5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Starting College as a First-Generation Student

February 16, 2026|Justin Tran|

Starting college as a first generation student is an honor but it comes with its challenges. Being the first in your family to attend college means your giving possibilities and dreams of not just for yourself but for everybody that comes after you as well. This also means you’re stepping into uncharted territory without a guide.

Many students who are not first gen are blessed with a support system of family and relatives who already have experienced college. They group up with knowledge of college and the tips and tricks to help them get past the challenges they might find whether it be office hours, internships, gpa requirements, and talking to professors. As a first gen student I didn’t have that. I had to figure most of these things by myself.

Looking back here are the five things I knew before starting college

  • Ask Questions in class

In high school asking questions can feel embarrassing and you can still get by without asking but when you reach college asking questions is essential to your learning. At first I was afraid of looking dumb in the class because I assumed that everyone in the class was smart and they knew everything. But the truth is if you’re confused someone else probably is too. By asking questions you can help not just yourself but other people in the class that are just as confused as you. They may look strong but they just have a better mask than you. Professors expect questions and they are not as scary as you think. In college you can’t pretend you know everything, the whole point is learning.

When you ask questions 

  • Build confidence
  • Understand material better
  • More engaged

I learned closed mouths don’t get fed so staying silent only made things harder going down the road. “The man who asks a question is a fool for a minute; the man who does not ask is a fool for life.” This is a quote that I love to hear when I’m scared to ask questions!

  • Go to Office Hours

This is something that seems miniscule but it is extremely important. Who knows better about the course than the professor who does your homework and tests. Office hours are time that is set aside for the students. Professors are waiting in their room for you to come talk to them. Yet first gen students never understood how important these times are.

Office hours can help you:

  • Clarify confusing topics
  • Prepare for your exams
  • Get to know your professors
  • Be on track with the class

I used to think that the office hours were only for students who were struggling the most but that was not the case. Office hours are for anyone who wants to improve their concepts. If I could turn back time I would go to office hours every week.

  • Take advantage of what your college offers

Colleges offer many resources, it can be tutoring centers, writing labs, academic workshops, mental health, and career counseling. Seems sweet right? Well no one forces you to use them. Just like a quote I love you can lead a horse to water but you can’t force them to drink it. Someone can show you these amazing services but it won’t matter if you don’t use it to your advantage. My college offered tutoring and I never went, not because I didn’t need help, but because I didn’t know how it worked and I was too afraid to find out how. But now I know it is normal to use these services. As a first gen student you might not know what resources exist or how to use them but it’s okay because once you find them and use them to your advantage you will never go back.

  • Talk to your advisors

Academic advisors are here to help and guide you but they wont chase you to ask questions. In college you’re alone fending for yourself. No one reminds you constantly about deadlines, requirements, or class registration. If you miss anything that’s on you because you’re now an adult and you have to remind yourself of having other people to do it for you. 

Talking to advisors if you have questions about:

  • Changing majors
  • Dropping classes
  • Planning your schedule
  • Requirements
  • Career paths

Talk to your advisor!

As a first gen student it’s easy to believe you should already know everything but in reality asking questions will help you down the road.

  • Stay organized

This is probably one of the most important pieces of advice I would like to give. When in college you are living in a new environment, you’re away from home without anyone checking up on you to do homework or study. This can feel amazing but you will soon realize why your parents were checking up on you. Without anyone there to remind you, you can start to procrastinate.

Without organization you can:

  • Skip readings
  • Miss due dates
  • Study last minute
  • Fall behind

Staying organized isn’t just about having a planner, it’s about discipline and habits.

Create a schedule, write down deadlines, plan your study times, hold yourself to your highest standard. Because in college no one is there to hold your hand. And that independence will either make you float or sink.

 

Being a first generation college student is not a disadvantage, it’s like a game you’re just starting at a different starting point and in the end you will finish the game just like the people who started ahead of you. If your a first generation remember struggle is normal and it’s about how we stay strong and push through the challenges that makes us more stronger and resilient.