First Generation Students: Who They Are And How They Can Succeed in College

Ensure Success in College as a First Generation Student!

A first generation student is one whose parents did not graduate high school. This means that the student has no family history of attending college. Although they might be in favor of higher education, their parents and relatives might see them leaving the family unit to attend college as a break in the educational process rather than as a continuation. College students who are first-generation or whose parents did not complete a four-year degree face particular psychological and financial difficulties.

The difficulties that first-generation students face stem from their families' efforts to foster intergenerational continuity by passing down role expectations for work, family, religion, and community to the next generation. When a family member chooses to attend college, the established order is disrupted, resulting in a shift in identity and a sense of loss. As a result of not being prepared for this loss, many first-generation students may end up developing two identities — one for home and one for college.

In the process of developing two identities, first-generation college students face unique challenges when transitioning into higher education. They may struggle to adjust to campus life, develop friendships, and navigate social situations. These students also tend to be more stressed than other students due to financial obligations, which can have an impact on their academic performance and overall well-being.

In this article, Quizplus presents some things you can do as a first-generation college student to ensure success in College.

Build Relationships with Other Students

You can start by building relationships with other students who share similar experiences as first generation college students. This will make you more comfortable when interacting with them. Be positive and focus on the good things about first generation college students. They're smart, hardworking, and kind. Thus, give back and volunteer to tutor first generation college students, help them find housing or donate money to organizations that serve first generation college students. It’s also a good idea to get involved and join clubs, volunteer for student government or participate in campus events.

Take Care of Yourself
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If you're feeling stressed out, take care of yourself. Make sure you eat well, exercise regularly, sleep enough, and get plenty of rest since all of these tips will help you study more effectively and be successful in college. It would also be very beneficial to talk to others and share your feelings with friends and family members. Talking about your struggles helps you work through them. Always remember that you shouldn’t give up and keep trying even if you fail at times. It's okay to not succeed every day, and if you fail, find support. There are many people who understand what it's like to be a first generation college student. Reach out to them for advice and encouragement.

Seek Help from Counselors

If you are having trouble with schoolwork, talk to your counselor. They can help you figure out what's going on and how to improve your academic performance. Also, you should take advantage of free services. There are lots of free services available to help you succeed at school. Here are some examples:

• Free tutoring through local community colleges and universities.
• Free counseling through student health centers.

If you need further help in boosting your grades, you can use online learning platforms that offer study tools that can help you thrive. Quizplus as an online learning platform is an excellent option to find all the study tools you need for free. You can sign up for Quizplus’s free trial and use their quizzes, flashcards and textbook solutions to access Q&A expert answers and prepare yourself for your exams. Quizplus also offers a free homework help feature that helps you complete your assignments with ease.

Learn About Financial Aid
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There are several ways to receive financial aid. You can apply for federal grants and loans, such as Pell Grants and subsidized Stafford Loans. Private lenders offer other forms of assistance, such as work study programs and private student loans.

Be Aware Of Other Resources That Can Help You Pay For School

There are many other ways to pay for college besides loans. One of the easiest ways to save money is by finding scholarships. If you are qualified for financial aid, you should apply for these scholarships. They are free money, so why not take advantage of them? These awards are usually given to students who excel in certain areas such as academics, athletics, community service, leadership, etc.  Another option is to work while attending school. This will allow you to earn money to cover living expenses and also give you some extra cash to put towards your education.

Understand How To Maximize Your Scholarship Dollars
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If you are a first generation student, there are several things you should do to maximize your scholarship dollars. First, make sure you apply for as many scholarships as possible. Second, try to find scholarships that match your major. Third, ask your school's financial aid office for advice on how to maximize your scholarship dollars and avoid unnecessary spending.
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This article has been prepared by Quizplus. For more information visit us.