Your First-Generation College Student: A Parent’s Guide

Opening Note for Parents

Becoming a college parent is a big transition, especially when your student is the first in your family to attend college. It’s an exciting, sometimes emotional time, full of pride, hope, and maybe a few uncertainties.

At Fisher College, where 32% of our students are first-generation, we celebrate these families and understand the important role parents play in their students’ success.

“You may not have gone to college, but your support can help your child thrive in college.”

Recognize the Uniqueness of This Moment

• “I’m proud of you for choosing this path.”
• “Tell me what you’re excited (or nervous) about.”
• “Your experience matters — I’m here to listen.”

Keep the Conversation Going

Talking about college may feel unfamiliar at first. You don’t need to know all the answers. What matters most is being present.

Try discussing:

• Goals and expectations: What does your student hope to achieve?
• Campus resources: Encourage them to connect with academic advisors, career services, or tutoring. Fisher’s small community means support is always close by.
• Finances: Even simple conversations about budgeting and planning can build confidence.

Parent Tip: Listen more than you talk. Validate what they share with simple affirmations like, “That makes sense,” or “I understand why you’d feel that way.”

Encourage Independence and Be Ready to Pivot

• Encourage them to reach out for help when needed.
• Celebrate small wins, such as finishing an essay, joining a club, completing a tough week.
• Remind them that mistakes and setbacks are normal, not failures.

Bridge What’s Familiar with What’s New

Your family’s values: hard work, determination, and respect are incredible assets your student carries into this new environment. Encourage them to stay true to those values while learning new ones.

Conversation starters:

• “What’s been the biggest surprise about college so far?”
• “What’s something you’ve learned about yourself?”
• “How are you finding balance between studying and social life?”

“Your family values are not left behind — they become the foundation for your student’s success.”

Stay Informed and Advocate When Needed

Fisher offers a wealth of resources for first-generation students and their families. Familiarizing yourself with these can help you guide your student from a place of knowledge.

Helpful resources:

• Financial Aid Policies & Forms
• Academic Resources & Advising
• FERPA Student Privacy Information

Parent Actions:

• Bookmark Fisher’s website.
• Encourage your student to connect with advisors early.
• Remind them: it’s okay to ask questions because that’s how growth happens.

Celebrate Every Step

First-generation milestones deserve to be recognized! Every paper, every exam, every semester completed adds to your family’s legacy.

Ideas to celebrate:

• Send a care package or handwritten note.
• Plan a family dinner after midterms or finals.
• Reflect together on what they’ve accomplished so far.

Pull Quote:
“Every success, big or small, is a victory for your entire family.”

Closing Thought

You may not have attended college yourself, but you are absolutely essential to your student’s success in college. Your belief in them, your encouragement, and your willingness to listen make all the difference.

At Fisher College, we’re proud to partner with you to guide, support, and celebrate every first-generation journey, every step of the way.

“Together, we make the first generation the next generation of leaders.”