If you’re a first generation college student, you might be entering your college career entirely blind. You don’t know what to expect, you don’t know really what you’re supposed to be doing with your time, and you don’t have someone like a parent to guide you through the struggles of adjusting. While every college and university is different, there are some resources that nearly every college has for you to get in the swing of things.
1. First in the Family Resources
This website has everything you need from applying to college as a first generation college student to managing the financial planning aspects of college. There are even some inspirational stories and quotes to help you persist.
2. Financial Planning Tools
Student debt is a hot topic, but it doesn’t have to be that way for you. There are many scholarships available for first generation college students. Don’t forget to submit your FAFSA application — it’s not all loans!
3. Office of First Year Advising or Initiatives
Not all colleges have a dedicated program and staff for first year or first generation college students, but some do and they can help ease your transition and provide extra resources for you. Ask you college counselor about these programs and if your college has one or something similar to what the University of Illinois – Chicago and Loyola University offer.
4. Find a Mentor
Whether it’s a professor or counselor at your college, a family friend, or a professional you meet in passing, a college mentor can help you succeed in college. Mentors give helpful advice, can help set up internships and job shadowing opportunities. Programs like Future Institute’s Future Leaders Initiative (FLI) help first-generation college students thrive and persist through college.
5. Sign Up for Activities & Clubs
Most colleges and universities have activity fairs where you can sign up for different clubs and activities that they offer on campus. Through clubs, you can meet more students, faculty, and see what all college has to offer. Join an intramural sports league to fit in some exercise or join a philanthropy club to give back to the community.
Come back to the Future Institute Blog for more advice, tips, and tricks to help you get through college!