The Challenges of First-Generation Students
First-generation students are college students whose parents did not attend college. Many of these students come from immigrant or working-class families, where financial barriers are just one of the major structural obstacles they face.
Since first-gen students do not typically have close family members with college degrees, they are less likely to have guidance throughout the college experience. While being the first person to attend university can bring a lot of hope and joy for the family, it may leave the student feeling lost navigating the complicated higher education system alone.
First-generation students can face challenges before even entering the university. Tasks like filling out financial aid forms, deciding on housing and meal plans, and selecting classes can feel daunting and anxiety-inducing. Once enrolled, it can be difficult not to know what to expect out of the college experience. Many unspoken rules about how to form study groups, how to communicate with professors, and when to ask for help have a significant impact on a student’s success.
In addition to systemic challenges, first-generation students commonly experience psychological hardships. For instance, they may feel conflicted or guilty for having opportunities their family members did not have access to. Another common experience is feeling like an imposter among peers with a family history of higher education. More than a third of first-gen students are in racial or ethnic minority groups and have to navigate prejudices and stigma in college, which can leave them feeling further isolated and alienated.
Being a first-gen student comes with many socioeconomic, psychological, and academic challenges compared to multi-generational college students. With many first-gen students experiencing shame, confusion, and anxiety, navigating college can become overwhelming.
If you are a first-generation student, here are some tips for easing into college life:
Take advantage of events your school provides for newcomers, such as campus tours, mixers, and orientations. This may help you gain insight into campus culture and offer opportunities to socialize with peers.
Connect with other students and build a network on campus by joining clubs, organizations, and study groups.
Seek support from peers, faculty, administrators, and staff. Academic advisors can help with tasks like choosing classes or a major pathway, while financial aid advisors can help connect you with available financial resources.
If you are in a position of power, here are some ways you can support first-gen students:
Confront your own biases and preconceived notions. By keeping yourself open to the student’s experiences, you can understand the various dimensions of their identity. Making assumptions about first-gen students only further marginalizes them.
Give first-gen students space and understanding with their time and lived experiences. Ask questions about how you can support them, and avoid giving unsolicited advice. Only they know what college means for them and the obstacles they face.
Familiarize yourself with on-campus resources for first-generation students. Federal TRIO programs such as McNair Scholars provide funding, internships, and other opportunities for students from marginalized communities.
Although navigating academia can be challenging for first-gen students, it can also be rewarding. Beyond academic and career opportunities, it can be a time for personal growth and community building.
By becoming more aware of first-gen student struggles, we can find ways to decrease opportunity and resource gaps and make higher education more accessible.
What are some of your experiences as a first-gen student? How has your first-gen college experience impacted you?