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Welcome! Being a first generation college student can be exciting and stressful. You worked hard to get here. This section will give you some tips on how to cope with various issues that may arise during your time at school. It will also provide you with access to stories from other first generation students and other articles that may be helpful.
Some Things You May Experience
Some Things You May Experience
There is no right or wrong way to feel during this transition. Everyone is different and yet, there are some similar experiences that first generation students may share.
- You may start to feel overwhelmed, lost, or stressed
- Confidence and/or emotions may fluctuate
- You may feel isolated
- Confused
- Feel like you can't confide in your family if you're struggling
- Feeling afraid of disappointing people
- Feeling like you don't fit in or don't belong
- You may undercut how well you are doing so family or friends back home don't think you've grown beyond them
If you notice that you are not doing as well as you would like, or are worried about how you're doing, use the resources on campus to help you. Advisers, friends, roommates, resident assistants, resident directors, teachers, or the counseling center are all great places to start. It's important to remember that though you may be the first one in your family to experience college, you are not alone.
Other Resources
Other Resources
College Info Geek - Website of great resources including technology that is useful to help you organize, videos, information about money management and more. Check it out!
Articles of Interest
Articles of Interest
Taking My Parents To College - Article in New York Times, by JENNINE CAPÓ CRUCET. August 22, 2015
Academic Culture Shock - Video from the firstinthefamily.org website. Video shares several stories of first generation college students and their first experiences with college. Be sure to check out the other offerings on the website. It's a great resource.
Stories of first-generation students: 'I felt dumb, poor and confused'
Huffington Post - several stories in one place
Stories of First Generation Students
Stories of First Generation Students
Fitting in on Campus: Challenges for first generation students - Recent NPR Story on what it is like for first generation students.
Michelle Obama shares about her experience as a First Generation Student. Find more stories from students and graduates at I'm First.
Find more stories from students at this YouTube link.
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