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First Generation College Students: Tips for a Successful Freshman Year

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Because first generation college students don't have immediate family members to give them inside tips on what to expect at college, they may find it harder to adapt to campus life. Below are steps of things your student should do as a first generation college student to help ensure they have the most successful first year in college.

  • Make sure your student attends freshmen orientation. Most colleges have freshmen orientations during the summer before the new school year begins. 
  • Orientation will provide them an opportunity to learn their way around school before they have to start attending classes, make new friends, and understand how to register for classes.Look for campus programs that assist first generation students. These programs will provide tutoring and counseling services to help your student adapt to their first year.
  • Encourage them to make friends with upperclassmen. Having a mentor in college to show you the ropes can be a big help.
  • Stay involved and provide support. Balancing a college schedule can be extra hard for a first generation college student, so they will need all the encouragement you can give them. 

Because first generation college students don't have immediate family members to give them inside tips on what to expect at college, they may find it harder to adapt to campus life. Below are steps of things your student should do as a first generation college student to help ensure they have the most successful first year in college.

Planning for college and adapting to campus life can be difficult for first generation college students, but still very achievable. Students can leverage their high school counselor or the Student Services department at their college for additional information.

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