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Support systems can be a huge benefit to college students
Starting college is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming without the right support and resources. Having support and resources as a college student is essential for both academic success and personal well-being. College can be a time of intense growth, but it also comes with challenges like managing coursework, navigating financial pressures and adjusting to new social environments. Access to resources, such as academic advising, mental health services, tutoring centers and financial aid, can make a significant difference in helping students stay on track and feel empowered. Equally important is having community resources at your disposal. Hopefully, the resources below will help you not only succeed but also foster confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging during your college journey. Welcome to Stillwater, new Cowboys.
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
• United Way of Payne County
Not only can United Way serve as a community resource for students who want to get involved, but they and partner agencies can help in providing rent / utility assistance, financial education, basic needs support, workforce development, mental and physical health resources and food resources.
• The Salvation Army
Provides emergency financial aid programs, housing assistance and food assistance.
RELIGION
• The Wesley Foundation at OSU
The Wesley Foundation includes undergraduate and graduate students and their spouses and children coming together no matter what religious background they are from to fellowship and worship together.“ At the heart of the mission of The Wesley is an understanding that students from all walks of life are invited to be at home, according to the website. The organization includes worship services, small groups and a women’ s group.
• Sunnybrook Christian Church
The College Ministry at Sunnybrook partners with a campus ministry called FOCUS( Fellowship of Christian University Students), and together, they are called The Table. The purpose of the ministry is to connect college-age people to Jesus, his church and each other through the church’ s weekly dinners, Bible studies and small groups.
• Life Church describes itself as being“ a diverse group of people meeting in cities across the United States and around the world.” It is part of the Evangelical Covenant Church, a multi-ethnic denomination in the United States and Canada.
• Church of Christ University Center offers Sunday morning and Wednesday evening services, small groups, retreats, mission trips and an annual campus ministry conference.
• Baptist Collegiate Ministry Hosts the Encounter weekly worship time on
Thursday evenings, which is a combination of worship music, Bible teaching and other worship elements or special events. The Connect Bible study is on Tuesday evenings and is geared for new students. It’ s a combination of fun activities, Bible teaching and small group Bible discussion.
HEALTH
• Stillwater Community Health Center
• Several Stillwater urgent care clinics
For a go-to source of information on health resources, visit https:// campuslife. okstate. edu / studentsupport / wellness. html
FOOD
• Our Daily Bread Food & Resource Center
This nonprofit works closely with OSU to lower the food insecurity rate among OSU students by providing opportunities to select groceries at no cost, both on campus and at Our Daily Bread. Pete’ s Pantry is the on-campus partner of Our Daily Bread and is located in room 232 in the Student Union.
• Pete’ s Eats on OSU Campus
Pete ' s Eats is a food recovery initiative between OSU Dining Services and Campus Life that provides surplus food donated from dining services to reduce food waste. Meal Tickets are handed out starting at 2 p. m. Monday-Friday in Student Union Room 042. Contact Brian Blevins at brian. blevins @ okstate. edu for information.
FINANCIAL
• Cowboy Strong Student Emergency Fund Cowboy Strong funding is a one-time grant, up to $ 500, to assist students who are experiencing an unforeseen emergency or crisis to provide them with access to funds to help them overcome a small financial emergency that impacts their student success.
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