Last updated September 15, 2025

In this article

• You can study abroad!
• Benefits of studying abroad 
• Important things to consider before studying abroad 
• How to study abroad

Studying abroad in college can be a special and transformative experience that has personal, academic, and professional benefits! This opportunity can seem out of reach or difficult to navigate, especially if you’re a first-generation or low-income student. We want to show you that it is possible with some planning and coordination! Here’s what to know about studying abroad.

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You can study abroad!

Before diving into the important steps of researching and committing to a study abroad program, we want to reiterate that it is possible for low-income and first-generation students! While these programs can be expensive or require navigating complex systems and processes, they are attainable for students of all backgrounds. Financial aid, as well as support from your college’s study abroad office, academic advisor, and community can make your dream a reality. All college students deserve to have personally and culturally enriching experiences, regardless of their income or background!

Benefits of studying abroad 

Here are just a few benefits of studying abroad:

Enhance your academics and immerse yourself in a new culture

Depending on your major or the program you choose, studying abroad can contextualize what you’ve learned and help you apply it to real life situations. For example, if you’re a Japanese major studying in Tokyo, you will likely gain a deeper understanding of the language and culture that you’ve been learning about in your studies, and will be able to form your own impressions, insights, and memories about them. This can positively impact your studies during the rest of your time in college!

Make new personal connections

One of the biggest benefits of studying abroad is the opportunity to meet new people from all over the world. No matter your program or where you’re studying, it’s highly likely that you’ll make new connections and friends to explore the city you’re in. Having new friends to share experiences with can make your time even more memorable! 

Develop professionally

Studying abroad is an opportunity to gain skills that can be added to your resume or discussed in a job interview. You can highlight skills such as problem solving, navigating complex systems (such as the visa application process), communicating across cultural and language differences, and gaining confidence and independence. You can then reflect on how all of these have contributed to your personal and professional growth. 

Important things to consider before studying abroad 

Before making a decision, there are a few important things to consider. Being aware of each and the logistics that come with them can better prepare you to set off on your journey! Here’s a few things to consider:

Academic considerations

• Will studying abroad help you advance in your major or toward your degree? Meet with your academic advisor to look over the courses offered through your potential study abroad program to make sure they will count toward your degree requirements. 

Financial considerations

• How will you pay for it? This is one of the most significant factors in deciding whether or where to study abroad. Most forms of the federal, state, and institutional financial aid you already receive can be used to study abroad. For example, the Pell Grant, most scholarships, and federal student loans can be used to pay for your studies. It’s also worth noting that there are many scholarships out there specifically for studying abroad, so if you have unmet financial need, do your research and apply for as many as possible. Check out the U.S. Department of State’s list of scholarships for students studying abroad to start your search.
• Will the credits you take be enough to keep your financial aid and maintain your visa status? The amount of credits you’re taking while abroad is significant because it can impact your ability to receive financial aid and to maintain your student visa status. Some of your financial aid (especially scholarships) may have credit requirements that you must meet to keep. For example, if a scholarship was awarded to you under the condition that you are enrolled in full-time credits, and you plan to only take part-time credits abroad, you would lose that scholarship and be left with unmet financial need. Additionally, in order to maintain your student visa status, you may be required to be enrolled in full-time credits as well. It’s important to talk this through with your college’s study abroad office to ensure that both your aid and your visa will be secure.
• How much will you need to budget? It can be helpful to start budgeting and saving early so that you’re prepared to pay for your living expenses and any unexpected costs that may arise while abroad. 

Personal considerations

• How will studying abroad impact your life back at school? Consider the impact of being away from campus and your routine for an extended period of time. Will it be harder to connect with your friends or peers from far away? Will you have to quit or pause your involvement with clubs? Do you have a job or internship that you’d have to take a leave of absence from or quit? Make sure you take all of this into consideration before making a decision.
• How will you talk to your family about studying abroad? It’s important to acknowledge the potential impacts of studying abroad on low-income and first-generation students. If you are close to your family or if they rely on you for support, making the choice to study abroad can be difficult. This is especially true if you are the first person in your family to study abroad or even attend college. While it may not always be easy to talk to your family about decisions you make in college, it’s worth it. Doing so can help you come to a mutual understanding about your desire to study abroad, what your family dynamic might be like when you’re gone, or how often you will check in. It’s a big decision to make, and having a strong support system in place can make all the difference!

