Good things never come easy, but I’m so happy you’re here :).

Attending an Ivy League is no easy task, being an FGLI student at an Ivy League is a whole other experience. To me it was a culmination of culture shock, imposter syndrome and overwhelming responsibilities that have complicated my experience here. It can be difficult to balance that feeling of appreciation for how far you’ve come with the feeling of how much there is left to do. Nonetheless, I have learned a lot throughout my time here and want to share some tips. (Note: I’m in CC so I cannot speak much about my experience in other schools, sorry Barnard Baddies <3!)

Meeting People/Making Friends: I have met some of the most amazing people here, but meeting and bonding with other FGLI students is truly incredible. I recommend attending FGLI focused events to meet people who share a similar background to truly feel understood and to have people  to lean on when Columbia gets to you, because it is easy to feel lost/out of place in such a large community of such a diverse student body. My FGLI friends have not only reminded me that I belong but they make me feel more connected to my background and grateful to be here. It is also convenient when you’re making plans with your friends if they understand your economic situation (New York is expensive)! But I cannot emphasize enough how important the people you surround yourself with are for a great experience.

Academic Support:

• FLI Partnership Library: I cannot stress how helpful this is! Especially for core classes!! If you qualify you get access to checkout books from Columbia’s (and other schools in the partnership) wide collection for free! Textbooks can truly cause damage to the bank account, but thanks to this system I’ve saved so much money. So check your syllabus and place your order!
• Columbia Center for Career Education (at Columbia): Everything to do with internships, summer funding etc. Ivy leagues are inherently competitive, and that can be a scary environment to navigate alone. Do not hesitate  to ask for help! You have every right to take up space and utilize resources that are meant for you! From needing funding for unpaid summer internships or needing a suit for an important interview, CCE can help.
• Writing Center: Academic writing is rigorous, tiring and a useful skill. It is normal if you need help, it is expected of everyone including non-FGLI students. I began with asking for help with a UW essay but it slowly translated to all my classes. There were many types of essay I had never written before, and the writing center became such a useful tool to navigating academic papers. They offer six-week repeating appointments each semester to first-generation college students among many other groups. Sign up early! Availability is limited!
• Your Professors, Your Friends: I asked my professors for extensions, cheaper options. Trust me they understand! And if they don’t make sure to make it known in your evaluations. I also borrowed many items from friends, outfits for professional settings, art supplies for projects, calculators for tests etc. Believe it or not, people can be kind. 

Financial Support:

• The Dean’s Assistance Fund (at Columbia): If you’re eligible, you can get financial aid for start up costs and emergency expenses. My laptop broke during the fall semester. This was a great resource to be able to afford a new one! I was also able to  afford a coat with their aid. I also know of people who had family emergencies they had to fly back home for, this helped cover travel costs. We are all aware that everything costs money, so  it is a huge relief whenever you don’t have to worry about certain expenses. 
• Student Financial Services: If you have ANY questions, ANY concerns, make your appointments, send your emails, exhaust all resources possible. I literally have a friend who is now really good friends with her financial advisor because of how often she wen to her for help. Ultimately, being FGLI at an Ivy League comes with its challenges, but a perk is that more often than not Ivy League as needs-based schools do have the fundings to  alleviate economic burdens. There is no shame in taking advantage of that!

Extra Support: 

• FLI Network: This is a great student group that focuses on the FGLI community, and it is a great resource for any extra support you might need. When it comes to making friends as well, being involved in their events is a great way to meet people in the community. The following are a couple of the events I’ve found super helpful:
  • Annual Coat Drive: Very very useful! Very necessary for this unpredictable weather! In the midst of a (mid) Canada Goose epidemic, there’s nothing warmer than a good and inexpensive jacket.
  • FLI Student Townhall: Make  your voice heard! Ivy leagues were not built for us, therefore we have to fix the system to address our concerns.These are great opportunities to build a better community for ourselves and those to come.
  • QFlis-Giving: Flight tickets to travel home can get very expensive. I myself stayed  on campus over thanksgiving break because the expense didn’t seem worth it for just one week when winter break was right around the corner. This year QFlis-Giving really really helped with homesickness for the holidays, and it was another opportunity to meet great people. 

• Other Organizations:
  • Special Interest Communities (SICs) for FGLI Students: UpLift is a first-generation low-income special interest community with a living space you can live in after your freshman year. It is located on the 2nd floor of river hall and open to Columbia College and Engineering undergraduate students. It is a great opportunity to live with students of your same background, and it helps build/strengthen your sense of community!
  • The Food Pantry at Columbia: If you’re facing food insecurity, or you ever find yourself in need, the Food pantry is located on the 5th floor of Lerner. The Food Pantry serves all currently registered students across Columbia’s 21 schools, colleges, and affiliates. Simply register online and place your order. 

• Columbia First-Generation and Low-Income Alumni Network (CFLAN): Connect with alumni!
• FLIP, Columbia Quest Scholars Network (QSN): Community! Community! Community! It is open to everyone!
• First in Family Programs (at Columbia):  They provide social events, academic support, career days, and cultural enrichment (free tickets to events around the city).
• First-Generation Student Advisory Board (FAB) (at Columbia): Works with the Office of Multicultural Affairs to partner with other groups around campus and develop solutions to problems facing the FGLI community at Columbia.

Student via Bwog Archives