Four students sitting on a blanket in front of Sterling Memorial Library

I’m An Undergrad

Welcome to the Poorvu Center’s Undergraduate Resources Hub, your go-to destination for tools and support designed to enhance your academic journey. Here, you’ll find valuable information and resources to help you thrive at Yale. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and support you need to excel both inside and outside the classroom. 

Navigating Life at Yale

The Poorvu Center is here to help you navigate the “hidden curriculum” at Yale, known as the invisible set of underlying assumptions and expectations to do well as a student.  By becoming aware of these implicit norms, you will be empowered to take ownership of your learning and get more out of your academic experience.

Kim and student in Poorvu

Programs & Support

  • 1:1 Peer Mentoring

    Meet with a peer academic mentor to identify your goals and develop new strategies.  Ask questions, evaluate progress, and brainstorm new approaches!

  • Community Workshops

    These group learning sessions are designed to address your concerns.  These workshops are constantly evolving to fulfill emerging needs at key moments throughout the semester.

  • Senior Thesis Power Hours

    Writing a senior thesis?  Come to a power hour to share strategies, support, and solidarity!

  • First Generation, Low Income (FGLI)

    The FGLI Thrive program empowers first-generation low-income students to thrive at Yale.  Our events often focus on leadership development and career networking.  

  • Disability and Neurodiversity Programming

    Are you struggling in school or having difficulty focusing?  Are you living with a disability or recovering from a recent injury or illness?  We can help!

  • Humanities & Social Services Help

    Struggling in a humanities or social sciences course?  You may be eligible for a private tutor to discuss readings, lectures, and assist with homework assignments.

  • QR & Science Support

    Whether you are new to STEM or pursuing a degree in the field, we provide tutoring, drop-in STEM hours, research help, and more.

  • STEM Tutoring

    If you are struggling in a STEM course and would benefit from extra support, we are here for you!  Learn more about tutoring available for science courses.

Undergrad Resources

Learning Resource Library

A collection of articles intended to support your journey as a student at Yale.

Visit our Learning Resource Library

AI Guidance for Students

While the fundamentals of teaching and learning have not changed, we understand that students must be prepared to lead in an AI-infused world. Generative AI may be used to enhance student learning in a variety of ways, ranging from summarization to problem-solving.  The Poorvu Center works with students to prioritize their learning while experimenting with available AI tools and understanding how best to use those tools in compliance with individual course policies and guidelines.  

Students engage in discussion during AI Coffee Talk

Yale College Writing Center

The Yale College Writing Center is here to help during every stage of the writing process, from prewriting to polishing.  We offer individual tutoring, helpful handouts and resources, and community writing events.  Whether you are preparing to turn in your first paper at Yale or revising your senior thesis, the Writing Center will provide tailored feedback to encourage your growth and confidence as writers.

Students work on writing together.

Upcoming Events

  • DPMP: Chronic Illness Discussion Group

    Join us for an informal, student-led discussion on navigating Yale while managing a Chronic Illness. Whether you want to share what’s been working for you, talk through daily hurdles, or just hang out with peers who understand, all are welcome!
  • Eli Whitney + Transfer Student Caffeinated Commons

    Join us for community, conversation, and caffeine! Drop by this relaxed weekly hangout hosted by the Academic Strategies Program’s Eli Whitney & Transfer peer mentors - sometimes there’s a theme, workshop, or discussion, and sometimes just snacks and good company. Whether you’re here to chat, decompress, connect, or set up your weekend, you’re always welcome.
  • ASP Workshop - How to Read Analytically for Social Science Classes

    Social science texts can be dense, tricky, and time-consuming. This workshop breaks down how to identify key arguments, sift through details, and come to class ready to contribute—led by students who’ve developed strategies that really work!
  • First-Year Essentials 4: How to Cultivate Faculty Mentors & Ask for Letters of Recommendation

    Want to get to know your professor better, but not sure where to start? Need a letter of recommendation, but not sure who to ask? Join us! This workshop discusses techniques for initiating conversations with faculty, cultivating strong relationships with them, and requesting recommendations in a way that builds on those connections to help you get where you want to go.
  • Reframing Networking for FGLI Students

    Join us as we break down the components of networking. We’ll discuss how to approach networking as an innate human activity that enables information exchange and the possibility of landing professional opportunities.

We’re here to help!

Reach out to the Poorvu Center team if you have any questions or to learn more about our programs.

Contact Us