First Generation Student Resources

Many first generation college students may feel extra pressure is put on them to succeed. Success is not just for yourself, but also for the entire family and/or community. It is important to talk to your friends, family, and community to make sure they know how you feel. There are also places on campus that you can help you, such as:

• Student Health Center
• Center for Student Success
• Academic Support Office

Being the first in the family to undergo the college experience can be hard. It may seem like other students already “just know” what to do. Since they have friends, family, and/or community allies that may have talked with them about the college experience, they are “in the know.”  Let your professors know you are a first generation college student. They may be able to help you out by giving you advice, tips, and tricks to planning and navigating a successful college career.

Filing paperwork, having repetitive conversations, making sure financial aid is covered, and signing up for classes can be entirely confusing to someone who has never had to do it before. It is so important to remain strong when facing difficult barriers.  The Student Services Resources page gives you access to a wide range of services that enhances college life for all students – from housing to health to business needs.

Many first generation college students describe feelings of self-doubt in reference to academic and social performance. Some first gen students even admit that they do not think they are good or smart enough to be in college. Talking with friends or professors can help give you an accurate assessment of how you are doing at Reinhardt. The Counseling Services also offers individual sessions for those who want to discuss their worry or self-doubt more in-depth, in a private and secure setting.

College is expensive. We can appreciate the struggle of having to make sacrifices or foregoing experiences to make ends meet. Planning the college experience also means planning financially and most first gen college students have to do this on their own. Talking with the Office of Financial Aid throughout the semester can be helpful. They may be able to secure funding for extra expenses.

No one will be able to take this experience away from you. There is something truly special and exciting about graduating college as a first gen college student. Remember to take pride in your accomplishments!

It’s actually very common to feel guilty about being admitted into college — especially when you’re the first in your family to speak English fluently or be able to continue your education past middle school or high school. However, you should know that your family wants the best for you, your education is important to your future success, and you’re not alone in your experience.

There are lots of classes to take and majors to consider in pursuit of a degree at Reinhardt, but you’re not alone in being unsure of your career or major. Click here to learn more about Reinhardt’s academic programs. Try taking classes that interest you and ones in which you have a natural aptitude for the subject matter.

Surprisingly, private colleges and universities can be even more affordable than public institutions or community colleges, due to the relative amount of financial aid that is needed to afford tuition. In addition, federal Pell grants are examples of programs designed to help fund educational expenses for students.

The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) provides a number of government-funded grant and loan options for applicants from all income levels, and there are also scholarships specifically designed for first generation college students like yourself. Reinhardt University’s Office of Financial Aid is here to help.

Your son or daughter has a number of educational and financial aid options available to them, should they decide to apply to any college or university. Most admissions pages link to information about financial aid, programs of study, academic calendars — as well as options for nontraditional students such as transfer, and international applicants.

The National Center for Educational Statistics reports that 88 percent of college graduates were employed full-time in 2016, compared to only 69 percent of high school graduates. Furthermore, lifetime earning potential increases dramatically the further students go in school.

Reinhardt University provides guidance through the Office of Financial Aid to help guide families through the process of applying for scholarships, grants, and loans. Federal Pell grants are designed to help fund educational expenses for the families of first generation college students.

There is a lot to take in during your child’s first year attending college either on-campus or online, and parents of first generation college students may feel especially confused about where to start. However, you’re not alone. Be sure to listen to your student, keep an open mind, and seek out as much information as you can.

Seek out community support from neighbors and friends who can relate to what you’re going through. Find peers at parent-teacher nights and via extended family members who may be experiencing the same thing. There is strength in numbers!