How to study abroad

Here are some steps to take if you’re interested in studying abroad:

Start at your study abroad office 

If you’re interested in studying abroad but aren’t sure whether it’s academically or financially possible, head to your college’s study abroad office anyway. Don’t count yourself out before exploring what’s possible! 

Advisors can help you explore your options, navigate any potential barriers, and support you through researching and applying to programs. They can also connect you to peers on campus who have studied abroad and are willing to share their experiences with you.

It’s important to start this process early (we recommend at least a year in advance) since there may be logistical factors at play, such as applying for or renewing your passport, securing your visa, or finding a place to live. Giving yourself as much time as possible to understand what’s expected of you and what you’ll need to set in motion over the next year can make studying abroad significantly less stressful when the time comes. 

Meet with your academic advisor

It can’t be stressed enough that your study abroad credits should help you advance in your degree. Once you have an idea of the programs that interest you, set up a meeting with your academic advisor to talk through your major and credit requirements and discuss any obstacles that could potentially prevent you from studying abroad. They can also help you determine which year or term of school is the right time. For example, it may be ideal for students studying humanities to go abroad during their junior year, while STEM majors may find it easier to go as a sophomore.

Getting everything squared away with your academic advisor will likely take more than one meeting, so be sure to initiate this process early as well.

Meet with your financial aid office

If you have any questions about the types of financial aid that can be used toward studying abroad, talk to someone in your college’s financial aid office. 

Take care of important action items

Once you register for your program, you may need to start taking care of important action items, such as:

• Completing your college’s requirements, such as submitting paperwork and signing waivers for approval to study abroad and transfer your credits at the end of your program.
• Getting your passport.
• Applying for a student visa.
• Finding a place to live (if student housing isn’t provided).
• Making sure you’re up-to-date on your vaccinations (or getting vaccinations if required).
• Beginning to budget and save money. 

Allow yourself plenty of time to take care of these items, since some of them (especially those relating to passports and visas) could take weeks or months.

Prepare yourself 

In the midst of all your academic, logistic, and financial preparation, don’t forget to allow yourself to be excited and hopeful about this opportunity! Take some time to watch YouTube videos or TikToks about the study abroad experience. You can watch Q&A videos about studying abroad generally, or check out creators who specifically studied in your program, country, or city. It can also be helpful to research generally about the country you’ll be studying in to learn more about things like its traditions, cultures, or social norms.

Additionally, if you’re a first-generation or low-income student, it may be helpful to search for videos from creators who also identify with those backgrounds and can share their perspectives and experiences from studying abroad. You can also look for study abroad resources specifically for first-generation and low-income students, such as this article from Diversity Abroad or GoAbroad’s free ebook: The First Generation Students Study Abroad Guide. Having a general idea of what to expect can ease your nerves and help you feel more confident in your journey! 

Do you have any questions about studying abroad in college? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated November 25, 2025

In this article

• What is the financial aid office?
• What services does the financial aid office provide?
• When & why you might visit the financial aid office
• How to find & contact the financial aid office
• What to bring with you
• Student advocacy & navigational capital
• Deadlines & annual renewal
• Money management beyond aid

Because a large majority of college students receive at least one form of financial aid, it’s very possible that you will need to visit your school’s financial aid office from time to time. In this article, we’ll help you understand what the financial aid office is, what services it provides, and how you can use it to navigate paying for college!

What is the financial aid office?

Your school’s financial aid office is a center on your campus that supports students and families with their financial aid applications and awards. “Financial aid” includes federal aid awarded through the FAFSA, private scholarships, state aid, and institutional aid awarded only through your school. Staff in your school’s financial aid office work to make sure all students’ aid is processed and awarded to them correctly and on time. 

