First Generation Students 

Being a First-Generation student means that you are the first person in your immediate family to attend college. This can make college stressful and confusing. This page will give you some advice from other 1st generation students to help you be successful at NMT. 

What Other First Generation Students Say

Being the first person in your family to go to college can be very challenging. You have limited help from your family and have to rely on others to help you prepare. 

• Talking to teachers and faculty at your high school is one of the best things you can do in preparing for college. Teachers are there to help you and they can be great resources since they had their own college experience. 

One of the hardest things to face when you are the first person in your immediate family to go to college is the expectation that your family will have for you. As the first person to go to college, it is expected that your family will have high expectations for you. 

• Take the time to talk to your parents or guardians about what you want to gain from college and what they want you to gain from your college experience. This conversation can save you a lot of stress and time in the future. 

Finances will always be an obstacle no matter if your parents attend college themselves or you are the first in your family. 

• Take the time to apply for scholarships and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early every year to ensure you receive some sort of help. 
• Meet with the NMT financial aid office. There are a lot of opportunities to reduce cost between the NM Lottery and Opportunity Scholarships and out of state scholarship programs.  
• Also, don’t be afraid to take out student loans. Student loans sound scary but they are there to help you if you need them, and the financial aid office can help you make a decision (Financial_Aid@nmt.edu). 

Some of the best advice that can be given to a student is...find a group of friends while in college!

College is hard and it’s harder when you are alone. Having peers around you can help  you to feel more confident and want to better yourself.

Also remember, you are at college to learn and grow, try new things and broaden your horizons. 

Obstacles you might face

• Knowing very little about college
• Family expectations 
• Financial challenges
• Difficulties settling into college or making friends
• Lacking family or friend support
• Feeling alone, especially if you have to move away

Advice

• Try to find at least one buddy in every class
• Join clubs, both academic and for fun
• Ask questions, this includes in class and office hours
• Make classes your first priority
• Do not procrastinate, things will get very overwhelming
• Take notes
• Attend every class
• Study more than you think you need to
• Don’t forget to have fun and take breaks

Remember, if you're struggling with a particular class, come to the OSL! Our amazing tutors are here to help you get through the material and the semester.

Courtesy of NMT Mechanical Engineering Department TAs.