5 Tips for First-Generation College Students

The balancing act known as college can be an intense undertaking for anyone, but for first-generation college students it could feel like trying to decode an entire system that seems like it’s written in another language.

You are a first-generation student if your parents or guardians did not complete a four-year degree at a college or university. You may be the first in your family to step into this world of lectures, midterms, and office hours.

It’s an incredible achievement, but it also comes with its own set of challenges: family expectations, financial stress, and feeling out of place.

I am a first-generation college student — although I am the youngest of a crew of siblings that all went to college — and I can say confidently that the journey is equal parts pride and pressure. There’s joy in knowing I’m doing something my parents dreamed of for me, but there’s also the weight of doing it right. 

It may be challenging, but it’s a journey worth taking. With the right mindset and support, it can be one of the most transformative experiences of your life. This is your guide to navigating college as a first-generation college student.

Talking to Your Parents About College 

When you’re the first in your family to attend college, it’s not just your new experience — it’s your family’s, too. Your parents might be proud, but they might also be confused, and maybe even anxious. They might not understand what’s expected of you or why you can’t come home every weekend.

It’s easy to get frustrated when you’re trying to explain why you’re so busy all the time, but patience is key.

For many first-gen students, these conversations become another form of translation — turning the language of college into something your family can understand.

When I started at USF, I also had trouble explaining the ins and outs of college to my mom. Over time, I learned that the best approach was to bring her along for the ride. Share your wins, your worries, and the little things: the class you loved, the project you’re excited about, or the class discussion you can’t stop thinking about. It helps your family feel included in your experience and deepens their understanding of what you’re doing.

If you’re having trouble communicating with your family, try these approaches:

• Explain the “why.” Instead of just saying “I can’t come home” or “I’m busy,” explain that weekends might be your only time to catch up on rest or work on a time-consuming assignment.
• Share milestones. When you pass an exam, get an internship, or make the Dean’s List, find a way to celebrate with your family. Let them see your progress.
• Be patient. As you learn how to do college, you are going to change, and your family may have to learn how to relate to a new you. First, be patient with yourself as you go through these changes — it's normal for your personality and perspectives to shift as you grow and evolve. Second, be patient with your family. Understand that they raised you and fostered the personality and character traits you left home with; give them the time to adjust to changes.

Overcoming the Experience Gap

As a first-gen, a lot of things may feel unfamiliar. You might have to learn things others already seem to know, like how to balance your classes or communicate with professors.

The truth is that college can sometimes feel like a different world. But the good news is, no one expects you to know everything from the start. The real skill you need to learn is knowing when to ask for help.

Your academic advisors are one of your best resources. They will help you plan your classes, track your graduation progress, and connect you with opportunities you might not know exist, like study abroad programs, internships, or research assistantships. 

At USF, you have access to peer coaches as well: students who have been where you are. They can give you perspective, advice, and reassurance based on their firsthand experience.

The biggest thing to expect as a first-gen student is growth through uncertainty. You’re going to have moments of doubt. There will be times when you question if you belong. But each of those moments builds resilience and helps you to overcome the challenges ahead.

Handling the Pressure 

Many first-generation students carry their family’s hopes on their shoulders, and that can feel heavy.

Pressure can come in different forms: the expectation to succeed, the guilt of being away from home, or the fear of failure. I used to feel guilty for struggling in classes because, in my mind, struggling meant I was wasting an opportunity my family worked hard to give me.

What helped me was learning that doing my best didn’t mean doing everything perfectly; it meant doing what I could with what I had, and asking for help when I needed it.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are some important reminders:

• You belong here — no matter how many times imposter syndrome tries to tell you otherwise.
• Choose progress over perfection. You don’t have to maintain a 4.0 GPA to make your family proud.
• Use your resources. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Universities like USF have mental health counseling services, tutoring, and mentorship programs specifically designed for students like you.

Pressure is often a sign that you care deeply. However, worrying too much without caring for yourself can lead to burnout, so be sure to prioritize your physical and emotional needs.

Keep Yourself Open to Opportunity

The longer I’ve been in college, the more I’ve learned that opportunities don’t always fall into your lap. Sometimes you have to seek them out.

This goes for internships, research positions, or leadership roles. Being open-minded means saying “maybe” instead of “no” when something new comes your way.

I decided midway through my college career as a journalism major that I wanted to pursue a career in library and information sciences. It was a cold email to an archives manager that secured me a summer internship in an archive, giving me the push I needed to realize that it wasn’t too late for me to pursue something outside of a newsroom.

So, apply for that program. Email that professor. Go to that event. You never know which experience might change your path or lead you to your passion.

Practice Makes Progress

Being a first-gen student is a process of learning, unlearning, and adjusting. You will make mistakes. You will get lost. You might even want to give up sometimes. But every challenge you face adds to your strength.

Balancing academics, family expectations, and your well-being takes time and intentionality. Use planners, set routines, and lean on enrichment time — moments that recharge you and remind you why you’re doing all this in the first place.

Above all, ask for help when you need it. Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness but a sign of strength and wisdom.

USF Resources for First-Generation Students

If you take one thing from this, let it be that you’re not navigating this journey alone. USF has several programs that may benefit first-generation students:

• Academic Success Center: Equips you with essential tools to succeed in classes through tutoring, writing help, online learning resources, and supplemental instruction 
• Counseling Center: Provides free telehealth and in-person sessions to help you manage stress, pressure, and adjustment to college life
• Academic Advising, Success Advocates, and Peer Advisors: Your go-to guides for planning classes and schedules, exploring majors or career paths, and finding experiential learning opportunities
• Office of Multicultural Affairs: Where you can connect with others who share your background and experiences through student-led events and organizations
• Student Support Services (SSS): Offers tutoring, advising, and mentorship for first-gen and low-income students admitted to the program

Remember, you are not defined by what you don’t know yet, but by your willingness to learn. Stay kind to yourself and keep going.