Sometimes it can be daunting to look for what you need in college, whether you attend a large or small school. After over a year of all online classes and social isolation, everyone is ready to get back to the old normal. Relationships, connections, feeling like you belong. As a senior, I’ve had some time to discover the resources that the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa offers for students and faculty. And let me tell you – it’s endless. Nonetheless, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite on-campus resources that all UHM members need to take advantage of!
- Free counseling services
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This is probably one of the most important resources, especially coming out of isolation. The Counseling & Student Development Center provides free counseling sessions to students and faculty, whether that is through personal counseling, support groups, couples therapy, peer fellow services, or career counseling. You’ll first have an initial appointment and then from there your counselor will determine what form of follow-up care best fits your needs. Just make sure you’ve paid the Health Fee and you’re good to go!
- lgbtq+ center
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The LGBTQ+ center holds countless programs on campus for students and faculty. They have an LGBTQ+ Coffee Hour every week on Zoom, hold Safe Zone training programs for allies of LGBTQ+ people, and provide direct services for students who are experiencing mistreatment. You might even see some of their events on campus, including on National Coming Out Day in October!
- The writing center
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The Writing Center is here to help you with all your writing needs. From resumes to letters to research papers, they have it all! Writing consultations are free of charge and anyone affiliated with UHM can schedule an appointment. The writing consultants are trained and you might see them in your class holding a workshop on a specific writing topic or a themed workshop!
- food vault hawai’i
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When my freshmen year began I knew about Food Vault Hawai’i and always walked past it, but I never bothered to go to it till my friend brought it up. It’s a great resource that not enough students know about! Food Vault Hawai’i is a food pantry that serves all UHM students in an effort to tackle food insecurity. They offer non-perishable items from canned foods to feminine hygeine products. While you do have to make an appointment for a pick-up due to Covid, Food Vault Hawai’i protects anonymity and doesn’t collect your personal information.
- Safety escort service
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While UHM is a generally safe campus, you should still take precautions – especially at night. The Department of Public Service provides the Safety Escort Service for all UHM members. From dusk till dawn, the SES provides walking escorts as well as vehicle transportation from anywhere on campus. If you don’t need an escort, know that there are Emergency Call Boxes located all throughout UHM. In fact, you should see one from wherever you are on campus!
Whatever service you’re using or in need of, just know that you aren’t alone and don’t be afraid to reach out! Seen by all of the resources UHM has to offer for students, it’s time to have a great semester. We deserve it.