A Day In The Life of A First-Gen Student At CSU
Between classes, friendships, and rest: How Do You Balance Your College Life as a First-Gen?
Start
You've just graduated highschool and have been accepted to Colorado State University! Congrats!
Now you need to prepare for your first year on campus. How will you navigate on your own?
It's the first day of classes and campus is bustling with striding students. You're overwhelmed with feelings of imposter syndrome. "Why does everyone seem else like they have it all figured out?"
Next
You make it to class and you're nervous about what to expect. How do college classes even operate compared to high school?
"What's a syllabus?" "Am I expected to go to office hours?" "Should the professor know who I am?" "Do I use a notebook or do I need a laptop?"
Next
Classes are over and the day has been stressful, and you don't know anyone yet.
"Do I even belong here?" "Why does everyone seem to have already found a friend group?" "Will I find any friends?" "Why hasn't anyone spoken to me yet?"
Next
You've figured out the basics but since you're a first-generation student, who do you go to for help?
"My scholarships are delayed" "Where can I pick up my ramcard?" "I haven't announced my major, how can I do that?"
Next
Being First-Gen is overwhelming and it comes with a lot of learning curves, but you are NOT alone!
"There are 8.2 million first-generation undergraduate students; 54% of all undergrads in the U.S." - FirstGen Statistics
Next
40%
Mental Health for First-Gen Students in College
experienced symptoms of depression
33%
Mental Health can play a large factor in the barriers to success for first-gens. Finding a community on campus through mentors or other students can help break those with balancing mental health and education
Reported symptoms of anxiety
- Society For Psychotherapy
Next
Tooltip
Congrats, you've made it through!
The first days, months, and years of college will always be a new experience for first-gen students. In fact, first-gen students will also become first-gen professionals. That is not to say that first-gens will always be at a disadvantage or struggle through these new experiences. They often strive thanks to the support of mentors and other first-gens that came before! Still, the weight of being the first can be heavy. This glimpse into the lives of CSU’s first-generation students is just a beginning, but I hope this activity has helped broaden your understanding of what a day in the life of a first-generation student may look like!
Learningby force
You manage to pass, but you end up exhausted and stressed. You learn that studying without rest is not sustainable in the long run. You need to change your time management in the next semester.
A Day In The Life of A First-Gen Student At CSU
Hebah Tiggar
Created on April 22, 2026
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Transcript
A Day In The Life of A First-Gen Student At CSU
Between classes, friendships, and rest: How Do You Balance Your College Life as a First-Gen?
Start
You've just graduated highschool and have been accepted to Colorado State University! Congrats!
Now you need to prepare for your first year on campus. How will you navigate on your own?
It's the first day of classes and campus is bustling with striding students. You're overwhelmed with feelings of imposter syndrome. "Why does everyone seem else like they have it all figured out?"
Next
You make it to class and you're nervous about what to expect. How do college classes even operate compared to high school?
"What's a syllabus?" "Am I expected to go to office hours?" "Should the professor know who I am?" "Do I use a notebook or do I need a laptop?"
Next
Classes are over and the day has been stressful, and you don't know anyone yet.
"Do I even belong here?" "Why does everyone seem to have already found a friend group?" "Will I find any friends?" "Why hasn't anyone spoken to me yet?"
Next
You've figured out the basics but since you're a first-generation student, who do you go to for help?
"My scholarships are delayed" "Where can I pick up my ramcard?" "I haven't announced my major, how can I do that?"
Next
Being First-Gen is overwhelming and it comes with a lot of learning curves, but you are NOT alone!
"There are 8.2 million first-generation undergraduate students; 54% of all undergrads in the U.S." - FirstGen Statistics
Next
40%
Mental Health for First-Gen Students in College
experienced symptoms of depression
33%
Mental Health can play a large factor in the barriers to success for first-gens. Finding a community on campus through mentors or other students can help break those with balancing mental health and education
Reported symptoms of anxiety
- Society For Psychotherapy
Next
Tooltip
Congrats, you've made it through!
The first days, months, and years of college will always be a new experience for first-gen students. In fact, first-gen students will also become first-gen professionals. That is not to say that first-gens will always be at a disadvantage or struggle through these new experiences. They often strive thanks to the support of mentors and other first-gens that came before! Still, the weight of being the first can be heavy. This glimpse into the lives of CSU’s first-generation students is just a beginning, but I hope this activity has helped broaden your understanding of what a day in the life of a first-generation student may look like!
Learningby force
You manage to pass, but you end up exhausted and stressed. You learn that studying without rest is not sustainable in the long run. You need to change your time management in the next semester.