College tips

This was originally written in 2017: tips for people of color going who were the first in their family to go to university. Hopefully it can be helpful to others. My parents went to university but they never offered me any tips.

Everyone struggles with the transition even rich white people. Or more accurately, everyone THINKS they struggle. People struggle in varying degrees, and higher education is still going to be an overall racist institution because of the history of US racism. People are working to change and improve that though.

You belong. You have unique problem solving and conflict resolution skills because you’re a PoC. You go through things that white people don’t go through and that makes you knowledgeable and valuable.

Do not let insecure people who try to belittle you into thinking “you only got in because of affirmative action” make you doubt yourself.

Don’t sweat not meeting people you vibe with the first month. Most people by senior year are rooming with and friends with completely new people compared to freshmen year.

Join as many clubs as you can, ideally with people you wouldn’t normally hang out with. You can’t be active in every club but you’ll figure out what you like better eventually and narrow it down.

Get into disagreements with people you don’t see eye to eye with on issues.

It’s practice for real world.