What services does the financial aid office provide?

Most financial aid offices offer similar assistance:

• Helping students understand their different aid options, like grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs.
• Assisting with applications like the FAFSA, state aid applications, and the CSS Profile.
• Collecting and verifying required documents (such as tax returns or income statements).
• Determining how much aid a student qualifies for and issuing them a financial aid offer letter.
• Disbursing funds to your tuition bill or issuing refund checks to students.
• Advising students on how to accept, decline, or adjust parts of their aid packages.
• Clarifying loan terms, repayment rules, and academic progress requirements.
• Handling special cases or appeals (such as loss of family income, medical expenses, or other unexpected financial changes).

Depending on the school you attend, your financial aid office may have different or additional types of support it offers to students.

When & why you might visit the financial aid office

Here are some common scenarios when you might need to visit your school’s financial aid office:

• If you want to review or ask questions about your financial aid offer for the year, especially if your family’s financial situation has changed since the tax year you reported on your FAFSA. In this situation, you may be eligible to complete a change in financial circumstances appeal form to request additional aid. Someone in the financial aid office can assist you with locating and completing this form, as well as gathering the required documentation to submit with it. 
• If you have questions about any of your aid options, including questions around eligibility, requirements to keep that aid, and new aid opportunities that come up.
• If you are required to take entrance counseling before receiving a federal student loan. 
• If you experience an unexpected financial emergency and have questions about short-term aid options. 

There are many different reasons a student might need to visit their school’s aid office. Regardless of your reason, don’t hesitate to seek out the support you need!

How to find & contact the financial aid office

Most college campuses have a dedicated financial aid office that students can visit during business hours. Some schools may also offer virtual help, such as office hours held over Zoom. You can usually find this information on your school’s website or student portal. If you have a larger question or concern, you may talk to a financial aid counselor or officer. For small things like tuition payments or document submissions, you may talk to office staff. Some schools may even assign students a specific financial aid advisor based on their year or the first letter of their last name. It’s worth checking if your school does this, so you know exactly who to reach out to when you need support.

What to bring with you

To make your visit to the financial aid office go smoothly, it helps to come prepared. The more organized you are, the easier it’ll be for them to give you clear answers and support. Here are some examples of things you may need to bring or have on hand:

• FAFSA Submission Summary and/or Student Aid Index (SAI) for FAFSA or federal aid-related questions. 
• Contributor tax returns, W-2s, pay stubs, or letters of separation from employers if you are requesting an aid adjustment.
• Scholarship or grant award letters to help the office understand your full financial situation.
• Questions about deadlines, loan terms, special circumstances, or anything else you need support with!

It also doesn’t hurt to bring a notebook or use your phone to jot down notes or action items. Financial information can get confusing, so you’ll thank yourself later for taking notes.

Student advocacy & navigational capital

Navigating financial aid can definitely feel overwhelming at first, but learning to advocate for yourself is a big part of the process. In college, things work a little differently than in high school. Because of FERPA privacy laws, you’re legally responsible for your own records, not your parents or counselors. That means it’s up to you to speak up if something looks confusing, keep copies of all your forms and emails, and ask questions whenever deadlines or requirements aren’t clear. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! The more proactive you are, the easier it’ll be to stay on top of everything and make sure you’re getting the support you deserve.

Deadlines & annual renewal

Financial aid isn’t a “one and done” deal, it’s something you have to stay on top of every year. You’ll need to renew your FAFSA each year you’re in school, since your eligibility can change based on your income, grades, credits accumulated, or other factors. It’s also super important to keep track of both state and school-specific deadlines, because they can vary and sometimes come up earlier than you’d expect. Missing those dates can mean missing out on free money for college.

Money management beyond aid

It’s important to be aware of the realities of college financial aid. For example, it’s very possible that your financial aid package may not cover every expense for the year, including things like books, housing, transportation, and personal expenses. The good news is that the financial aid office can potentially connect you with financial literacy workshops or resources to make managing your money a little easier. These can cover things like budgeting for everyday expenses, understanding how student loan repayment works, and finding ways to avoid taking on too much debt by combining aid with scholarships, part-time work, or savings. 

