Going to College is Not Like the Movies for First-Generation College Students

Going to college can be an incredible time in one’s life. It’s a time of freedom, enjoyment, and self-discovery. However, some may be disappointed if they view college like one enormous party in the movies. While some students may come from generations of college legacy or wealth to give them the playbook on navigating this important time, some may be stepping foot onto a university campus for the first time without a playbook or a bank account.

College can be a time of financial insecurity, emotional instability, and academic struggle for anyone. This is heightened for first-generation college students: those who do not know what to expect from college and also may not have enough support to navigate these challenging times. Only 40 percent of first-generation college students complete and receive their degrees. While many first-generation college goers may have the emotional support of their communities, they may still feel isolated and overwhelmed  having to resolve challenges on their own, causing them to pursue other opportunities or join the work force sooner than anticipated.

Working class first-generation college students find themselves worrying about money much before college. Many don’t have the option of asking family to take out loans, or even to give a small monthly allowance to contribute to their college experience. More often than not, they are salvaging every penny of their refund checks (if they get any), gathering snacks from dining halls for study breaks, and thriving on dollar menus at fast food restaurants or non-perishables when dining halls are closed (most dorms do not have adequate cooking spaces). They might even turn down opportunities to go on trips, restaurants, or to concerts with friends because they can’t afford it, missing out on key bonding opportunities to cultivate lasting friendships.

First-generation college students also often feel disconnected to campus culture because stresses of college life can make them overly cautious, choosing to save money, spend free time working to earn money, or stay academically focused rather than pursuing the joys and fun that exists on their campuses. Many first generation college students are afraid to study abroad or take internships with no pay, even if these can be beneficial for their careers, because of lack of resources or financial stress.

Many first-generation college students are also people of color. In addition to feeling possible class differences, first-generation college students also feel cultural disconnects. First-generation students are typically raised in ethnic enclaves and find themselves in class spaces with students who can’t relate to their economic or cultural backgrounds or experiences. This can lead to psychological alienation and make it even more challenging to form true connections to other students.

Ultimately, first-generation college students may need more support. Luckily, many campuses around the United States have dedicated programs and resources for the students to connect to other first-generation students and resources. Many college campuses also have mentorship programs to help students best utilize the time they are in university. Those tuition dollars pay for far more than classes, but a lot of students don’t research or ask their advisors for support out of fear that they may be the only ones needing support. The funny thing about asking for support is, you often think you are alone, until you speak up and you realize you’re surrounded by people who need support, too.

Being a first-generation student doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to navigate the odds. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your advisor or your school’s resources for first-generation college students. You’ll be surprised at how many resources you have, whether it’s therapy, scholarships, or clubs and organizations dedicated to provided more support for incredible students like you.

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