Before getting into the tips related to balancing mental health and college responsibilities, we must define what it means to be a first-generation college student (FGCS). Typically, institutions define first-generation as a student whose parent(s) or guardian(s) didn’t complete a four year college or university degree. Although some colleges may have different qualifications, roughly fifty percent of students identify as first-gen but are unaware until they reach college. Many first-gen students face unique challenges navigating the college experience related to financial, academic and social aspects. However, being first-generation is more common than perceived with fifty-six percent of all postsecondary students in the U.S. having parents who do not hold bachelor’s degrees. 

As a first-generation student myself, I went through the stress and anxiety that goes along with navigating college without the proper guidance. After being a college student for three years, I can tell you, you’re not alone and I am here to be your personal guide. Journeys of a first-gen student involve radiating strength and perseverance while balancing academic success, financial responsibility, and navigating unfamiliar social environments. The pressure can take a toll on your mental health, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or uncertain. You don’t have to face this journey alone, as there are resources and support systems to help you strive. 

In the following sections, I’ll share tips, experiences, and resources for maintaining your mental health while navigating the demands of college life. 

Financial Challenges: Budgeting, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

Deciding to pursue higher education is a significant step, but for many first-generation students, the question arises, “How am I going to pay for this?” Without having someone to guide you, the process of understanding the financial system is daunting. While being first-generation doesn’t necessarily equate to low-income, statistics from the Center for First-Generation Student Success indicate the median parental income is $41,000 for first-generation students compared to $90,000 for continuing-generation students. Due to this the center says, first-generation students often work during college yet tend to graduate with more student debt than their continuing-generation peers. The lack of financial literacy produces mental health implications in students that may take form in the stress of managing finances or the fear of accumulating debt. Both financial anxiety and first-generation student status have been linked to negative academic outcomes, mental health issues, and poor social adjustment among college students. Additionally, navigating scholarships, grants, and loans available can further enhance the stress experienced by first-generation students. Without guidance from someone who has gone through the process before, first-generation students may miss out on financial aid opportunities or make uninformed decisions regarding their finances.

My advice for financial struggles is to familiarize yourself with the various departments your college offers. Financial aid offices and student advisors are a great place to start. They’re professionals who are experts in navigating financial aid and many times can direct you to different scholarship opportunities. Many times these departments will host workshops and implement programs to help students learn about managing their finances. Using these resources is a great way to begin expanding your financial knowledge, while connecting with experts on financial literacy. Additionally, I would recommend attending office hours for a professor who teaches classes in personal finance, or a related subject. While first-generation students don’t always have the flexibility in their schedules to enroll in a financial literacy class outside their major, connecting with a professor who has the expertise can be equally as beneficial. I’ve personally taken this approach and received valuable tips on budgeting, understanding different student loans, and even various credit cards. Finally, initiatives need to be taken to break down the stigma, or shame, surrounding seeking financial assistance or admitting financial struggles. Stigmas prevent students from asking for help, and by encouraging conversations about financial challenges we can work as a society to create a more supportive and inclusive campus environment for all students. 

Academic Challenges: Lack of Preparedness and Imposter Syndrome 

After the hard journey first-generation students go through to enroll in college, imposter syndrome can be a major obstacle for feeling a sense of belonging as a student. Imposter syndrome is described by Meg Embry as the “awful, quiet fear that you're actually a fraud: that your success is an accident, that everyone else knows more than you do, and that you don't deserve to be where you are.” Julie Carballo, the founding director of Cardinal First, defines imposter syndrome as “the perception that everybody else knows all of this.” Imposter syndrome can be manifested in many ways, from second guessing your abilities, to a lack of confidence, or even overachieving. Imposter syndrome can feel like a greater deal in first-gen students because of the pressure to not only succeed for themselves, but also for their families. These families often have high hopes because they didn’t share the same experience. However, these expectations are often coupled with immense pressure and the feeling of being an outsider on campus. 

Addressing imposter syndrome comes from not only self-reflection but also institutional support. Campuses implement programs dedicated only to first-generation students that provide mentorship, resources, and a sense of community. It is important to remind yourself that you worked hard to attend a college or university, and that you deserve to be there as much as everyone else. Having these feelings is natural and most students, not just first-generation, share a similar experience. Engaging in or initiating conversations around this topic is a great way to start. During an interview, Carballo, She recommended first-gen students “find a trusted staff or faculty member to share what you are struggling with, and ask them for guidance.” You may find that a particular professor shares your first-generation background, and connecting with them and learning about their story may help you manage those challenging emotions. It is important to remember that successful students ask for help, and are encouraged to do so. 

Navigating Social and Cultural Differences: Embracing Yourself on College Campuses

Not only are first-generation students navigating a new environment academically, but culturally as well. FGCS have a family background with minimal or no exposure to higher education, so many students feel they’re balancing two different worlds once in college. PhD student Jessica Yorks says that because first-gen students’ “families don’t understand the higher education system, these students feel like they don’t fully belong at home; however, the opposite is true in that the higher education system doesn’t fit with their personal experiences at home.” Balancing the cultural gaps can be overwhelming and oftentimes leads first-gen students to feel isolated, which can overall affect their mental health and well-being.

It’s important to remember that no two paths are the same for anyone’s college journey. After going through the obstacles to get to where you are, you need to celebrate yourself and be proud. Embrace yourself and your background, because you may just be an inspiration for someone else. Amber Turner, a North Central College first-generation student, highlighted how being first-gen has positively affected her by explaining the impact she made on her hometown. Previously, she wrestled on an all boys team, and after sharing her journey, she inspired young female wrestlers to pursue their dreams and go to college. “It has made a lot of my hometown proud, not just my family,” said Turner, pleased to have influenced other members of her community. Fostering a more inclusive and understanding campus culture can start with you. First-generation students can speak on their journey, and create a community where others can share theirs. Having a welcoming campus environment can help alleviate feelings of isolation and create a sense of belonging for FGCS. It’s important to allow first-generation students to navigate higher education while remaining grounded in their cultural identity.

Mental Health and Well-being: Prioritizing Yourself and Self-Care Tips

First-generation students often prioritize academic success above themselves, resulting in burnout and poor mental health. The National Library of Medicine highlights that “while many students quickly adapt and excel during their first year navigating various challenges on campus, other first years experience increased stress, isolation, loneliness, anxiety and depression.” Matthew Marjan, a counselor at the Dyson Wellness Center at North Central College, says that “anxiety is the main issue that students are coming in with… there are so many responsibilities in college.” First-generation students in particular have high academic expectations, while balancing clubs, athletics, jobs, etc. Constantly being busy can leave students with minimal time to take proper care of their mental health.