Want to learn more about financial literacy? Check out our money management resources!

Do you have any questions about the financial aid office? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated September 16, 2025

In this article

• What are college office hours?
• Reasons to attend office hours
• How to prepare for office hours in college

If you’re a college student, some of your professors may hold regular office hours for students. In this article, we’ll share tips on how to prepare for office hours in college and make the most of your time with your educators!

What are college office hours?

Office hours are designated time slots for professors to meet with their students outside of class. Office hours can be held in-person or virtually, and may require advance sign up to secure your time (especially if you attend a bigger college). During office hours, you can chat with your professor about assignments, projects, exams, or any other concerns. This is valuable face time with your professors!

Reasons to attend office hours

Here are some reasons students may attend office hours:

Check in with your professor when you’ve been out sick or have a planned absence

In college, you are responsible for any information and assignments you missed during an absence. Visiting office hours can be a great way to catch up on any important information you may have missed. If your professor grades student participation in each class, try and work with them to learn if you can make up those points another way, like through an extra credit assignment. This will show them that you are being proactive about your absence, and they may be more willing to accommodate your situation.

Let your professor know when something is affecting your ability to learn

Attending office hours can be a great way to keep your professor in the loop of any issues that are impacting your ability to fully participate in the class. This could range from seeking learning accommodations to asking for more elaboration on a concept that was covered too quickly. College requires a lot of self-advocacy, especially when it comes to your academics. Telling your professor what you need and where you’re struggling is a great way to receive help while building foundational skills that will benefit you in college and for the rest of your life. 

Get to know your professor

Building a relationship with your professor will be beneficial to you in the long run. It will allow you to feel more comfortable addressing course concerns, gain a deeper understanding of the class material, and allow a professor to get to know you as a student. This will be helpful if you ever need an academic reference for a scholarship, graduate school, or a job!

How to prepare for office hours in college

Here are some tips to prepare for office hours.

Check your syllabus

In your syllabus, your professor may have provided details about their office hours schedule. Look there or email them for more information before attending office hours. 

Have questions and talking points prepared

Make a list of things you’d like to discuss ahead of time. This can include things like a grade you received recently, an assigned reading or piece of homework you’re struggling with, or a concept you’re learning that you could use more clarity on.

Take notes and follow up with any action items

Be sure to take notes during office hours so you can follow up about any relevant action items later. You may also consider sending your professor a follow-up email to thank them for their time and document your next steps based on your meeting. 

Don’t wait until finals week!

Attending office hours throughout the term (rather than just during finals week) can give you consistent support and guidance necessary to succeed academically. Visiting office hours early and often can allow you to have more meaningful discussions about the course material while building a strong connection with your professor. 

Do you have any questions about office hours? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated December 15, 2025

In this article

• Take personality or career assessments
• Receive resume help
• Receive cover letter help
• Create and build your Linkedin
• Prepare for job interviews
• Connect to alumni
• Access your school’s online job portal

College campuses have many great free and low-cost resources available to students; one of the most valuable being the career center. The career center is designed to help students receive guidance to confidently find and apply to jobs and internships, explore their career goals, and make professional connections. A majority of the resources offered in the career center are typically free, so we highly recommend taking advantage of them while you’re a student! Here’s how to use your college’s career center.

Take personality or career assessments

Many students using the career center for the first time may be unsure of what kinds of jobs interest them or what their long-term career goals are. That’s okay! Career centers typically help students explore these interests and goals by offering free or discounted personality and career assessments. These assessments help students identify their interests and goals and point them in the direction of job opportunities that align with both.

Receive resume help

Your resume is your first impression on employers, so having an organized, clear, and well-written one matters. Whether you’ve never created a resume before or have one that needs updating, the career center can help! An advisor can help you build or edit a resume that highlights your strengths, achievements, and accolades to help you stand out to employers when you’re ready to search for jobs. We can also review your resume for free!

