This article was written by BE Smart Contributor Chelsea L. Dixon, M.S., M.A.T. For more about the author, see her bio at the end of this post.
Studies have shown that college graduates have greater earning potential and more opportunities to achieve financial and professional success than those with a high school diploma alone. However, the road to earning a college degree is often a difficult one, particularly for first generation college students.
The Problems
Culture Shock / Isolation
Culture shock and isolation are common to first generation students. The academic and cultural collegiate experience is different from that of high school and can be overwhelming. Not having family members who can advise such students beforehand plays a significant role in their sense of isolation.
First generation students may feel lonely and out of place because they have little prior knowledge or understanding of the campus culture. If there isn’t a large minority population on campus, they may also feel disconnected.
Self-doubt
Self-doubt is probably most difficult for a first generation student to cope with. It’s common for such students to question whether or not they even belong on a college campus. They often feel the need to prove themselves.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is another common feeling that first generation college students experience. They may also have difficulty interacting with their peers and speaking up in class. Speaking to their professor may also be difficult, especially if the student needs to ask for help. Having to speak one-on-one with a professor during prescribed office hours may be intimidating.
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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.