of each class, even when there aren’t many assignments. That way you start off with a good habit and it’s easier to keep up. Remember, it’s easier to keep an A, than to bring a low grade up to an A midway through the semester.

❑ Find out about the TRiO programs. (August)

TRiO programs are great resources, specifically for first-generation and low-income students. They give academic and social support, great mentorship and SCHOLARSHIPS! College AIM students have gotten involved in TRiO at the beginning of their first year and earn thousands of extra dollars in scholarships before the first semester is even over.

TRiO programs can also help you with jobs and may even have jobs available within their offices.

❑ Locate and learn about mental health services on your campus. (August)

College is a huge transition and most people struggle at some point, even if on the surface it looks like they’re doing just fine. This is called “Duck Syndrome” -- above the surface ducks are calm, but below the water, they have to kick like crazy to stay afloat and keep moving forward. Most college students are kicking like crazy to stay afloat, even if they look fine on the surface.

❑ Locate and learn about the on-campus food pantry, if available. (August)

College is expensive, and studies have shown that approximately half of college students are food insecure, so if you’re not sure if you can pay for all of the food you need, you’re not alone.

Many colleges set up food pantries on campus, where you can discreetly go grocery shopping for free. Remember, you’re already paying tuition, fees and more, so you’re really already paying for this service. If you need it, use it. You deserve it. Most schools will give you free access to counseling and will have some number of “free” sessions each year. Remember, you’re already paying for these with your tuition and fees, so you might as well use them.

If you do sign up for counseling sessions, make sure to attend. If you sign up and no-show, sometimes they’ll take away your future free sessions.