Need help building your resume? Create a job-ready resume in minutes with Resume Builder! No matter your job experience, our AI-powered Resume Builder will create a personalized resume for you! After a guided conversation, your skills and activities will be turned into a draft resume—no blank page, no stress. Click the image below to begin!

Receive cover letter help

Cover letters, which express your interest in a specific position or company and briefly outline your skills and qualifications, are an important part of any job application. Someone in the career center can help you write a solid cover letter that you can save and customize when applying for jobs.

Create and build your Linkedin

Linkedin is a great place to make professional connections, grow your network, and find job and internship opportunities! If you’ve never created a Linkedin profile before or need some help tailoring yours, someone in the career center can help.

Prepare for job interviews

From “Tell me about yourself” to “What are your strengths and weaknesses?,” there are many common questions that you can expect to be asked during any job interview. The career center can help you prepare for an interview by helping you form answers to interview questions or by holding a practice interview. The staff at the career center can also give you tips on what to wear in your interviews to look and feel your best!

Connect to alumni

Interested in a specific career, company, or industry and want to learn more? The career center can likely put you in touch with alumni working in those spaces. If you’re introduced to an alum of your school, you can request to hold an informational interview with them to ask questions, get advice, and learn more about the field you’re interested in.

Access your school’s online job portal

Most colleges have online job portals to connect their students with part-time jobs, work-study positions, mentorship opportunities, and internships. Many schools partner with companies in their area to allow them to post job openings on this portal as they come up. Ask someone in your career center about accessing this job portal and for tips on how to make your profile stand out. This is a great place to start your job search!

Do you have any questions about using your college’s career center? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated June 29, 2026

In this article

• Tutoring
• Essay and writing help
• Learning support and strategies
• Tips for making the most of your time at the academic success center

Transitioning from high school to college can be challenging, especially when it comes to keeping up with college-level classes. That’s why students should take advantage of their campus academic success center! This center may go by a different name depending on your college, such as the “learning center,” “tutoring office,” or “writing center.” No matter what it’s called at your college, it’s a free resource that can help you stay on top of your academics and receive support when needed. Here’s what you should know about using your college’s academic success center!

Note: While different colleges may offer different types of support, we’ve listed some common forms below. Stop by your school’s academic success center to learn more about what they offer.

Tutoring

Need some extra support with your homework or to prepare for an upcoming exam? Tutors can help! Tutoring sessions are usually offered:

• In groups. You can study alongside other students in a particular class, led by someone in the academic success center.
• Individually (in-person). To receive 1:1 help, schedule an individual tutoring session. Be sure to show up to your session on time and prepared to jump in. 
• Individually (remote). Some colleges are now offering remote tutoring sessions for students who can’t make it to campus. Scheduling an appointment in advance may be required.
• Drop-in sessions. You don’t need to sign up for drop-in tutoring sessions; they usually operate on a first-come, first-served basis. While you should expect that these sessions will be busy, tutors may be able to work with you 1:1 during slow periods.

Essay and writing help

With the help of a writing coach in the academic success center, you can draft, outline, and edit class papers together. Writing coaches can help you identify key concepts and ideas you want to write about, give you tips on making an effective argument, and review different drafts of your paper as you work on it independently.

Learning support and strategies

A big key to success in college is building good habits over time. These will help you in almost every class you take throughout your time in college, and even in life after school, so it’s important to start working on them now! Here are some of the habits and strategies that the academic success center can help you build through workshops, tutoring, and trainings:

• Note-taking and formatting.
• Test-taking skills, including managing test anxiety.
• Studying.
• Reading comprehension.
• Writing skills like structuring, proofreading, and editing.
• Time management.

Tips for making the most of your time at the academic success center

Attend class

Tutoring is a great way to supplement your learning, but it’s not a substitute for class. It’s essential to attend class, read the required material, and bring your notes and/or questions to your tutoring session.

Be prepared

Before stopping by the academic success center, take time to review the assignment, study guide, or quiz/test you need help with. You can identify the specific things you’re struggling with and show up ready to dive in with a list of questions you want to ask. 

