First Gen Students: 5 Things to Do Before Starting College

Being the first in your family to go to college is something to be incredibly proud of. It’s a huge milestone. Not just for you, but for your entire family.

But if I’m being honest, it can also feel overwhelming… and even a little lonely.

I remember exactly how it felt when I got my acceptance letter. I was on top of the world. It felt like everything was possible. Like my life was just beginning.

And then, slowly, reality started to set in.

I had to move over 1,800 miles away from home. I didn’t know anyone. I didn’t fully understand what I was stepping into. And as a first-gen student, I didn’t have anyone in my immediate circle who could guide me through it.

That transition, from celebration to uncertainty, is something every college student experiences. But as first gen students, it can feel like we’re balancing two completely different worlds.

We’re leaving behind the community that raised us… and stepping into one that feels unfamiliar not just to us, but to everyone we know.

If that’s where you are right now, I want you to know: you’re not alone. There are thousands of students who have been in your shoes, and you’re going to get through this too.

Looking back, there are a few things I wish I had done before starting college. So if you’re heading into this next chapter, here are five things you can do this summer to make the transition a little smoother.

1. Ask Every Question You Have

You probably have a million questions running through your mind right now.

And if you’re anything like me, you might feel pressure to already know the answers.

As first gen students, we sometimes feel like we have to prove that we belong—that asking “too many” or “too basic” questions will make us stand out in the wrong way.

But here’s the truth:
There is no such thing as a dumb question.

If you’re wondering about something, chances are someone else is too.

Start with official university resources: financial aid offices, academic advisors, admissions teams. That’s what they’re there for. Use them.

But don’t stop there.

Some of the most valuable insights come from current students. Advisors can tell you what classes you need to take—but students will tell you what those classes are actually like. They’ll tell you about workload, professors, and the things no brochure mentions.

And if you’re thinking, “I don’t know anyone at my school”—that’s okay. You can start changing that right now.

2. Find Your People Early

One of my biggest fears before starting college was that I wouldn’t find my community.

I knew my family wouldn’t fully understand what I was going through, and I wanted people around me who did.

So instead of waiting until I got to campus, I started early.

I joined online groups: first gen student communities, low-income student groups, even clubs related to my interests. I introduced myself, even when it felt awkward.

And yes, it can feel a little cringey to post something like:
“Hi, I’m Stephanie, I’m an incoming freshman and I’m excited to be here.”

But I promise you, there are good people out there who want to connect. And those are exactly the people you want in your corner.

Some of the people I met before even arriving on campus made a lasting impact on my college experience.

I still remember moving into my dorm, not having something as simple as a fan in the heat, and people from one of those groups showed up for me without me even asking.

That’s the power of community.

When people understand your background, you don’t always have to explain everything, they just get it.

And having that support system from day one makes all the difference.

3. Talk to Your Family About the Transition

While you’re building a new community, your family is still a big part of your support system.

But the transition to college can be just as confusing for them as it is for you.

This is the time to start having those conversations.

Some of them will be simple—travel plans, what you need for your dorm, how often you’ll call home.

Others might be harder.

Your parents or family members might not fully understand why you want to go away for school—or what a college education really means for your future.

There may also be expectations or responsibilities at home that need to be addressed before you leave.

I’ll be honest: my dad wasn’t on board with me moving so far away at first.

It took time, patience, and a lot of honest conversations to help him understand my perspective.

These conversations aren’t easy. But they matter.

Having them now can help you leave for college with a sense of clarity and peace of mind.

4. Start Building Life Skills

If there’s one thing I wish I had focused on more before college, it’s this.

In high school, your life is structured for you. Your schedule, your meals, your activities—it’s all planned.

In college, that structure disappears.

And suddenly, you’re responsible for everything.

That adjustment can be harder than you expect.

So use this time to start building a few key life skills:

Budgeting:
This might be the first time you’re managing real money, financial aid, a job, or both. Learning how to budget can make the difference between feeling stable… or struggling by the end of the semester.

Healthy habits:
In high school, a lot of your routines are built in. In college, you have to create them yourself. Start practicing now—whether it’s cooking simple meals, staying active, or getting enough sleep.

Time management:
This is probably the most important one.

In college, no one is going to tell you how to spend your time. You can spend all day doing nothing, but the consequences will catch up eventually.

Start experimenting with different systems now so you can find what works for you before things get busy.

5. Protect Your Mental Health

College can be an amazing experience, but it can also be emotionally challenging.

For me, it was both.

There were incredible highs, but also some of the lowest moments I had experienced at that point in my life.

There may be times when you doubt yourself. When you miss home. When things feel heavier than you expected.

I experienced depression for the first time in college, and I didn’t know how to deal with it.

No one in my family had ever talked about mental health or seeking help. And when I was in it, I didn’t even have the energy to figure out what resources were available.

That’s why I’m sharing this with you now:

Learn about your resources before you need them.

Most colleges offer free counseling services or mental health support. Knowing how to access them ahead of time can make it so much easier to reach out if you ever need help.

Taking care of your mental health isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Final Thoughts

Right now, you have something really valuable: time.

Time to prepare. Time to reflect. Time to set yourself up for success.

Once college starts, everything moves fast. And I want you to be able to focus on the exciting parts: making friends, exploring new opportunities, discovering who you are.

So take advantage of this moment.

Invest in yourself now.

And remember—you’re not alone on this journey.

You’re part of a much bigger community of first gen students who are figuring it out, just like you.

And you’re going to be more than okay.