First-Generation Resources For Starting College
Start College Right With First-Generation Resources
Students who are the first in their families to attend college may find adjusting hard. If you don't know where to start, it can make the change even harder. College Contours is here to help you learn about college clearly and straightforwardly. Contact us at (224)507-8291, and let's prepare for you for the next phase of your educational journey!
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7 Top First-Generation Resources That Can Help College Students
1. Educational Resources
College is hard for everyone. But there are lots of first-generation resources that can help. These include online lectures, workshops, podcasts, and web-based programs like Khan Academy. So if you're struggling in college, don't worry—there's plenty of help out there for you.
Wondering where to start? We recommend starting first and foremost not only with your professors but your Academic Advisor(s) and tutoring services offered at your school.
2. Scholarships & Grants
If you are in college and need help paying for it, there are a few things you can do. There are scholarships and grants out there. Most of the time, scholarships are given to people who have done well in school or performance-based, e.g., athletics, music, art. For scholarships, invidual colleges provide these based on a set criteria, or they can be provided by outside organizations, foundations, or societies. You do not have to pay back scholarships.
Grants, like scholarships, are funds given without the requirement to pay them back. These types of funds are often provided automatically by a specific college or university and is typically need-based, as seen from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Try sites like FAFSA.ed.gov, Bold.org, College Board, and Fastweb. People can use the tools on these websites to find scholarships, as well as instructions and guidance on financing their education..
3. Financial Aid & Money Management
There are ways to get help paying for college, though. Many programs at colleges can help, such as classes on finances. There are also other places where students can get help with their money, seen in student employment, or paid internships, as well as jobs on or off-campus Students should first and foremost visit their Career Services Office/Department or Campus Employment and Internships Office for guidance. If attending school on a student visa, absolutely first check with your Academic, International, or other such Advisor on campus to discuss potential opportunities.
Savings.com lists a bank that offers student discounts, tutorials, and grants. Apps like Mint make it easy for students to keep track of their budgets. This way, they will always stay within their allotted expenses. Nabbedoo offers up-to-date tips like using coupons to invest while still in school. These tools are easy to find online, so there is no reason to go to college unprepared or with too much debt.
4. Support Groups
Support groups are a good way for students to get help. These can help you feel better mentally and find a group of people to hang out with. Support groups do not have to meet in person. There are also options online, like Reddit. It is a discussion board where people can talk to each other, share stories, and give or get advice and comfort.
Some groups help students in a specific way. Student Minds has a list of mental health services in the UK geared toward students. The National Union of Students offers help to students with problems. These kinds of resources can give them comfort and stability as they move into this vital stage of life.
5. Student Loan Repayment And Forgiveness Programs
There are ways to make college less costly. One example is that there are programs to help with student loans. The Department of Education has a website where you can put in data about your loans and get a plan that works for you.
College debt relief groups exist. AmeriCorps offer projects that pay off student loans in return for their service. College Loan Corporation and other non-profits explain student loans. So, feel free to ask for help if you need it.
6. Library Resources
You can find just about anything you need in a library. Most libraries have hard copies of books, digital books, and journals. You can also ask for help from the librarians. Students can borrow books from other libraries for free at the library, which is a great thing to do. The system is called "interlibrary loan." Also, many academic libraries have data sets that detail a wide range of topics.
Remember that your librarian can help you research for school projects. They can help you find information and show you various ways. With all the help your librarian can give you, there is nothing you can not do.
7. Tax Credits For College Students
Students can lower the amount of taxes they have to pay by using tax credits. The American Opportunity Tax Credit helps with tuition, fees, and course materials. It can help you save up to $2,500 on your expenses. You can also apply for Lifetime Learning Credit and the Tuition and Fees Deduction.
With the Lifetime Learning Credit, the state will give you up to $2,000 back for things like tuition and fees. With Tuition and Fees Deduction, you can take up to $4,000 off your taxes for these same costs.
Tips On How To Make Starting College Easier
• Check Out All The Resources At Your School
When you go to college, you must pay money for tuition. There are ways to save money, though. Ask people at your school for tips on how to save money. Campus centers offer help to pay for tuition and other fees. Many schools have events where notebooks and paper are given away for free.
Keep in mind that there are things like databases and eBooks that you can find online. Ask around, because many schools offer subscriptions to their students. You should also see if there are any student discounts. If you look around, you never know how much money you can save.
• Take Advantage Of A Meal Plan
A meal plan is a good way to save money. You can eat on campus for a set price, and you can get discounts at some places. Meal plans usually have a lot of different types of food, so everyone can find something they like.
If you use these plans, it will cost less money to eat out. This can save you a lot of money during the school year. College does not have to be expensive if you take advantage of all the benefits available on campus!
