Transitioning to College | University at Albany

Congratulations on taking this important step!

The transition from high school to college is an exciting and transformative experience. You’ll take on new responsibilities and opportunities as a college student, which is an important adjustment for both you and your family.

We understand this transition can feel especially challenging or anxiety-provoking for students with disabilities. Disability Access and Inclusion Student Services (DAISS) is here to support you every step of the way from admission through to graduation.

By engaging with DAISS, students will:

Feel supported and develop a strong sense of belonging
Gain confidence in self-advocacy and embrace their disability identity
Build essential skills to succeed academically and maintain personal well-being
Connect with UAlbany resources and effectively navigate their college experience
Reach and expand their potential as active, valued members of the campus community

This page is designed to provide high school students and their families with a clear understanding of what to expect in college. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or 518-442-5501.

Key Differences between High School & College

College students develop life skills to succeed.

In college, you are responsible for managing your own time and priorities. This includes waking up on time, doing your laundry, getting meals at the dining hall or Campus Center, and navigating life with a roommate.

College students maintain their academics independently.

You are responsible for attending classes, reviewing syllabi, taking notes, completing assignments and studying, purchasing textbooks, taking exams, and meeting deadlines.

Your family will not have access to your schedule, grades or records, unless you provide written consent. Even with consent, faculty and staff do not coordinate services directly with your family.

College students strike their own work-life balance.

In college, you’ll make your own schedule and decide how to structure your free time between classes. You’ll make friends, join student organizations and attend events, while balancing all that fun with the academic work you need to complete.

College students advocate for themselves.

One of the most essential skills in college is knowing when to seek help. You’ll need to learn how to recognize when you need to meet with your academic advisor, sign up for tutoring or attend a professor’s office hours — and then take action.

Additionally, you must register with DAISS. Unlike in high school, where your teachers had access to your IEP or 504 Plan, in college you are responsible for self-identifying as a disabled student, requesting accommodation and coordinating approved accommodations directly with your professors and University staff.

Explore the different types of accommodations available to support your success.

Learning Self-advocacy

Self-advocacy — understanding your needs and confidently asking for support — is crucial for achieving academic success, particularly for students with disabilities.

Start by reflecting on these questions:

Do you understand how your disability affects you?
Can you explain this impact to the people you interact with?
Do you know what supports help you participate and succeed?
Can you ask for this support from the people who can provide it?

In college, you’ll learn to make your own choices, identify your needs and goals, share information with trusted individuals, proactively and effectively communicate, persist through challenges, and celebrate your achievements.

These self-advocacy skills will empower you to thrive at UAlbany and beyond.

Related Services to Help with Your Transition

There are also many UAlbany services all students can access, regardless of their disability status. Please review the list below to learn more about what’s available.

Advising & Tutoring

Academic Advising: Advisors support undergraduate students’ success from orientation through graduation.

Tutoring: UAlbany offers several types of free tutoring, including online tutoring and peer tutoring.

Writing Center: Work with a writing tutor one-on-one to improve your project or assignment.

Career and Professional Development: Explore career paths, prepare for job and internship applications, apply to graduate school and access other resources.

International Student Academic Support: International undergraduate students have access to a dedicated advisor who is well-versed in their needs.

English Language Proficiency & Language Help: International students can access language support from International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS).

Dean of Students

The Dean of Students Office offers several services to all students:

Purple Pantry: Students can come to the pantry once a month, or as needed, to access a variety of non-perishable foods, fresh produce and toiletries.
Purple Threads: Students can choose up to three pieces of professional clothing each semester from this free closet.
First Gen Scholars: This initiative supports first generation students from the time they enroll at UAlbany through their graduation.
Student Emergency Fund: This fund provides vital support to UAlbany students struggling with small financial hardships.
Veteran and Military Student Services: This office provides support to University at Albany military-connected students.

Dining

UAlbany Dining’s dietician is available for free consultations on topics including food allergies, Celiac Disease, diabetes and any other dietary needs.

Review allergen information for retail dining locations and resident dining halls.

Diversity & Inclusion

Intercultural Student Engagement: Visit the Multicultural Resource Center, Gender & Sexuality Resource Center, and Interfaith Services.

Office of the Title IX Coordinator: This office handles sexual misconduct (Title IX) and discrimination complaints.

Division of Inclusive Excellence: This office responds to incidents of bias and provides programming across campus.

Finances

Financial Aid and Student Accounts is available to assist with financial aid and billing questions, concerns and issues. We encourage students to apply for scholarships.

Health & Well-being

Student Health Services (SHS): SHS offers student-centered, quality health care, testing and pharmacy services.

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS): CAPS offers counseling, psychiatry, and groups focused on identity or experience.

Middle Earth Peer Assistance Program: This student-run, after-hours hotline is available when classes are in session. Conversations are private.

Recreation & Wellness: Check out our fitness centers, club and intramural sports, and exercise and wellness classes.

Sexual Violence Support & Advocacy Services: UAlbany has a range of services designed to support survivors of sexual and interpersonal violence.

Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Service: Five Quad is a New York State certified ambulance agency operated by UAlbany students.

Mass Transit

All students can use their ID cards to access all UAlbany and CDTA buses. Learn more about mass transit options at UAlbany.

State & Federal Resources

ACCES-VR (Vocational Rehabilitation): This state agency is part of the New York State Education Department. It assists disabled people achieve and maintain employment and independent living.

ADA.gov: This federal website provides information and technical assistance on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Client Assistance Program (CAP): This program, administered by Disability Rights New York, advocates for disabled people who are seeking, are receiving or have been denied services from state vocational rehabilitation agencies.

Job Accommodation Network: This national organization provides free guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues.

New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB): This state agency is part of the Office of Children and Family Services. The commission assists people who are legally blind improve their employability and independence.

New York State Independent Living Council: This nonprofit publishes a directory of community-based Centers for Independent Living throughout the state.

Office for Civil Rights: This federal agency is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is responsible for enforcing federal civil rights laws.

Technology, Websites & Libraries

Accessible Library Services: The University Libraries offer several services for people with disabilities.

Accessibility Support for Microsoft 365: Review this guide from Information Technology Services (ITS) to learn more about accessibility features in Microsoft 365.

Web Accessibility Reporting Form: Use this form to report inaccessible webpages or features on the University website.

For more information on assistive technology, please visit College Stat’s Technology Resources for College Students with Disabilities webpage.

Voter Registration

DAISS encourages all students to register to vote and to cast ballots in all local, state and national elections.

Our office is an approved National Voter Registration Act location, so we can provide students with New York State voter registration forms and assist students in completing and submitting the forms.

Learn more about elections in New York.