Attending college for the first time can be an intimidating experience, especially if you are the very first person in your family to do so. In the US, an estimated 54% of undergraduate students identify as first-generation students. Most first-generation students are minorities or students who come from low-income backgrounds. First-generation students can face many hurdles that make it challenging to stay in college and eventually graduate on time. For those who are minorities in predominantly White institutions, there’s an added layer of isolation that can be experienced. Here are some helpful tips first-generation college students can use to overcome the lack of institutional resources, impostor syndrome, and campus isolation.

Overcoming Lack of Institutional Resources

The biggest challenge facing first-generation college students is limited institutional support, especially when it pertains to financial aid, housing, and food insecurity. As a result, it is important to have a general sense of all the resources at your disposal as a student on your campus. When it comes to tuition, be sure to fill out your financial aid information on time and apply for any supplemental scholarships or fellowships at your disposal. For housing, be sure to sure to learn more about affordable student housing, or even minority student housing that may be available on your campus. It may be more beneficial to live off-campus with other college students if that housing is more affordable. Accessing a meal plan can be very costly for first-generation college students, so be sure to assess all of your options. Seek out your campus’ basic needs services and food pantries too for additional support.

It is also important to note that some college campuses have first-generation student services aimed at the retention and success of first-generation college students. Researching these resources before you get to campus will allow you to understand what is available and what is still needed for you to thrive during your college experience. Whatever is lacking in campus support will have to be compensated for through student advocacy. Most of the student services found in academic institutions came about because of student advocacy, not necessarily the efforts of the campus administrators. Unfortunately, if your campus doesn’t have enough student resources, learning to speak up and hold your institution accountable will be the next step.

Confront Impostor Syndrome

Impostor syndrome is another big challenge that impacts a lot of first-generation college students, especially if they are minorities. It makes sense to feel unworthy or undeserving of an experience, especially if you are the first person in your family to receive that opportunity. Not having the luxury to only focus on school due to financial, food, or housing insecurity is also a big reason why first-generation students may feel inadequate. However, it is important to remember that you got into an academic institution despite your limitations, which means you are more than qualified to be there. Working through your insecurities and self-doubts by giving yourself some grace is necessary. As you grow more comfortable with your sense of worth, it is important to intentionally connect with other students on campus who share your lived experience. This will allow you to build a community that will be an instrumental foundation in sustaining yourself throughout your college experience.

Get Ahead of Campus Isolation

Campus isolation is another extension of impostor syndrome that minority first-generation students are most impacted by if they attend predominantly White campuses. Building a community is the best solution to campus isolation, especially for students who do not have the luxury to live on campus. This involves reaching out to student clubs and organizations that align with your goals and interests. You can network with other students through these campus groups, and learn about other campus resources at your disposal in the process. If the community you are seeking does not exist, then creating your own is also an option. It requires more intentional work of putting yourself out there, but the rewards can be very fulfilling, especially when you get to graduate with the same cohort and make lifelong friendships.

Building a community on campus will lead to student empowerment which can help you overcome your impostor syndrome. It also allows you to advocate for more institutional resources through student advocacy groups that are involved in student campaigns or actively working with administrators to make college more accessible. Taking up space through campus involvement allows you to be in tune with the campus culture which is an asset when attempting to graduate on time. It is important to remember that upon admission, it is the responsibility of your academic institution to provide you with the resources needed to graduate. If those resources are not adequate, then as a first-generation student, you will have to make an effort to take your education into your own hands.