Advice for First-Generation Students
Becoming one of the firsts in your family to go to college can be nerve-wracking. With having to figure everything out on your own and learning about all the campus resources can be pressuring, but you are not alone. Here is some advice that I would give you as a fellow first-generation student.
Figure out the support groups that will best benefit you.
UIC has many support programs offered in offices such as LARES, AAAN, ACE, and DRC, that are great with helping first-generation students. They help students assimilate to college life and provide tutoring, advising, or simply a safe place to study and hang out. AAAN and LARES helped me my first year at UIC. I joined the AAAN Summer Excel Program that allowed incoming freshman to experience a class, get an on-campus job, and stay on campus for 6 weeks. If it weren’t for this program, I probably would not be writing this blog right now for my on-campus job. For a full list of support resources, click here.
Meet your academic advisor at least twice a semester.
It is important to get to know your advisor your first year. They will help you make a four-year plan and make sure that all of your gen eds, electives, and major requirements are met. It’s also important if you plan on doing activities like studying abroad. If it were not for my advisor, I probably would have missed a few required classes for my major my first year…oops! To schedule an advising appointment, go to the “Advising” tab on my.uic.edu
Get involved!
Whether you are a commuter or stay on campus, it is important to get involved. With almost 300 organizations and 30 fraternities/sororities, there is a place for everyone. Getting involved will help you craft your leadership skills, meet new people, and much more. It is also a great way to connect with others that have the same interests as you. For a full list of student orgs, click here.
Get a mentor or befriend an older student.
I cannot even describe how much my mentors and older friends have helped me. Many student orgs and colleges offer mentorship opportunities. I was mentored by a senior in one of my business orgs, and they helped me with time management, professional development, and even sent me daily reminders to drink water! I also made older friends that helped me choose professors and find study strategies.
Take care of your finances.
Going to college can come with expenses that you may not expect. Aside from tuition and book costs, there are extracurricular dues, transportation, food, and much more. Learn healthy spending habits now, so that there is no financial struggle in the future. Fill out your FAFSA, apply for scholarships, and look for campus jobs so that the financial burden of college does not wear you down. If you have any questions, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Take care of yourself.
Although it takes a lot of hard work to achieve that degree, it’s important to take care of yourself. Learn to say “no” to things, take time off, and plan out your schedule. During my freshman year, I always fell into the trap of saying “yes” to everything. I later learned that I should say “no” when I truly cannot do something. I hope you will learn to only accept things that benefit you and fit into your schedule.
Never give up.
As cheesy as this may sound, it’s true. Never give up on getting that degree. Many first-generation students may not have the resources or connections like others do, but that does not mean that you should give up on your education. You’ve got this!
I hope this bit of advice will help you as a first-generation college student. Also, don’t forget to ask for help! There are so many helpful campus resources, such as tutoring, wellness, and much more. Remember, you are not alone and many others are going through similar experiences. Good luck and remember to always have fun!