Keeping up with college courses can be daunting, even if you have a strong support system. As your workload starts to build during the semester, you may find yourself in need of extra support. Learning to locate and utilize the resources around you can be an invaluable skill during your college years. Whether or not you believe you need to find extra academic or health resources, it can be useful to familiarize yourself with the programs made available to you by Bakersfield College.

Each class you take at BC will be different, and you’ll need to find the resources that will aid you in each specific course. You may fly through some classes, passing them with ease; or you may find other courses require you to attend hours of tutoring. Knowing which programs provide which resources will prepare you for anything your next course can throw at you.

Because BC provides so many different academic resources for students, it can be difficult to know which program is right for you. In order to find which resources will be beneficial to you, you will first need to locate which academic areas you are struggling with. If you’re struggling with reading comprehension, writing in an academic setting, or building the necessary skillset to succeed in college, an Academic Development course may be the best fit for you. If you’re looking to improve your academic success through simple lifestyle changes, the Habits of Mind website and app serves as a how-to guide to academic success.

However, some courses may require you to seek out more robust resources in order to succeed. BC offers multiple academic resources based on the specific subject you are struggling with. If you are struggling with the course material in a math class, the Math Learning Center provides free tutoring to any student enrolled in Math B60 or Math B70. Similarly, the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) department provides tutoring for all STEM subjects. If you are struggling with a course that requires heavy reading and writing, the Writing Center provides free help with any writing assignment. For generalized help with your courses, the Tutoring Center provides one tutoring session per week for students.

Though it’s important to prioritize your academic success, it is equally important to care for your physical and mental health. Navigating the community college system can be incredibly difficult, as is navigating the U.S. healthcare system. For students without consistent access to healthcare, access to the Student Health Center can be critical. The Student Health Center provides a plethora of resources for students, including first-aid care, access to over-the-counter-medications, pregnancy tests, condoms, and various other services. The Student Health Center also provides BC students with up to 6 wellness exams per semester. Utilizing your school’s healthcare resources can provide you with the care you need to maintain your health and your academic standing.

Similar to caring for your physical health, it can be easy to neglect your mental health in the midst of pursuing a degree. However, if left untreated, mental health issues can become a hindrance to your overall academic success. This is why overcoming the stigma of mental illness and reaching out for help can change your academic career for the better. The Student Health Center has licensed marriage and family therapists as well as clinical social workers who can help aid you in finding solutions to various mental health issues. If you are in need of more personalized care, students are offered up to 6 free psychotherapy sessions per semester.

Though reaching out to professors and tutors for extra instruction or booking an appointment at the Student Health Center can be daunting, accepting help is nothing to be ashamed of.