How to Find the Support You Need on Campus

Staying cool, calm, and collected when making your move from high school to university.

Starting university is an exciting time—and it's a big transition. Coursework is more demanding, you're finding your place in a new community, and seeking a balance between academics, friendships and life outside of school.

One of the biggest misconceptions about university is that you have to figure everything out on your own. In reality, seeking out resources and support early can make your university experience less stressful and more rewarding.

Universities like Mount Royal University offer numerous student resources, including tutoring, counselling, and accessibility services. MRU's smaller student body means students here aren't just another number. Support teams work one-on-one with you to understand your needs and make a personalized plan.

Support with coursework, writing and, study strategies

If you're feeling nervous about university-level workload and academic standards, you're not alone. At university, you'll need to learn to manage your time and stay on top of your studies in a more independent way.

You are absolutely up to the task, and resources like MRU's Student Learning Services (SLS) can help you get there. SLS hosts workshops, one-on-one tutoring, peer-led course support and online resources—all to help you strengthen your learning, writing and study strategies. Specifically, SLS's offerings can help you with:

• time management
• test and note-taking strategies
• university-level writing, including support with grammar, thesis statements and constructive feedback on your papers
• research tips and how to properly cite sources

Working through academic challenges with your peers will also bring you into the community and broaden your support network on campus.

Disability support services and academic accommodations

Every student learns differently, and having the right tools can make a huge difference.

At Mount Royal, Access and Inclusion Services (AIS) is committed to creating an accessible, equitable and inclusive learning environment for everyone. AIS connects people with documented disabilities and learning differences to accommodations and strategies that reduce and remove barriers to learning.

AIS also hosts peer support groups where you can connect with and learn from students who share your experience.

AIS's services include:

• help applying for government grants and funding
• assistive technology supports
• academic strategies and supports (note-takers, sign language interpreters)
• personalized strategies and information to get the accommodation you need

Support with mental health and wellness

Taking care of your mental, physical and emotional health helps you thrive in every aspect of university life. Between academic stress like exams and papers, relationships, finances and uncertainty about the future, you may be navigating a lot.

At MRU, student well-being is a top priority. On campus, you'll find our comprehensive Wellness Services that includes a full-service health clinic with doctors and mental health nurses, along with physiotherapy, massage therapy, a pharmacy, dental office and optometry clinic.

Students also have access to Student Counseling and Mental Health Services, along with crisis support whenever they need it. Student Counseling is free and confidential and offers:

• personal counselling to support your well-being through stress, anxiety, loneliness and addiction
• career counselling for guidance on choosing a major and career paths
• educational counselling to help you manage academic challenges and build strategies for success

University is about more than academics — it's also about learning how to take care of yourself, build confidence and grow through challenges. The right support can make a huge difference, and at MRU, students are surrounded by people who genuinely want to help them succeed. Whether you need academic guidance, wellness support or accommodations, you never have to navigate university alone.