How First Generation College Students Can Face Down Their Challenges

Despite these challenges, first generation students can successfully transition to college life if they make good use of the resources and support systems available to help them.

Listed below are five ways first generation students can more smoothly transition to college life:

The Supports

Orientation / Programs for First Generation Students

First generation students should attend a new student orientation, typically held a week or two before the first day of class. Orientation can help ease anxieties by giving students a chance to walk around the campus, ask questions, and see where things are before the other students arrive.

Get Involved

Joining student groups, clubs, or teams is a great way for first generation students to get involved in campus life and meet others who have similar interests. It’s also a great way to make new friends.

Asking for Help

Learning to ask for help is an important skill for the success of all students, not just those that are first generation. However, first generation students often feel as though asking for help is a sign of weakness, though it is actually a sign of strength. Don’t know how to ask for help? For suggestions, visit “Why Your College Student Should Talk To Their Professor If They’re Struggling” here.

Academic Support

First generation students must get to know their professors and familiarize themselves with the professors’ office hours. Students who are having problems in class should speak to their professor right away and ask for help.

Other sources of academic support include academic advisors and tutoring services. What’s most important is seeking help as soon as you realize there’s a problem.

Counseling / Emotional Support

If a student is having a tough time adjusting to college and is feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed, there are counseling services on campus that can help. The first generation student doesn’t have to cope alone, but again, it will be up to the student to take the initiative and seek help.

Although first generation college students–and all students–will face challenges, the tips presented above can help to make them manageable and keep the student on the right path to success.

Chelsea L. Dixon, M.S., M.A.T. is founder and CEO of GamePhox Unlimited L.L.C.  A motivational speaker who has lectured at various high schools, colleges, professional youth sport foundations, and youth groups, Dixon is the author of Bridging the Gap: A Simple Guide to College. She earned a B.A. in sociology from Boston College, an M.A.T. in secondary education from Trenton State College (now the College of New Jersey), and an M.S. in sport management from the University of Massachusetts — Amherst. The proud New Jersey native is a member of the Ewing High School Athletic Hall of Fame and The Trenton Softball Hall of Fame. You can learn more about her at www.gamephox.com or www.bridgingthecollegegap.com.