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Overlooked Campus Resources

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Iowa chapter.

Resources, resources, resources. We have them all here at the University of Iowa. From the ITC to the Cambus, we’re lucky to have them. However there are a few gems that get overlooked that are included in our tuition (Say whaaa?). Here’s how to get the most of your tuition in your four (five? six?) years here on campus.

Gyms (besides the Rec)

The Rec can get pretty busy during any time of any day, however there are a few more options throughout campus that get overlooked. On the west side we have the Fieldhouse that is accessible to students with their IDs. Also on the west side we have Fitness East located at Halsey Hall, the old women’s gymnasium. Currier, Hillcrest and Mayflower residence halls also have gyms accessible to their residents. So there’s no need to buy that gym membership.

Newspapers

Have you ever seen those newspaper racks full of papers from the Des Moines Register, Daily Iowan and USA Today? Granted it’s easier to get the news on your smartphone and laptops, but nothing beats the feel of flipping the pages of an actual newspaper. Another reason you should grab some newspapers is they’re included in your tuition. You should especially check out the Daily Iowan, as a lot of your peers work hard every day to put it together. Check out this story from the DI and stay updated with your news. Plus, once you’re done reading them, you can recycle them or use them for easy clean up when you’re crafting. 

Office Hours

This is a very underutilized resource that has been provided by the university. Why would you not take advantage of time where you can get to know your teachers and get any extra help if you need it? This is also the time for you become friendly and get close and possibly get those recommendation letters that you need. Same with your academic advisor; this is the person helping you navigate through your degree audit and graduation. Curious about some classes? Definitely talk to your advisor about it. It’s their job, and they’re there to help.

Writing Center

The English-Philosophy Building houses a great resource provided by the university to perfect those papers that you put long hours into. You can set up an appointment, bring in your papers and have undergrad and grad students look over your work to see what you can do to make it even better. Another great thing is that they can edit papers in English AND Spanish.  You can also submit papers online to be looked at and fixed in two business days. Make your appointment today.

Pomerantz Career Center

Not only does the Pomerantz Center help you find jobs after graduation, but they also have services for you to find on campus jobs and internships through HireAHawk. The Pomerantz website can help you keep track of all of your volunteer hours, job applications and help perfect your resume before applying for your first real world job, or that campus job you’re in competition for.  They also have dates for career fairs happening at the university.

Quickcare

While we do have Student Health services on the west side of campus, all around Iowa City and Coralville is UI Quickcare. Quickcare is a walk-in medical clinic available to anyone. If you’re in need of help quick, Quickcare is the place to go. No appointments are necessary and PA and nurse practitioners are available to provide you with the care you need until 7pm. They can help you with physicals, lab tests and immunizations whenever you need it. The closest one on campus is located in the Old Capitol Mall.

Information Technology Services

Wondering how to download the free Microsoft software the university provides? Questioning how to connect your Hawkmail to your iPhone and laptop? Look no further than ITS located on the upper level of the Old Capitol Mall. You can get help on a variety of things, from changing your HawkID password to troubleshooting your laptop. No need to go to a store off campus to get your computer fixed if anything happens: ITS is there for you.

Amy is currently a senior at the University of Iowa majoring in Journalism and Mass Communication, minor in political science with certificates in Event Planning and Entrepreneurial Management and HC UIowa's Trouble Maker. Her dream job is to work in Public Relations or Event Planning and plans to also become a lawyer, like the 9 years old Amy planned. Whenever she's not writing articles, she's usually online shopping, binging on Netflix, or laughing at her own jokes. Midwestern Prep with the worst luck in the world, you can keep track of her worst case scenarios on Twitter.
U Iowa chapter of the nation's #1 online magazine for college women.