A Guide for First Generation College Students
Although going to college can be a fun and exciting experience for anyone, it also has many challenges that students will need to overcome. First generation students, though, often face even more difficulties that will hold them back if they are not careful. They are students who are the first people in their families to go to college and to pursue a higher education.
They have many reasons for doing so, but many simply want to provide the best possible life for their families. If you are a first generation college student and want to get the most from your experience, learning about common roadblocks and discovering a few tips will help.
Common Challenges
When your mission is to succeed as a first generation college student, learning about common challenges is a good place from which to start. As far as first generation college student’s statistics are concerned, many of them don’t have access to the same resources that other students enjoy.
In fact, nearly 90 percent of first generation college students who come from low-income families will have trouble graduating on time. They will often work at full-time jobs while they are taking their classes, leaving little time to study and do homework. Also, many of them will have trouble finding the tools that they need to stay on track.
Tip No. 1: Seek Help
If you want to overcome first generation college student’s statistics and to complete your degree program, it’s vital you look for help as soon as you need it. A lot of students will have trouble keeping their grades up and completing their projects on time.
The moment you run into problems, speak with your teachers and the school administration about getting a tutor, and doing so can prevent you from falling behind. Since you will face more challenges than other students, using every resource that is available to you is critical. You can even turn to other students who are interested in giving you a hand, and you could make a lifelong friend in the process.
Tip No. 2: Seek Financial Aid
Because a lot of first generation students will have limited budgets, speaking with a financial adviser should be one of the first things that you do. Minorities have access to several grants and scholarship programs that will help them cover their tuition and the cost of books.
Depending on your location, you might even find first generation college students scholarships to reduce the burden. Talk to as many teachers and school counselors as you can when you want to get a clear picture of the options from which you can choose. Getting help with covering the related expenses can be the missing link that helps you stay in school long enough to graduate, realizing your dream of getting a better life.
Tip No. 3: Learn Time-Management Skills
First generation students are often short on time, so learning time-management skills can keep you focused on what is important. Rather than staying up all night studying, do your best to get between seven and eight hours of sleep each night. This will help you to concentrate and to be even more productive. When you are working on your homework or trying to study, turn off your cellphone and other distractions.
Always work on your most important projects first to ensure that you can get them done by the deadline. Some students make to-do lists and won’t engage in hobbies until they complete each task, and you can do the same if you want to get the most from your time at college. Even though managing your time won’t always be easy, you will improve with practice.
Final Thoughts
Even though getting a degree is often a long and difficult road for first generation college students, keeping the right tips at the front of your mind will work wonders. If you look for help as soon as you notice any problems, you will significantly improve your odds of success.
Teachers, advisors and other students will be glad to lend a hand when you request support. First generation college student’s scholarships will help you to manage your budget and can reduce a lot of the stress that students usually experience along the way.
No matter what you do or what your goals are, you must commit to your path and resolve not to give up on your dreams. Staying focused on the main reasons that you want to finish college will also prevent you from getting discouraged when you run into obstacles.
As long as you keep pushing yourself forward, you will graduate before you know it, and you will know that you have done the right thing. In addition to getting a fulfilling career, you will also be able to offer a good life to your family.
