College is frequently characterized as a tumult of classes, friendships, and experiences. However, many junior and senior-year graduates look back on for college experience, absorbing the social life and experience in learning, and realize found their alma mater offered an abundance of value outside of academics and social life. On campus, there are numerous perks to discover within the campus ecosystem. Those perks and resources may have served to enhance undergraduate life or post-graduation experiences if they were somehow better known or shared. Below are ten underutilized college perks alumni express they wish they had known about while in college.
1. The Power of the Alumni Network
One of the most undervalued assets in any college experience is the alumni network. Students may hear mention of networking events or alumni get-togethers, but students will truly understand the importance of these networks sometime after graduating. Alumni associations are more than social clubs; they represent a pipeline to job opportunities, mentorship, and to advance your career. Many universities have exclusive networking events, and job boards, and even get a student connected to a successful alumnus working in their industry. For students going into competitive fields, one relationship made through the alumni network can open doors that otherwise would remain closed.
2. Lifelong Career Services
A lot of students think that career services are only provided to undergraduates or recent graduates. Most colleges will offer alumni lifetime career services. They offer résumé workshops, interview training, job databases, and even career counseling. Some institutions even have an annual career fair specifically for alumni or discounted career coaching services. These career services can be very beneficial when you are transitioning careers, laid off, or relocating, or even many years after graduation when you are looking for advancement.
3. Continuing Education and Skill Building
Education does not stop when you graduate. Colleges often allow alumni access to continuing education, certificate programs, and workshops at discounted rates. Whether that means learning a new language, learning coding, or earning professional certifications, once you graduate, you can take opportunities that will help you remain competitive in the job market. Some universities provide free or low-cost access to online learning platforms that have made it incredibly easy to skill up from literally anywhere in the world!
4. Exclusive Discounts and Financial Benefits
From discounted insurance plans to special credit cards with perks, alumni can often find a wealth of financial opportunities. Credit unions that exist in concert with universities often charge lower fees and have low-interest loans, while group insurance plans on health, auto, home, and travel can save you substantially. In addition, almost all colleges offer discounted services from merchants, restaurants, and entertainment partners to make some of your daily expenditures a little lighter on the wallet.
5. Access to Campus Facilities
Graduation doesn’t mean saying goodbye to campus amenities. Some of the best colleges provide alumni who offer library access, gym membership, sports facilities, and, in some cases, research lab access even after you leave the campus, sometimes at no charge or a reduced fee. Alumni status can be particularly beneficial for local graduates or those pursuing additional research or personal projects. Furthermore, some institutions offer alumni unique opportunities to either rent co-working space or use their innovation centers, which helps promote entrepreneurship and collaboration among alumni
6. Travel Opportunities and Group Adventures
A rarely mentioned benefit of being an alumnus is the ability to join group travel programs organized by the alumni association. Travel programs range from cultural tours to experiential adventure travel or exclusive packages around sporting events. Traveling with other alumni not only provides unique experiences but also gives alumni a chance to deepen bonds and build professional networks in a welcoming and fun atmosphere. Some universities even have vacation properties owned by the university or affiliated resorts for alumni to book for their families at preferred pricing.
7. Lifelong Email and Digital Resources
While students may overlook their college email address, many universities allow their past students as alumni and many institutions will allow the .edu email to stay (or may even allow forwarding). This can be good for professional email, ordering discounts for being still associated with the university, or just to keep the connection. Alumni may still be able to access digital libraries (ex., JSTOR) or access research databases, or online journals, that would be valuable whether you are doing research, personal development, or actively staying current for your career.
8. Volunteer and Mentorship Programs
Giving back to the community doesn't stop at graduation. Alumni associations usually create a number of service opportunities, including local service projects and international outreach programs. More importantly (and a great opportunity!), they provide some formal mentoring opportunities that link seasoned graduates with current students or former students. Mentoring is an opportunity for alumni to be able to share their experiences and background, as well as find reward in being able to help and build the college community.
9. Recognition, Awards, and Publicity
Award presentations, features in alumni publications, and celebratory events are all ways in which colleges recognize their alumni. Many colleges have robust alumni awards and recognition programs, which serve dual purposes: to honor individual alumni accomplishments, as well as provide a platform of exposure for individual brands and businesses. Alumni recognition by an institution can help boost a speaker’s chances of being invited to future speaking engagements and allow them to serve as a recognized leader in the alumni association. Overall, alumni recognition is a great way to gain exposure to future professional opportunities.
10. Access to Special Events and Cultural Activities
They regularly ask alumni for special events, including keynotes by popular speakers, gallery openings, shows and concerts, and sporting events. Usually, these events provide more than entertainment - they also provide lifelong learning and networking opportunities. Some colleges make special offers for major events at their campus, offering discounted and/or priority access for alumni, allowing alumni to continue to be active participants in the cultural and intellectual life of the school.
Conclusion: Unlocking Hidden Value
A college experience offers much more than education. All the resources and opportunities currently available to students and recent graduates are unlimited tools for personal and professional development that can last a lifetime. This is particularly concerning because most students don’t notice many of these resources until after graduation. Once students understand what resources are available, it is hoped that they will seek them out during their college years and continue to benefit from them long after graduation. From alumni networks to lifelong learning opportunities, to discounts and special events, the educational reality of a college degree and education is much greater than the materials in the class.
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