Navigating the Terrain: Resources and Support for First-Generation College Students

Adjusting to college life presents a multifaceted challenge for most students. The transition from the structured environment of high school to the relative independence of college requires significant adaptation. New academic demands, social adjustments, and cultural integration all demand time and effort. For first-generation college students, these challenges are often compounded, as they navigate unfamiliar territory without the built-in advantage of parents who have already experienced higher education. All the usual difficulties of college life can feel magnified for those who lack the familial guidance and support that many other students take for granted. But it's important to remember, being a first-gen student is a unique journey, and you’re not alone.

Understanding the First-Generation College Student Experience

First-generation college students are those whose parents did not attend college. According to the Center for First-Generation Student Success, first-generation students make up more than half, 54%, of all undergraduates in the United States. In 2016, about 1 in 3 undergraduates in a bachelor’s degree program were first-generation college students. These students have a unique opportunity to be the first in their family to achieve a bachelor’s degree, sometimes even the first to attend college at all. However, research suggests that first-gen college students often face unique challenges in college and getting a degree. It's hard to know what you don’t know.

Financial Assistance and Affordability

Often one of the hardest hurdles for first-gen students is being able to understand and finance the cost of college. Financial assistance is crucial for first-gen college students, who often face financial hurdles due to limited family resources. To help, many organizations offer scholarships, help cover textbook expenses, or assist with living costs. Many youth aren’t even aware that scholarships for first-gen college students are available to them. The Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid page is full of resources for students, including how to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, apply for student loans, and apply for Federal Pell Grants. Pell Grants are for undergraduate students who “display exceptional financial need,” and the grants don’t have to be paid back. College Greenlight is a web platform that helps low-income students find their best match college and match with scholarships. They have a college search tool, a fit meter, a tool to help students predict their chances of acceptance, and a scholarship match search engine. They also keep an up-to-date list of Fly-In programs, which allows students to visit the campus free and learn more about what the college has to offer. If you’re serious about helping the first-gen college student in your life, spread awareness about financial aid resources and scholarships.

Mentorship and Guidance: Navigating the Unknown

First-gen college student struggles are inevitable. So long as students have guidance from trusted mentors, though, they can tackle hurdles as they arise. Mentorship and guidance are vital for first-generation college students, offering support in navigating the complexities of higher education. If you have a first-gen college student in your life who is struggling to adjust, you may want to encourage them to look into peer mentoring. These programs pair first-gen students with older peers who can offer insights and support, fostering a sense of belonging. Faculty mentorship initiatives are also helpful; they provide personalized guidance and academic support, helping students navigate coursework and explore career paths. For mentors, effective support involves listening, encouragement, and advocacy for resources. Understanding the unique challenges faced by first-gen students is key, as is providing tailored guidance to meet their needs.

Academic Support Services: Building a Foundation for Success

Academic support services are essential for first-generation college students to succeed academically. These services, like tutoring programs, academic advising, and study skills workshops, offer valuable assistance in navigating the challenges of higher education. To encourage first-gen students to use support services, raise awareness about their availability and benefits. Students can attend orientation sessions or schedule an initial meeting with support-service staff. Many colleges offer summer bridge programs to help prepare first-generation college students for the academics of college and life on campus. During this time incoming students can take classes, including English language arts, math, and study skills. You shouldn’t be embarrassed or afraid to reach out to your college campus academic help or tutoring center. Most campuses have centers where they offer free academic support. Say, for example, that you know you need to take a math class and math is hard for you. Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed; go get help at the tutoring or academic center right away. Remember, it’s free, and there’s no shame in getting help. Department of First-Year Programs (FYP), first-generation faculty and staff engage first-generation college students and provide academic, social, and mentorship support throughout their experience.

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Building Community and Finding Belonging

Finding your group of friends in college can be a real challenge. Connecting with others is one of the most important parts of the collegiate experience - it’s vital for the well-being and success of first-generation college students. Affinity groups offer spaces where first-gen students can find solidarity and understanding among peers who share similar backgrounds and challenges. Some colleges may have affinity groups for first-gen students, as well. An affinity group is a group of people who share an identity or background - like race, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, or veteran status - and gather to find connection, support, and inspiration on college campuses. Campus events, such as cultural celebrations and workshops, provide opportunities for students to engage with diverse perspectives and experiences, fostering dialogue and understanding. This student-run organization provides community and support - including social events - for first-generation college students. All students who identify as a first-generation student are welcome to be a member of the First-Generation Collegians. First-generation college students are an asset to the community.

Career Development and Professional Opportunities

Most students attend college with the goal of graduating with a good job. Internships, networking events, and career counseling services play crucial roles in helping students achieve their career goals. If the college student in your life is feeling confused about how to make the most of professional development opportunities on campus, encourage them to take advantage of the resources available. Suggest that they start by exploring internship opportunities and job fairs hosted by the college’s career services department. You’re part of a community. Your middle-class and upper-class college peers have parent friends who are most likely helping them get internships, find mentors, and get jobs. Take the free classes in résumé writing class and job interviews. Connect with professors on campus and ask whether they’ll mentor you.

Advocacy and Support on a Larger Scale

Beyond supporting the first-gen college student in your life, consider advocating for policies and initiatives that support first-generation college students on a larger scale. You can also get involved in advocacy efforts at the local, state, or national level by joining organizations or coalitions that work to address issues facing first-gen students. If you’re hoping to promote diversity and equal access to higher education, supporting first-generation college students is a must. Consider getting involved with organizations like Reality Changers, which provides support and resources to first-gen students. Rise First has developed a comprehensive online platform that empowers first-generation, low-income (FGLI) students and professionals. They aim to consolidate nationwide programs and resources that meet the needs of FGLI students. Their goal is not only to democratize information but also to improve access for all FGLI students nationwide.

Key Steps for First-Generation Students

You’ve been accepted.

Register for New Student Orientation.
Sign up for campus housing.
Complete your required training. Completing these trainings early will prevent holds that prevent you from registering later.
Send official transcripts and documents to the MU Office of Admissions.

You’re on campus. It’s October. Now what?

FAFSA opens Oct. 1. Complete by Mizzou’s Jan. 7 priority date.
Make housing decisions for next year.
Meet with your academic advisor to talk about spring classes - and beyond. Early registration for the next semester occurs in October and November.

It’s January. Now what?

Renew or review scholarships.
Check your schedule to see if you need to make changes. Sometimes course locations or details change before classes begin. In addition, if you need to make adjustments based on your previous semester, now is the time to do so.
Consider registering for summer courses. You can register for summer courses starting in January.

Additional Tips for Success

Don't be afraid to ask for help: Don't let anyone tell you that university is too hard, you CAN do it!
Talk with faculty: Don’t be afraid to talk with the faculty.
Get involved: clubs.
Seek disability services if needed: However, in order for you to receive disability services, you must apply for the services yourself at the office and follow the rules of the college or university you attend. Each institution will have their own procedure about what documents you’ll need to provide as proof of your disability.
Remember self-care: As a first-generation college student, it often feels like you have the weight of your family’s expectations on your shoulders - even more so if you’re from a low-income family, a person of color, and/or an immigrant or the child of an immigrant. Remember that this is your future and your dream. Take time for yourself and make sure you put your emotional well-being first.

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