Counseling Center Services for First Generation Students

first generation college student word cloud

College provides a pathway for students to expand their social and cultural experiences, and to build a more promising career and future. While college life provides a plethora of richness and diversity, it can be particularly arduous for first generation college students (FGCS). FGCS are students who have little or no family collegiate history, and as a result, may enter college with little knowledge about certain transitions or the used jargon. Many FGCS come from different ethnic and racial backgrounds and may not commonly receive a lot of familial support while attending college. FGCS face particular struggles that other non-FGCS may not face, regardless of their intellect or perseverance, including:

  • Lack of college readiness
  • Financial challenges
  • Lack of familial support
  • Low a academic self-esteem and self doubt
  • Racial/ethnic underrepresentation

Although FGCS face many obstacles during their college career, they also demonstrate great resiliency and perseverance, including:

  • Educational commitment
  • Academic engagement
  • Campus engagement
  • Flexibility and adaptability

How Counseling Can Help

A counselor helps students to discuss their concerns in a safe and friendly environment, while working with students to find the best way to help. At the PCC, FGCS find benefit in:

  • The unconditional support
  • Increased strategies to improve resilience
  • Referral for other on-campus resources
  • Help with the acclimation to college

We Can Help With:

  • Relationship conflicts
  • Academics
  • Sleep difficulties
  • Substance use
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • LGBTQ+ related issues
  • Trauma and assault
  • Identity development related issues
  • Balancing the life of a student athlete
  • Eating/Body image related issues
  • Family and personal crisis
  • OCD and Panic disorders

Additional Campus Resources

Click here to download a PDF brochure of this information