College life is unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before. Exciting, stress-provoking — your next great adventure.

Sure, you’re prepared. You’ve done the research, familiarized yourself with campus and pared down personal essentials to whatever will fit in three milk crates.

But did you know many colleges offer support services which may not be immediately evident? Designed to ease your transition and maximize overall experience, put these little-known college resources on your get-to-know list:

1. Your RA

If you are living on campus, you’ll likely be assigned a Resident Advisor (you probably know them as just RA). This upperclassman resides in your dorm and is generally believed to be responsible for negotiating roommate issues and keeping a lid on excessive student rowdiness.

But in reality, the role of RA is to facilitate smooth adjustment to dormitory life. This means you can — and should — use your RA for questions about coursework, suggestions for time-management and information regarding practical issues such as meal plans or laundry.

2. Your Campus Police

You’ll likely notice a round-the-clock public safety presence on campus. Officers at most universities parole on foot, bikes and possibly even golf carts. They are there for your sake and available to provide directions, escort and shuttle service.

However, while many students are aware that campus police are present, not all of them know that campus security can be relied on for more than just general campus patrol. You can usually also contact your campus security center if you get locked out of a building or need to be let in for your weekend Work Study hours.

Some campuses also provide specific protection for off-campus buildings, such as sorority houses and other school-associated residencies.

3. Professor’s Office Hours

Similar to the misconception that Resident Advisors exist mainly to settle roommate disputes, Professor Office Hours are widely believed to be reserved for students having trouble in class.

In reality, however, office hours afford an excellent opportunity for students to interact with lecturing Professors one-on-one. This is the perfect chance to build personal relationships with faculty, some of whom may be writing your recommendation in a few years.

If you are taking a class with material which piques your interest towards a possible career path or merely spurs you to learn more, take advantage of office hours and pick your Professor’s brain personally.

4. Your School’s Special Events

From film series to guest lectures to art exhibits, take the time to investigate special events on campus.

Most venues are free for students and — after all — college is the perfect place to explore new interests. Try attending a concert which bills music you usually don’t listen to, or check out a modernistic sculpture exhibit. Stop by the lecture of a highly controversial speaker. You never know, you may be surprised to find yourself agreeing with his point!

5. Your Peers' Skills

Many colleges give their students the change to earn hands-on experience by offering free services right on campus.

Check to see if your campus’s dental school provides cleanings and exams. Need legal advice? Contact the Law School Student Activity Board. And don’t forget tax time! Business or Accounting majors gain valuable experience preparing the returns of fellow students for free.

6. Your School’s Gym(s)

You know how important it is to exercise regularly. Not just to stay in shape, but perhaps more importantly, to remain alert for classwork and exams. College gyms not only contain standard workout equipment but offer a variety of group classes and diagnostic evolution services. Gain entrance with just your student ID and get that adrenaline flowing.

7. Your Fellow Commuters

If you live off-campus or commute back and forth from work, check into support services specific to your student status. The University of Pittsburgh even assigns first-year commuters to what is called a “Commuter Pod,” which functions like the floor-by-floor communities you might find in a dorm. They plan events together and have their own private Facebook groups.

Many other colleges also provide commuter programs that coordinate helpful resources such as upperclassmen mentors and transportation venue information.

8. Your School’s Scholarships

The less you have to worry about money, the more you can concentrate on other things, like your learning experience. With that in mind, take a minute to look at services that consolidate grant, scholarship and intern opportunities. Just create a free student profile. Matching possibilities will be sent directly to you with applications attached.

Now that you’re proficient in the abundant services your campus has to offer, the only left to do — of course — is take full advantage!