Learning to Advocate for Yourself in College

Alexis Kapij, Associate Director of Academic Enrichment
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Learning to Advocate for Yourself in College

College is an exciting time full of new challenges and opportunities. But with all the independence that comes with college life, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to handle everything on your own. That's where self-advocacy comes into play.  

Self-advocacy means recognizing when something isn’t working and having the confidence to speak up, ask questions, and seek support. Don't think of it as complaining. It’s about taking ownership of your experience and making sure you have what you need to succeed.

Knowing When to Ask for Help

Alexis Kapij 260x300
Alexis Kapij, Associate Director of Academic Enrichment

Some problems are clearly urgent and need immediate attention. But other times, it can be harder to tell whether something is “big enough” to address.

A helpful rule of thumb: if something is affecting your ability to succeed, your comfort, or your well-being, it is worth speaking up about. Sometimes minor frustrations can be resolved with just a simple conversation. However, more serious or ongoing concerns deserve additional attention and support.

Seeking support when you need it isn’t overreacting; it’s a healthy and proactive step toward protecting your well-being and success. And at Widener, you’ll find that support is all around you. Learning how to access it is an important step in making the most of your time here.

A Simple Approach to Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy doesn’t have to be complicated. When you feel like something isn't working, follow these simple steps to help you take action with confidence: 

1. Notice What’s Not Working: When something is on your mind repeatedly or interfering with your ability to learn, feel comfortable, or do your best, it’s time to take action.

2. Identify What You Need: Take a minute to think through what would help to improve the situation. Do you need clarification, support, a resource, an adjustment, or simply a conversation?

3. Reach Out & Communicate Clearly: Connect with the person or office best equipped to help. Share what’s going on and what you need using clear, honest communication.

4. Follow Up If Needed: Sometimes the issue won't be fixed right away, so feel free to check back in, ask for next steps, or seek additional support.

Remember, asking questions and seeking support is a normal and expected part of college; you don't have to figure it all out on your own. 

Starter Phrases You Can Use

Just starting the conversation around a concern or challenge can be the hardest part. But keep in mind, you don't need the perfect wording. You just need to be clear and honest from the start. Not sure how to put it into words? Try one of these conversation starters: 

  • "I wanted to check in about..."
  • "I'm struggling with _____ and was hoping to talk through options."
  • "I'm worried about _____. What is the best way to proceed?"
  • "I'm not really sure where to start, but I was hoping to get some guidance?"

Self-Advocacy in Action

So what does self-advocacy actually look like in college? It often shows up in a few key areas of your day-to-day experience:

Academics 📚 

If you’re facing challenges related to coursework, expectations, or academic support, advocating for yourself might look like:

  • Asking a professor for clarification on an assignment
  • Meeting with your advisor to talk through course planning
  • Seeking tutoring before falling behind
  • Inquiring about academic accommodations

Where to Find Support

Housing & Community 🏠

If something in your living environment is affecting your comfort, safety, or ability to focus, advocating for yourself might look like:

  • Starting an honest conversation with your roommate about shared expectations (noise, cleanliness, guests, quiet hours)

  • Meeting with your RA to mediate a conflict or talk through a concern

  • Submitting a maintenance request when something in your room needs repair

  • Reporting a safety concern instead of assuming someone else will handle it

Where to Find Support

  • Office of Student Living: Roommate conflicts, room changes, housing policies, or community concerns

  • Maintenance: Non-urgent repair requests such as heating issues, plumbing, or furniture concerns

  • Campus Safety: Urgent safety concerns, lockouts, suspicious activity, emergencies, or situations where you feel unsafe

Well-Being & Belonging 🧠💛

If something is impacting your mental, physical, or social well-being, advocating for yourself might look like:

  • Scheduling a counseling appointment when you notice ongoing stress, sadness, or anxiety
  • Making a medical appointment when you’re feeling sick, injured, or physically unwell
  • Reaching out for connection and support when you feel isolated, disconnected, or in need of community
  • Seeking spaces, programs, or conversations that support your identity, belonging, and sense of inclusion

Where to Find Support

Career & Professional Growth 💼

If you’re trying to explore opportunities, gain experience, or plan next steps for your future, advocating for yourself might look like:

  • Scheduling a career coaching appointment if you’re unsure what path you want to pursue
  • Preparing intentionally for a career fair or networking event
  • Meeting with a career advisor to talk through ways to start building experience
  • Applying for campus employment or leadership roles to develop transferable skills

Where to Find Support

Finances & Financial Support 💰

If questions or concerns about costs, aid, or campus accounts are creating stress or uncertainty, advocating for yourself might look like:

  • Asking questions to better understand your financial aid award, scholarships, or loan options
  • Clarifying billing statements, payment deadlines, refunds, or account balances
  • Addressing concerns related to meal plans, campus spending accounts, or student ID access
  • Reaching out early if a financial concern is impacting your enrollment, housing, or ability to focus on coursework

Where to Find Support

  • Bursar's Office: Tuition billing, payment processing, account balances, refunds, and payment deadlines

  • Student Financial Services: Financial aid awards, scholarships, grants, loans, verification requirements, and questions about your aid package

  • One Card Office: Student ID cards, meal plans, account access, and card replacement

You’re Not Meant to Do This Alone

College is full of opportunities to learn, grow, and build the life you want. Advocating for yourself is an important step in that. By communicating clearly, knowing when to ask for help, and trusting yourself, you can navigate college with confidence. Always remember that your voice matters, and using it is one of the most powerful skills you’ll carry beyond college.

Alexis Kapij is the Associate Director of Advising in the Office of Student Success and Academic Enrichment where she works mostly in advising Exploratory Studies students. Alexis started her career in Clinical Mental Health Counseling but made a pivot to higher education through residence life before her role at Widener. She is currently a doctoral student in Drexel’s Education Leadership & Management program.