Free Tuition for Students
Minority Awards and Other Campus Resources to Help With Costs
Sep 26, 2009
While deciding which university to attend, students look at the benefits that each college promises to provide. Most are exposed to promotions such as a college with daycare and on campus fitness centers. What many of them don’t realize is that those are only a few of the resources available to help students succeed. After starting the semester, the hunt should begin for these less advertised assets.
First Generation College Student Scholarships
Free money is everywhere on campus, during the admission process and while attending. The financial aid office will have information about lesser known departmental and minority student scholarships as well as textbook vouchers for the bookstore. Often their website will feature a scholarship search engine, too. They can help with loan requests and work study; there are even more perks for National Merit Scholars which sometimes go unused.
Many four year universities have a bank or credit union on campus offering special financial discounts and business hours to students.
Ask about a post office on school grounds that offers discounted P.O. boxes.
When items such as desks or other dorm furniture are needed, look no further than the school’s consignment store for large price markdowns.
Transfer Student Services
Making a move between colleges can be done the hard way – alone. The easier way is by getting help from the transfer student advisers. They are there to arrange tours, provide extra scholarship opportunities and connect transfer students with each other for more support.
Off campus housing assistance is also available, especially for nontraditional students with families. The local bus system may provide free transportation around town to those with a student I.D. If free parking is available near the campus, seek out the bus system’s free shuttle between the parking area and the campus’ center.
International Students Health Insurance is Available
Many universities have partnership study abroad schools in other countries. Insurance is just as important in one’s academic country as it is at home. Take a trip to the human resources office which offers all college students health insurance that also covers dependents for a reasonable price.
If dental or vision coverage is not offered with health insurance, ask about a discount program for students.
A student gym membership is usually offered for free after student fees are paid. Try a fitness class and visit the on campus clinic for informational health seminars.
Student organizations on campus include minority student programs. There is free tutoring for all students and the programs can make it easier to find a study group.
University Library Resources Help Students Succeed
The reference desk librarian is usually more knowledgeable about the university than student assistants and can help with resources located outside of the library. Check their desks often for study skills sessions, scheduled guest speakers and other events.
A school newspaper or radio station is not the only media on site. The library will have current magazines and national newspapers; there may even be a ticker or marquee with the latest news.
Food may not be allowed around the books, but a library café could be hidden among the stacks.
Computer labs can be found everywhere on campus, not just in a technology oriented building. Find out how to connect to the free WiFi, rent a laptop or get one repaired by the school.
Don’t shy away from the honors college if eligible to join. Members get perks such as early online advising and enrollment or extra AP/CLEP test discounts.
Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees may be available.
Get free help with papers at the writing center.
Find a Job With University Career Services
Schools don’t just help with work study positions. Ask about off campus jobs and on campus job opportunities where the earnings go directly to the student.
Multiple career fairs will be open for students to attend right on campus. Career Services offers mock interviews and free help with resumes.
Information sessions are provided throughout the year on topics like how to dress professionally and how to land an internship. National employers can also schedule presentations for students about their own companies and available positions.
The online and around-campus job boards are not just for student positions. Inquire about an online resume database where outside employers can go through the school to recruit new talent.
Free Food and College Meal Plans
There should be multiple options for purchasing a meal plan and students are not required to have one. On some campuses meal points can be used on vending machines as well as off campus restaurants.
Check out interesting events as they often serve free food. Information about upcoming events, as well as Greek life, can be obtained during the university’s welcome week.
Bible studies and religious clubs on campus are one way to meet people; also utilize social sites like Facebook and online class rosters to find club pages and keep in touch with classmates.
Some dorm rooms are provided with room service as late as 3 a.m. Before signing a housing contract on campus, schedule an overnight dorm visit preview.
Students do not have to join a team in order to play sports for the university. For the experience without pressure, sign up for a recreational sports club.
College and High School Student Services
Alumni and high school students can take advantage of university resources as well. They should keep in touch with the alumni association or prospective student services. There are night, intersession and summer classes that are sometimes overlooked, but can be helpful for those who are non traditional students. Classes are also provided by universities, but held on a partnering college’s campus so that students may attend closer to home.
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