We will spend, on average, four years at Western Washington University. Four years of fun, making memories, studying until our brains fall out, and trying new things. Four years of living with various people, trying to find ourselves, and struggling to afford anything besides Top Ramen for dinner. Four years of opportunities. But how often are we taking advantages of the countless opportunities and resources that Western offers? To help you make the most of your college experience, here are five under-appreciated and under-used resources that Western offers its students.
1. Classroom Services
I have used classroom services countless times, and it is not what you would expect. Located in Haggard Hall 114, Classroom Services allows students to check out laptops, digital cameras, GoPros, video cameras, projectors, PowerPoint clickers, and so much more tech. FOR FREE! Have you ever wanted to have an outdoor movie night with your friends, but didn't know how to project the film? Problem solved. There are so many possibilities presented by Classroom Services, and it is a resource that many fail to recognize.
2. Career Center
Ah - the Career Center. Home of perfected resumes, internships, and networking galore. Do you know someone who is constantly complaining that they do not know how to make their resume better? What about someone who is unsure of how to go about getting a summer internship or one for credit? Is that someone you? The career center is your FREE one-stop-shop for all of this! There are people there who sit around all day waiting to help students with career-related tasks. Stop by Old Main 280 with your resume and let them help you! You will not regret it.
3. Lakewood
It's a warm, sunny Saturday, and your friends and you have no plans. What to do? Being nearly broke can pose a problem for finding fun activities, but that is where Lakewood comes in. Lakewood is a facility owned by The Outdoor Center, for students to use and rent water equipment on Lake Whatcom. Want to rent a kayak? A sailboat? Canoe? What about a rowboat? You can rent all these and more for under $8. The prices are unbeatable, and it is a great place to grab a group of friends and enjoy the lake and the sun. There is a dock you can relax on after your rental time is up, and a grassy area for picnics, study groups, and more! Pro tip: there is usually a coupon for a free rental in the Spring Quarter coupon book offered by the AS Book Store!
4. The Writing Center
It is completely normal to be constantly second guessing yourself while you write a paper. I usually have my family or friends read over it and check for spelling and grammar mistakes, which is helpful, but sometimes not helpful enough. The Writing Center is located in the library, and there are advisers there who will sit with you and read over your paper, giving you the nitty gritty constructive criticism that your peers may not. Let's say you are simply too lazy to get up and take your paper to the library...well, they have a solution for you! You can e-mail them a draft of your paper, and they will send back comments in up to 48 hours. How neat is that?
5. Math Center
Located in Bond Hall, room 211A, this tutoring center gives its undivided attention to those who are studying the art of mathematics. This is an open space where students can bring their math homework and work on it, while math tutors (aka Math Fellows) circle, answering questions. There are people there to assist you throughout the day, from 8—10 p.m., typically. Hours do vary on the weekend, so it is best to consult their website. They have times, as well as a schedule, on their webpage that lists the hours of the day when tutors will be available. If you are looking for a tutoring center for those stressful GURs, there is another, more general center located in Wilson Library.
