What Immigrant Students Should Know About Going to College
Key Information for Immigrant and International Students Entering College in the U.S.
You may be pursuing an education on a visa as an international student, building a life for yourself as a first-generation student from an immigrant family, pursuing your dreams with the help of DACA or other programs, or blazing a future for your family through opportunities in the United States. No matter your situation, college can be a great opportunity. While you will face many hurdles, My College Companion is one of many tools that can help you to accomplish your goals and set you up for success.
Preparing yourself for the challenges and opportunities you will face as an immigrant attending college in the United States is pivotal to achieving your personal and academic goals. International students must ensure that they obtain a proper visa, plan their finances accordingly, and determine where they will live. As immigrants, students must also know what documents they need to submit in order to attend college.
To find the best fit for their college career, immigrant students can look for "immigrant-friendly" campuses that openly support students from other countries. When exploring university options, look for initiatives relating to Immigrant Student Success or ally student groups. Determine which colleges provide financial aid, legal support, and mental health services specifically for immigrant students.
My College Companion believes in empowering students, no matter where they are from, and we highly encourage students to:
- Establish a Support Network: This may include attending social events, joining clubs, and getting involved on campus.
- Research the Education System: When coming from a different country, the United States education system may differ from what you are used to, and understanding what to expect can help you prepare for success.
- Develop Language Skills: You may need to seek out a tutor, take English courses, or ask friends for help.
- Identify Resources and Know Your Rights: It is crucial to understand the immigration laws that will apply to you and the organizations at your school that can help you protect your rights as an immigrant.
How Being an Immigrant May Affect Your College Experience
From drastic cultural adjustments to balancing homework, immigrant students may need to juggle a multitude of responsibilities and stressors. Issues they may encounter include:
- As a student from an immigrant background, English may not be your first language. This can pose additional challenges that could affect your coursework, social life, and job prospects.
- As with many students, affording college is a significant concern for immigrant students. You will need to determine what financial aid options are available, and fortunately, many programs exist that provide assistance.
- Often, immigrant students have substantial financial responsibilities, and they may need to hold part-time or full-time jobs. In some cases, you may struggle to find work due to legal restrictions related to your student visa.
- Unfortunately, many immigrant students also face discrimination, and they can struggle to find a sense of belonging while attending college. By connecting with other international students, you can build a support system to help you succeed.
Scholarships for International Students
When attending college in the United States, one of your biggest concerns will likely be how you will pay for your education. To make your college dreams a reality, you will need to know if they are financially feasible. Depending on your exact circumstances as an immigrant, there may be different financial resources available to you. While not all immigrant students will be eligible for certain types of financial aid, scholarships may be available to help you make your college dreams come true, including:
- The Dreams Without Borders Scholarship offers $1,000 to students from immigrant families who have a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
- The Immigrant Student Scholarship is a need-based $1,000 award offered to high-achieving students who are first or second-generation immigrants.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
How do I find scholarships that match my major and background?
There are many scholarships available for students from different backgrounds or who are pursuing specific degrees. By searching online, you can find scholarships for specific majors, as well as scholarships for specific types of students, such as single parents or members of the military. My College Companion can help you find a scholarship that will meet your needs.
Can I still apply for financial aid if I missed the FAFSA deadline?
You will typically want to fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) while you are planning to attend college. Submitting this form before you enroll in college can help ensure that you have financial aid lined up. However, even if you have missed the FAFSA deadline, you may have other options, since states and colleges have their own timelines. You may also apply for private scholarships or find other options for financial aid.
How Can I Improve My Time Management Skills in College?
It can be easy to feel overwhelmed as you begin attending college. Attending classes and completing homework and projects may be your main focus, but you will probably also want to maintain a social life and participate in activities, and you may also need to work. Finding the right balance can be tricky, but with the proper preparation, you can set yourself up for success.
To make sure you are managing your time effectively, you may want to set up a calendar to help you keep track of when you need to attend classes or labs while also blocking out time for homework, meetings with professors or advisors, study groups, social events, activities at school, or other events. You can set reminders for yourself, making sure you will not miss any deadlines and will be prepared for exams. Finding ways to prioritize what is important while still making time for yourself when necessary can help you get the most out of your college experience.
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