A Guide to Seeking Help

Francis, MA in Digital Studies '26

As a master’s student in the Division of the Arts and Humanities, I go about my life asking for help. What do I mean by that? When I felt sick or stressed, I asked for help from the UChicago Student Wellness Center. When I wanted someone to review my resume, I asked for help from UChicagoGRAD’s Career Development. When I had questions about my visa status, I asked for help from the Office of International Affairs. In this way, I’ve received help every step of my graduate life, and today I want to share with you my experience on “where to seek what help” at UChicago.

1. Help for HEALTH

Whenever I feel physically unwell, mentally stressed, or just need a little emotional support, the UChicago Student Wellness Center is my first stop. They offer in-person and online medical appointments, counseling services, and even wellness programming like restorative yoga. Booking an appointment is easy through their online portal, and they often have quick turnaround times. I have visited the wellness center for reasons from “having occasional breakouts on my face” to “checking for prediabetic conditions (which was not the case, phew!).” The doctors and nurses are always so friendly and comforting that they make scary experiences (like drawing 5 tubes of blood) so much better!

Pro tip: don't wait until you're overwhelmed—it’s totally normal to schedule a check-in, even when things are "mostly fine."

2. Help for CAREER

Thinking about internships, jobs, or even just polishing my LinkedIn, I always turn to UChicagoGRAD’s Career Development team. They offer resume/cover letter reviews, mock interviews, and career counseling specifically geared toward grad students. I have had my resumes and cover letters reviewed multiple times, and I always gained really useful and professional tips from the advisors. Honestly, just sitting down with one of their advisors made "building a career" feel way less intimidating. Plus, they host regular workshops and career fairs, so keep an eye on their events calendar.

Another resource worth mentioning is the GRAD Gargoyle, an online portal for job search and professional development through UChicagoGRAD. I personally landed two on-campus jobs through the platform, and I liked how they made it very easy for me to filter jobs specific to my interests.

3. Help for IMMIGRATION COMPLIANCE

If you are an international student like me, you are probably quite often overwhelmed by the immigration process and paperwork. Thankfully, the Office of International Affairs (OIA) makes it manageable. I’ve reached out to them for questions about my visa status, CPT/OPT work authorizations, and travel signatures. They regularly host workshops on maintaining compliance with immigration status, tips for traveling in and outside the US, and immigration regulation updates. Recently, I went to their new Weekly OIA Office Hours for international students and got immediate answers for some very specific questions I had!

4. Help for ACADEMICS

When I needed advice about academic planning, I would always first talk to my academic advisor for the Digital Studies (DIGS) program. Also, I drop by my professors’ office hours a lot, as I realize they are very happy to answer your questions and give you advice not just for school, but for career and life too.

Besides reaching out to advisors and professors, don’t forget your school’s Dean of Students Office. They can help you navigate everything from leave of absence policies to academic accommodations. They are also the place you should visit if you have no idea who can answer your questions—remember, they support every aspect of student life!

5. DON’T FORGET THESE other helpful resources

There's so much more help around campus that is essential to our everyday life:

• Join the Graduate Students United, the autonomous, democratic, member-run union of graduate student employees at UChicago if you need help regarding your work rights.

• Center for Identity and Inclusion (CI+I) can help you find spaces for connection and support for multicultural student affairs.

• The Student Disability Services (SDS) can help if you need resources, support, and accommodations for disabilities.

• Spiritual Life offers calming spaces and diverse forms of care for individuals pursuing all spiritual, religious, or philosophical paths.

At UChicago, asking for help is not just okay—it's worth celebrating. No one expects you to have all the answers or do everything alone. In fact, reaching out for support is one of the smartest, most courageous things you can do here. Every time I walked into an office or sent an email asking for advice, I was met with kindness, patience, and a genuine willingness to help. So if you're ever wondering whether you should ask that question, schedule that meeting, or seek that extra guidance—do it. You're surrounded by people whose job and joy is to see you succeed (including me).