College is hard as it is. But, it is even harder for first-generation, low-income (FGLI) students. This term applies to students who are either first-gen, low-income or both. Navigating the college application process, including filling out the FAFSA, was just a snippet of what to expect out of college: a whole new world FGLI students have to learn about and adjust to, typically on their own. Luckily, there are ways to navigate college with the help of resources, both general and Boston-University-specific.
The resources range from financial to academic help, some of the most common areas that FGLI students struggle with. But, other resources focus more on benefitting well-being, which is equally important. Read on to find some of my best recommendations of resources that are helpful to FGLI students! #NotSponsored
- Dean of students’ (DOS) Office
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The DOS Office is a great resource for FGLI students to reach out to. They offer financial assistance for emergencies that include, but are not limited to, flight costs to go back home, food, and books for classes. Associate Dean of Students Steve Singer is extremely friendly and understanding (I’ve learned through personal experience), providing the kind of support that all FGLI should have in college. Do not feel afraid to ask for help, especially when you need it most. They also offer job opportunities in the office that are work-study friendly. Here are more resources that the DOS office offers.
- Newbury center and flip@bu
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The Newbury Center is a new place at BU for first-generation students. Every week, they host “Fuel Up Fridays” and “First-Gen Coaching Drop-In Hours” on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. You can grab a light breakfast and receive mental health support and college advice from a College Mental Health Program coach — and it’s free! Also, you can drop in anytime throughout the week from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Do not feel like you need to prepare something to go there. Feel free to say hi! It is a safe space and haven for you.
Another resource is FLIP, First-Generation and/or Partnership. FLIP is a club at BU that is “to build a community on campus for students who identify as FGLI, to create resources and work to maximize equal access to resources for those students who need them, and to advocate for and implement institutional change with the help of the institution.” Consider following them on Instagram (@flipbostonu) for more information and updates on being part of the club. Click on the Linktree in their bio for more resources, and join the GroupMe for more up-to-date events!
- Yawkey student services
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The Yawkey Center provides resources that range from academic support to career coaching. These resources are, hands down, the best BU resources to take advantage of. One of the most helpful academic support resources I found was the Educational Resources Center (ERC) tutoring services. When struggling in a class, the tutoring services are extremely helpful, since the tutors are students who already took the class you’re struggling in. They can also give a lot of insight on how to navigate the course through a student’s perspective rather than a professor’s. Click here for more information and services that Yawkey compiled together for students to look at.
- Student health services and headspace
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Last, but certainly not least, is Student Health Services (SHS). It can be tricky to navigate SHS’s website and resources, so here are some tips. The easiest way to get a clear connection to SHS is connecting through the Patient Connect portal and calling them. This way, you get the most direct response and the help you need. Log into Patient Connect and go to messages. Then, click “New Message” and choose the best option that you are looking for! After answering a few provided questions, the “recipient” is a SHS clinician. Choose any clinician available, and write your message! Usually, they will get back to you within business hours (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.) though it may take longer. This is when calling comes in handy! Another way to get in contact with SHS is using this part of the website, which is also very helpful.
In addition, a free well-being-focused resource provided by BU is Headspace. Definitely take advantage of this resource by following these steps.
As you can see, you are not alone! You belong here and deserve to be praised for being here. On that note, really affirm yourself for all that you have done and continue being you! All love.
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