Sit back, buckle up, and reach for your exit buddy -- college is a rollercoaster.
Nonetheless, here are the lucky 8 tips (taken from experience!) that are going to help make college smoother for you.Tip #1: This Isn't High School
It's important to recognize that college isn't high school; it comes with its pros and cons. In high school, there were so many people looking over you to ensure you weren't making mistakes. Teachers were willing to pull you aside and check in; counselors were making your schedules! Now being in college, I can say that was pretty nice, because here in college there is no referee ready to pause the game of life when they know you're about to mess up.This is a new playing field -- one where you have to be proactive.
This self-starter attitude enables you to come into your own as you learn how to handle your independence. However, understand that having the opportunity to be independent and actually being independent are two different things. Being on your own can be difficult sometimes, but there is no better chance to discover who you are.
Once you are comfortable being independent, you become much more confident in knowing what you do and don't like, what friends you want, what decisions to make, etc. It's when life becomes simple and complex at the same time that you finally have the opportunity to shape yourself -- so make yourself a work of art!
Tip #2: Get Your House in Order
An imperative piece of advice I can offer is to make sure the school has all the documents needed from you in order to ensure everything regarding tuition/scholarships or financial aid is confirmed. There's nothing scarier to an undergraduate than getting an email or phone call from GW saying things haven't been processed. Therefore, I highly recommend touching base with GW's Office of Student Financial Assistance three times during the school year:
- First, when you commit to GW, make sure all your documents are in and have been successfully processed.
- Second, when you've paid for a semester, always make sure that GW received your payments.
- Third, in the spring semester, make sure you file your FAFSA for the next academic year. Then, contact GW's financial aid office again, to make sure all your documents needed for the following year are received and complete on your end.
The best way to prevent any house fires is to make your house fireproof! So reach out and ensure your house is in order!
Tip #3: Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Extensions
During my time at GW, I've come to recognize first-generation students have a hard time asking for extensions. Even when drowning in work, students are hesitant to email a professor and ask for an extension. The reality is this is something students can do; it's simply a matter of understanding how to go about it. Asking for an extension does not mean you're being a "bad student" in any way.
As students, we have a lot to manage and asking for help or extensions is the best choice we can make sometimes. From my experience, not asking for an extension when I needed one hurt me more than not taking the initiative to try and email my professor to ask. The worst outcome is they say no (professors have rules and deadlines too, afterall), but at least you tried. Therefore, when needed, go ahead and make an effort to ask your professor for an extension.
Tip #4: Get Out There and Meet New People
It can be tough to meet new people at first but recognize that everyone is in the same boat and therefore usually willing to make new friends. There are people from all over the world who YOU have the potential to befriend. Join organizations, look into Greek life, start a new club, play a sport or instrument, volunteer! The possibilities of meeting people are endless.
Coming to college is your blank slate or fresh plate. It's an amazing chance to make friends you never before would have met. So take a leap of faith and start that conversation in the elevator, in class, or anywhere! Plus, imagine having friends from states like California, Nevada, Florida, or New Jersey or countries like Ethiopia, China, Argentina, etc. Can you say #CollegeRoadTrip?
Tip #5: Absorb What You Can
There seems to be this idea that every student should have an internship starting their freshman year, which in turn cultivates a competitive environment and puts students at risk of burning out as they try to balance school, work, activities, and a social life.
It's important to recognize that not having an internship during your first two years is okay - and normal. In fact, you should be using your freshman and sophomore years to build connections and figure out what you would like to do. GW's Center for Career Services offers many workshops that set you up for success, surveys that can help you learn your interests, and events where they bring in representatives from organizations/companies or externships! These are great opportunities to build connections and absorb as much as you can.
The "events" under GWU Handshake are hidden gems, so take advantage of it and further your career!
Tip #6: You're in Washington, D.C. -- Go Explore!
As undergraduates, we sometimes tend to forget we live in D.C. -- but don't! There are so many opportunities out there. Don't be afraid to venture out into new areas, taste some new food, or experience a new exhibition at the near-endless choices of free museumes! Head out to Chinatown for some delicious food or Tyson's Corner Center for some shopping and don't forget the Wharf or the Navy Yard!!
Tip #7: Don't Freeze
A great advisor once said, "The world is big and you are young," and this couldn't be more applicable to a student's life. College is a rollercoaster, you're going to learn a lot about yourself, have amazing experiences, and go through obstacles. Yet, there's still so much to come for you! So it's okay to get knocked down, what matters is getting back up. Perseverance is going to be a character trait you develop the most in college; you've made it this far, keep moving. Don't freeze.
Tip #8: Look Your Imposter Syndrome In The Eye and Tell It Off
At first, I didn't recognize what imposter syndrome was -- I just felt like I didn't belong. I either was hard on myself, simply because I felt like I had to prove I deserved to be here, or it was the opposite and I thought there was no point in working hard if I'm not going to be good enough. Don't have this mindset! GW chose you as much you chose them. Own it and forget it, because the only person you back is yourself. #RaiseHigh!
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Want more advice? Come join the First Generation to College organization. We have the inside scoop and the best CSE advisors on campus!
Meet Our Blogger
Sara Prifti
Class of 2020
Political Science
As a rising junior, I am pursuing my degree in political science and computer science. I currently serve as the vice president of First Generation to College. I am an Albanian-American, which has led me to aspire to learn new languages, and I intend to further my studies in Spanish, Italian, and French. I own two rabbits and two baby parakeets -- an uncommon pet pairing, but I adore them dearly.
UP CLOSE
Emma Elmore
Class of 2021
Business Administration
I am currently a freshman at The George Washington University. I am heavily involved in the first-generation community on campus. I am active in the following student organizations: Residence Hall Association, Pre-Law Student Association, and Japanese-American Student Alliance. I am also a mentor for seventh graders in Wards 6 & 7 through the Honey W. Nashman Center program called "Higher Achievement."
I have never been so wrong in my life. I was ready for all the fun parts of my senior year, but I wasn't prepared for the work that came along with applying to schools, especially as a first-generation college student. I am the first in my family to attend college, so I didn't really have a close relative to confide in and talk about the college application process. Thankfully, I was able to work with the college and career counselors in my community (huge shout out to them!). It was through my counselors that I learned about the Common Application, FAFSA, CSS Profile, etc. I wouldn't be at GW without their love and support.
I was wrong. Attending GW, I have come to discover that there so many people here that are first-generation college students like myself. We share common struggles and experiences, and it makes me feel like I am not alone in this journey. The university's 
Autumn Thompson
Class of 2021
Business Administration
I am a freshman at GW, currently majoring in International Business with a double minor in Political Science and Law & Society. I am a member of the GW Cheer team (Raise High!) via the GW Spirit program, a member of Black Student Union, and GW's Black Women's Forum. I am also serving as a student representative for GW's Bias Incident Reporting System program. I love social justice work and advocacy. After graduation, I plan to pursue a law degree.
Favorite #OnlyatGW moment: I love when GW plays the fight song on the bells at 12:15 p.m. every day -- maybe it's the cheerleader in me!