First Day of School: First Gen Undergrad Edition

For most schools on the semester system college started either this past week or this upcoming week. As a first generation student you’re excited to embark on the path that your parents may not have embarked on before. Maybe you have older siblings who helped pave the way or, maybe you’re the oldest (or only) looking to pave the path for younger siblings/cousins. Whatever the case may be you’re here – on campus, in your dorm, ready to take on the world in all your adulthood.

via GIPHY

However, just as momma says (well at least my momma did) “being 18 doesn’t make you grown it just makes you legal”. We can debate about the first part of that statement but the last part is real. You’re now responsible for more than just getting good grades in school. Doctors appointments, finances, waking up in time for class…it’s all on you boo. Maybe this feels overwhelming or maybe you’re a natural pro and got things in the bag. But just in case you didn’t know (or happened to forget) here’s a few tips to remember as you begin your college journey.

1. Set up a bank account (in your name) and make sure to get a STUDENT ACCOUNT. This account allows you to operate with no maintenance fee so long as you meet certain criteria like deposit a certain amount within a month or use your debit card (check your bank for actual terms). DO NOT get caught up with a regular degular bank account and get charged maintenance fees. Most banks within proximities of universities may offer promotions when you open an account with them. Feel free to add trusted family members as secondary account holders in case they decide to deposit money in your account. But if you’re weary about them inquiring about your spending habits you may want to ask for the money in cash and deposit yourself.
2. Be cautious with credit cards. Since we’re on the topic of money, please don’t sign up for any and every credit card offer that comes your way. Be smart and google best credit cards for students. Credit card companies know that you don’t have any credit and that you’ll be in the market for creating it (which you are). But they will try to exploit that fact, give you a nice credit limit with a ridiculous APR% that you may not pay attention to because who reads terms and conditions? In this case you should. Don’t spend more than what you can pay for in cash. And if you feel tempted, feel free to call the credit company and have them reduce your limit.
3. Make nice with the registrar and financial aid office. I don’t care if you go to a HBCU or a PWI, you’re bound to run into difficulty with these offices whether it’s processing scholarships/grants/loans or paperwork to get you in/out of classes. It can be frustrating but you’ll have to deal w/ these offices for the next 4-5 years. Peep the people who are most helpful, the best time to visit those offices (usually first thing in the morning Tues-Thurs), and try to give them ample time to best serve you. Make sure you don’t walk away without asking “when should I expect a response regarding this”. It helps you help keep them accountable. Receipts are always valuable.
4. Meet your academic advisor ASAP. Is this person truly helpful or are they low-key forcing you to take fluff classes that may help your GPA but does nothing towards degree progress? Are they teaching you how to be self sufficient in understanding your degree program or are they just telling you what you should or shouldn’t take? Your advisor doesn’t have to be your best friend but they should have your best interest. I once had an advisor who didn’t know that my taking psychology was to fulfill a general education (gen ed) requirement. I switched him quick and if you find yourself in that situation I advise you to as well. If you find yourself unable to switch advisors, find mentors in upperclassmen or faculty that you seem to vibe with. You don’t want to spend extra time and money in school because someone steered you in the wrong direction and wouldn’t let you take ahold of the wheel.
5. Get involved but not too involved. If this is your first rodeo with no assistance from others, you may want to take a back seat to involvement this year. You may have been an awesome multitasker in high school but college is a different arena. It’s ok to just be a general body member. Learn as much as possible about the organizations you find interesting. Network with people in your major as well as in other disciplines. Take this time to find what you like and who you like. Some of your lifelong friends will be made during this season of your life.
6. Begin identifying study buddies. Again this is not high school. You may have been a beast in Chemistry just to find out that your teacher was actually terrible and you don’t know squat. You’re awesome for starting out in Calc 1 but you find that others are starting in Calc 2 or higher. Try to identify those who are willing to help you succeed in difficult courses. Make an effort to study in places outside the library like the cafe, student commons, in the park. You may only be “friends” during your time in your shared class or you may develop a friendship with someone who’s not only smart but can vibe with you and complement your success.
7. Don’t blow your refund check. If you get one of these that means there was more money towards your tuition, room and board than what it actually cost. If you’re on student loans remember that this is still borrowed money. Remember that bank account you were supposed to open? Put it there after buying college essentials. Yes you need to live so personal items, textbooks, maybe you need a new laptop – all of that is acceptable expenses. Which means don’t blow your money on unnecessary things. And don’t be too bougie to buy used textbooks. AMAZON IS YOUR FRIEND.

If you decide to not read the supporting sentences I hope that at least the words in bold will stick with you. That’s all for now but there’s more to come on this journey!