Hidden resources at Hopkins

Despite our cutthroat reputation, our school offers a seemingly endless number of resource to ensure the success of every student — academically and personally. While a comprehensive guide would take ages to comb through, below are a few of my favorite “hidden” or lesser-known resources. 

CaseCoach

In my opinion, acing an interview is the key to getting any job you apply to. However, prepping for an interview and knowing how to approach one isn’t as straightforward as other parts of the application process. Thankfully, Hopkins offers each student a subscription to CaseCoach. This interview toolkit provides more than just the basic tips you see online. Through CaseCoach, you are granted access to real, successful interviews, video lessons and a library of resources for interviewing across industries. The best part is, after consuming all that new material, you can take your new interview skills for a spin in their practice rooms.  

Security Escorts 

There comes a time when every student must make a trek on campus in the middle of the night. Whether a walk of shame — hey, I won’t judge — or a late shift at work, inevitably, you’ll have to brave the barren quads. But you don’t have to do it alone. Our school offers a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week escort program. Any time you feel unsafe, sick or just uneasy on campus, you can call 410-516-4600 to request an escort. You can even schedule an escort ahead of time using the same number. The full schedule and details can be found on Hopkins’s Public Safety website.

iGrad

Through our Hopkins emails, several online-based services — such as The New York Times and Calm, the meditation app — are available for free. While I’ve seen these advertised countless times through class presentations and administrative emails, no one ever seems to mention iGrad. This personal finance platform is an accountant, advisor and teacher rolled into one. By signing up for iGrad, you can access finance trackers, articles, lessons, budgets and more. My favorite part, however, is the scholarship search that handpicks scholarships based on your needs and profile that you can apply to. Unlike other similar websites, the scholarship search on iGrad is constantly monitored to ensure that only relevant, up-to-date options are displayed. Additionally, each scholarship application is guaranteed to be simple and free. 

The Digital Media Center (DMC) 

The hunt for a working printer in the library is painstaking and, more often than not, results in disappointment. What if I told you the library isn’t the only campus location that boasts printers? The DMC is an oasis with a variety of printers, from 3D to vinyl roll, at your disposal. Printing isn’t the center’s only feature, however. The DMC is essentially an upgraded computer lab from our elementary-school days. The lab has several computer workspaces decked out with professional software to meet all your digital needs.

Additionally, certain pieces of equipment can be rented out free of charge, such as gaming consoles and cameras. Best of all, the center has trained staff who are ready to help you with any technical issues you may encounter or to bolster your current technical knowledge. Students are able to make an appointment with a DMC staff member for help with a project, to learn how to use a new piece of equipment and to troubleshoot project planning. Besides one-on-one appointments, students can also sign up for group workshops that cover the same topics. 

Hopkins Pantry 

Having reliable access to food is of paramount importance to academic and personal success at Hopkins. To ensure this success, the Hopkins Food Pantry is a student-led initiative to address food insecurity on campus. The pantry is a no-questions-asked resource open to all students after the completion of a free, brief application. It’s located at the LaB and is open on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

Yasmina Mansour is a senior from Arlington, Va. majoring in Anthropology and Medicine, Science and the Humanities. She is a Copy Editor for The News-Letter.