4 Tips to Succeed as a First-Generation College Student

By Alicia Geigel on January 30, 2018

I am the first in my immediate family to seek higher education. Both of my parents graduated high school and worked hard from the time they were both teenagers. Ever since I was a young child, I was always encouraged to work hard and do well in school so I could push towards achieving a great life for myself, a life greater than what my parents could have ever imagined. As someone who deeply respects my parents, I consistently followed their advice, worked as hard as I could and pushed hard to make them proud. By the time I got to high school, thoughts of college were already flooding my head and being the first person in my family to even consider college, it was overwhelming.

Despite this, I was excited to explore my options and further my education. I attended a private university in New York City for my first year and Temple University for my last three, and will be graduating in a few, short months (boy, does it feel weird to say that)! Being a first-generation college student did not come without struggles or setbacks, it did, however, give me a great perspective on my own life and a deeper respect for my parents and family. Are you a first-generation college student? Are you nervous or scared about what to expect during your college career? Check out my four tips below that will help guide you throughout your four years!

Image via Pixabay

1. Take Advantage of Campus Offices: For first-generation college students, adjusting to college may be easy or it can be pretty difficult. Students can be unsure of financial responsibilities, academic expectations, and social involvement/activities, which can not only be discouraging, but it can also be intimidating. Katy Hopkins of U.S. News notes, “One of the things that they can do is [figure out] if the university has some kind of program for first-generation students. A really helpful program recognizes that students don’t just need financial assistance, but often they need social, academic, and financial support together.”

2. Don’t Be Ashamed to Live Frugally: Nowadays, it is not uncommon that a majority of college students in college are broke. It is not a secret that college can be crazy expensive, so don’t feel bad when you see your friends going out to movies or bars on the weekends while you are staying home. Throughout my time in college, I have been totally broke, working small jobs here and there but nothing to fund a totally lavish experience like some might get to have. At the end of the day, remember what you are in college for: to get an education and to hopefully set yourself up for a great and successful future!

Image via Pixabay

3. Get Involved: Being a first-generation student, you may feel like you might not fit in with other students on campus due to financial differences, social differences, and/or differences in ethnicity or religion. According to Chad Patton of USA Today College, “only 44% of first-generation college students’ parents expect them to finish college. Compare that to the 88% of students — with parents who hold at least a bachelor’s degree — which are expected to finish college.” The college experience becomes a lot smoother when you find people you can identify with and relate to, so it does not hurt to put yourself out there!  Your thoughts and feelings about not fitting in are not unique to you, but are shared by so many people on campus, believe it or not. You will find more people that share things in common with you in college than you would believe, so get involved! Check out organizations and clubs on campus that tap into your interests or identify with you and you will not only make a bunch of friends, but you will also be able to fully take in the college experience.

4. Be Your Own Advocate: For all of us in college, it can be difficult to speak up and let others know what you may be struggling with, whether it be financial issues, mental health issues, academic issues, relationship issues, etc. First-generation students are less likely to communicate their problems to peers, advisors, and counselors which can make the pressures of college even more daunting. If you are struggling with an issue, take initiative and bring it up to someone, unfortunately, mind reading isn’t a special skill anyone has acquired (yet). You may be falling behind on tuition payments, speak with a financial aid advisor to discuss altering a payment plan! Perhaps you recently ended a relationship with someone close to you, schedule a meeting with an on-campus counselor! Regardless of what your issue may be, there is someone on campus that can help.

Being the first in your family to attend college is a large accomplishment and something to be proud of, but that doesn’t mean it comes easy. Despite the struggles that can come with being a first-generation student, the reward of hard work and perseverance come the day when you get your diploma is worth it all. As always, good luck!

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