Resources for First-Generation College Students

A first-generation college student is any student whose parent(s) or guardian have not completed a four-year degree. This can be a challenging position since they may not have a clear idea of what to expect from a university setting.

We support students throughout their personal and professional endeavors with the goal of promoting well-being in all aspects of their lives.

First-generation college students may experience difficulties such as:

Managing Stress
Anxiety
Feeling pressure to be successful
Academic demands
Feeling like an imposter
Periods of sadness
Substance use
Lack of belonging
Financial concerns and worries
Difficulty managing school and family responsibilities
Worry about lack of support at home
Feeling overwhelmed by all of the college details
Relationship problems
Social problems
Coping with harassment or discrimination
Identity development (including sexual identity)

First-Generation College Student Services at Carruth:

We offer a variety of services to help navigate the above areas of concern. We encourage students to make an initial appointment with a counselor to discuss areas they may be struggling with and what we can do to help. Our Group Counseling offers a great way to connect with other students who have experienced similar concerns.

Tips to help you transition to college:

Meet people.

College can be more challenging without social connections. Attending events, joining a student organization, and talking to others in your residence hall are good ways to build social support.

Don't try to do it all on your own.

No one expects you to figure everything out on your own. The transition to college can be challenging; it is important to talk about your experiences with fellow students, professors, or other university staff. The resources below help connect students with the appropriate help.

Manage your time effectively.

College requires a delicate balance of academics, socialization, family responsibilities, and sometimes work. Time management is important and it is worth noting that college requires more of an academic focus than high school. If you miss class and assignments, not every professor is going to keep you informed of this or allow you to make it up. Be sure to review your class syllabus from time to time to ensure you are on track with your work.

Utilize Campus Resources

Take advantage of the support services WVU has to offer. These services exist for a reason and can help you navigate the college terrain and feel understood and connected.