• Keep Up With Local Events And Activities
Getting through college means tackling a lot of problems. But it is also a great chance to learn and grow as a person. Go to as many campus events as you can to get the most out of this time. Keeping up with what is happening in your area opens up new opportunities and experiences. This can help you in college and after you graduate.
It is essential to participate in local events because you might meet new people who can change your life. You might meet someone who knows about a job you are interested in or make a new friend. There are many different kinds of events. It includes alumni groups, group studies, and music festivals. It would be best if you went to as many events as possible.
• Check Your Community For Advice And Answers
College is hard, but there are a lot of people who want you to do well. Find out what they are like. They are experts in their fields and can help you with your schoolwork. They can give you advice about your plans for the future. Your classmates can also be a big help because they might already know how things work on campus. Also, they can suggest good places to study or classes to take, but don’t neglect talking with your Academic Advisor at least once per semester/quarter.
Your teachers might know people who can help you find work and give you tips. There are alumni and other experts among them. They can help you more than your friends because they have more experience. But your friends can still help you get better at school and in life.
• Don’t Forget About Financial Aid Deadlines
One of the most important tips for making it through this is meeting all financial aid deadlines. Financial aid can pay for tuition, books, and a place to live. It is essential to know all deadlines and submit all paperwork on time. This can either make or break your tertiary study experience.
Make lists, set alarms, and use a calendar or organizer to keep track of things. Where do you find out more regarding these deadlines? Be sure to go to your college’s Financial Aid webpage, or talk directy with a Financial Aid counselor at their respective office/department on campus. If you have difficulty keeping track of everything, ask your friends or family for help. Remember that help with money will only last for a while. So pay close attention and make sure to complete all the deadlines!
• Use Free Online Tools
It can cost a lot of money. But some free online tools can help you save money. You can find tools to help you budget, keep track of your spending, and pay bills. Some apps for your phone make it easy to send and receive money. You can also use budget trackers to track how much you have spent.
There are digital tools that can help you manage your money. Many are easy to use and free. So do not worry, it should be easy to find the right tool. Now, get together so you can focus on getting ahead in your studies.
• Take Time To Get Organized
Keeping your things in order can help you do well in college. Setting a daily schedule and keeping your living space clean will make it easier for you to study. Being organized takes time and work, but it will help you do well.
Start by cleaning your desk or workspace and putting things back where they belong. Then, fill the system with papers like assignments, notes, and study guides you use often. Lastly, list all the due dates you have coming up. This will help you stay on top of all your tasks. Taking these steps will help you be more productive.
• Be Open To New Experiences
Feel free to try something different! It is okay to be worried, but that is how you learn and meet new people. You will have a more fun experience if you try new things.
Remember that it is okay if something does not turn out as you thought. Sometimes, those experiences are the most valuable! Do not be afraid to try something new. You never know what amazing things could come from it.
College can be challenging, but many student resources can help. Some books and websites created for first-generation students can help. Use these tools as much as possible; they can make all the difference. And if you need more help, College Contours is here for you!
We have first generation resources to help make your dreams come true. Our team aims to help students reach their goals. We ensure that all students have the same chance of going to school. We use methods of research and the mapping of more than 2600 college courses to help you get the degree that suits your wants and needs. Contact us today at (224)507-8291 to make your first college year exciting and at ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does It Mean To Be A First-Generation College Student?
Being a first-generation student means that your parent(s) did not complete a four-year college or university degree, regardless of the level of education of other family members. Older siblings and family members who went to college may be a valuable resource as you embark on your college journey!
What Are The Qualities Of A First-Generation College Student?
These skills and characteristics, which include being hardworking, resilient, proactive, resourceful, and creative, lead first-generation students to success in school and in life.
Why Is It Critical To Assist First-Generation College Students?
They offer encouragement and guidance to other students who are adjusting to college life. First-generation students are agents of change on their campuses and in their communities. They have the power to alter the course of their lives, families, and communities.
What Are The Difficulties That First-Generation College Students Face?
First-Generation College Students Face Difficulties
1- College Preparedness
2- Financial Difficulties
3- Disparity based on race
4- Self-esteem Issues, College Adjustment, and Family Support
5- College Assimilation
6- Personal Qualities and Self-Efficacy
Why Is It Critical To Assist First-Generation College Students?
They offer encouragement and guidance to other students who are adjusting to college life. First-generation students are agents of change on their campuses and in their communities. They have the power to alter the course of their lives, families, and communities.
What Does It Mean To Be A First-Generation College Student?
Many parents did not attend college because they lacked the financial, physical, or other resources to do so. As a result, these parents' children attending college is seen as a step forward for the family as a whole.