WHERE TO GO FOR HELP …

• Counseling Center Professional college counselors help students think and talk about their relationships and then make the most appropriate decisions. It is normal to seek such assistance. Look at your college or university Web site and see how many counseling services you can identify. Bring that list to class and share it with a group of other students. It’s a rare student who doesn’t have some relationship challenges in college, whether with roommates, friends, family members, romantic partners, teachers, supervisors, or other individuals. This kind of counseling is strictly confidential (unless you are a threat to yourself or others) and usually is provided at no charge, which is a great fringe benefit of being in college. But unless this is an emergency, be prepared to wait for your first appointment; these centers have very heavy caseloads because so many students are experiencing stress.
• Chaplains An often underrecognized resource in terms of getting help on relationships is a session (or more) with a campus chaplain. Many colleges, both public and private, have religiously affiliated chaplains, who usually have specialized training in pastoral counseling. They also organize and host group activities in campus religious centers that you might want to take advantage of. Your academic adviser might be able to refer you to an appropriate chaplain, or you can seek out the one who represents your faith. Most chaplains are happy to see students for counseling whether or not you attend their church, synagogue, or mosque. Even if you’re not a member of a particular faith community, pick a campus religious center or nearby church. Access the Web site or make an in-person visit to see if the center or church is offering any special activities for college students.
• Student Organizations The variety of student groups designed to bring together students to help them with their relationships is virtually unlimited. Everything exists—from Greek social fraternities and sororities to organizations for single parents with children to gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered student groups. In a small group with other students, discuss which groups interest you most and which ones you are planning to avoid.

• The University of Chicago’s “Student Counseling Virtual Pamphlet Collection” (http://www.dr-bob.org/vpc/) takes you to dozens of Web sites devoted to problems in relationships. Browse among the many links to see whether any information applies to you.
• Healthy Romantic Relationships during College: (http://cmhc.utexas.edu/healthyrelationships.html) The University of Texas Counseling Center offers an online brochure that explores the ups and downs of romantic relationships.