One of the most common mistakes that students make is they believe that they have to do everything on their own accord and that everyone else is taking it into their own hands and doing it on their own. At some bigger schools, it can be very hard to receive help and it can even feel like you have to do it on your own. However at the University of New England this narrative is beyond false. Instead, the University of New England offers plenty of different resources and opportunities where students can receive the help they need without having to spend any extra money. In your first year of college the adjustment can be really difficult because for most students it is the first time that they are really living away from their friends and family. Not only that, but also the class schedule can be very different because typically there is a lot more work than in high school. The stakes might feel a little bit higher because you are paying to be here. In our time here at UNE, we have found that the university is not trying to hang us out to dry, they have created and developed plenty of different programs and initiatives to help keep students on track and so they can feel at home and comfortable in this new environment. However, no matter how many programs they have to offer, it ultimately comes down to if we are willing to take advantage of and use these opportunities. It is important to remember that using these resources does not mean you are less smart than your peers, or that you don’t know what you’re doing. Instead, taking advantage of these opportunities actually means that you care about your education and are willing to do everything you can to succeed.