Participate

Tutors are typically fellow students who are strong in a specific major or area of study because they’re studying the same thing. For example, an engineering major may be a math tutor, or an English literature student may tutor in the writing lab. Keep in mind that they are not professors, and although they will help you understand problems and concepts, they will not do your work for you. It’s up to you to actively engage and participate.

Plan ahead

Showing up to the academic success center on time and prepared is important. Tutors are often in high demand, especially during peak times like midterms and finals season, so be sure to schedule your appointment ahead of time and show up ready to go. 

Have any questions about the academic success center? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Last updated June 18, 2026

In this article

• Establishing Agency With Health Care
• Connecting With Health Services On Campus
• Insurance Considerations
• Seeking Care Off Campus
• Choosing A Health Care Provider: Important Considerations
• Read More About Finding Health Care Resources In College

Taking care of your physical and mental health in college is essential! As you transition to college, learning how to connect with health care providers will be beneficial when you need care and support in the future. In this article, we’ll guide college students in finding health care providers and understanding the steps, benefits, and considerations involved.

Establishing Agency With Health Care

Being a college student comes with new experiences and independence. Much like other parts of your college career, finding health care providers will require a degree of self-advocacy, which is the ability to identify your needs and speak up for yourself. Self-advocacy is an essential life skill that will benefit you in college, and a great way to start building it is by finding health care providers for times of need.

Connecting With Health Services On Campus

Most colleges provide various health care resources for students. For example, on-campus health centers connect students to primary care and counseling services that are either covered by student fees or are low-cost. If you need physical or emotional support, stop by the health center to learn more about receiving care. 

It’s important to know that any health care you receive through your student health center in college is protected by FERPA confidentiality provisions. This means that you own and have access to all of your medical information, and parents or guardians do not (without your explicit consent). Any care you receive is confidential and private to you. However, FERPA only applies to medical records maintained by your college. If you were to receive treatment from a hospital or physician not associated with your school, those records would instead be covered by HIPAA, not FERPA. 

Insurance Considerations

Many colleges require students to have health care coverage. If you’re on your family’s insurance plan, you will most likely be able to continue using it in college. (Be sure to learn if there are any restrictions to using your insurance without parental permission.) Campus health centers may be able to assist you in finding primary care providers off campus or recommend specialized mental health care based on your needs.  

If you do not have access to health coverage when starting college, your school may offer their own low-cost plans for purchase or can help you explore coverage through state Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces.

Seeking Care Off Campus

You may also be able to receive care off campus. If you’re a student with health insurance, you can call your insurance provider or use their website to find in-network health care providers near you. If you don’t qualify for any plans through the ACA state marketplace, you may consider exploring Medicaid coverage. If you’re a working student, check in with your employer to learn if they offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that provides access to health care or counseling services. If you’re searching for mental health care, organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or Psychology Today can connect you with professional caregivers in your area.

Choosing A Health Care Provider: Important Considerations 

Consider the following factors when choosing a health care provider:

• Education, training, and licensing: Make sure the provider is licensed and has relevant education and training. You can learn this by heading to their website or reading reviews of them online.
• Specialization and services offered: Double-check that the provider’s specialization aligns with your specific needs.
• Treatment approaches and philosophy: Understand the provider’s approach to treatment and their philosophy.
• Insurance coverage: Before scheduling an appointment, be sure you understand whether your provider accepts your insurance or if your treatment will be covered. 
• Available appointment times and co-pays: Align these practical aspects with your schedule and preferences.

Before seeing a new provider, it can also be helpful to prepare a list of questions to ask to inform your decision about whether to receive care from them. Finding the right match is key to setting up a good relationship and getting the most out of your treatment! 

Read More About Finding Health Care Resources In College

• How to Find Mental Health Support
• 13 Free and Low-Cost Student Mental Health Resources
• Mental Health Support for LGBTQ+ Students
• Professional Help vs. Talking to Friends: Why Seeking Mental Health Support Matters
• Campus Resources to Help You Save Money in College

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