You got in. Now what? What surprises first‑generation students in college
A guide for first generation students on asking for help, decoding campus norms, and finding support.
Salah Assana
I’m a first-generation college student and the creator of The College Grind, dedicated to helping peers navigate higher education with practical advice and honest encouragement.
How to ask for help in college. An important skill, not a weakness
Concrete strategies for reaching out to professors, tutors, and peers so asking for help becomes easier.
Exploring the "hidden curriculum". The invisible system that shapes your college experience
Learn how the hidden curriculum influences your success in college and what you can do to navigate it with confidence.
What academic rigor actually is and how to navigate it
Understand the real meaning of academic rigor and learn how to approach difficult courses with confidence.
How to recover from a bad semester. Understanding, acting, and moving forward
Understand how to turn an academic setback into momentum with reflection, strategy, and realistic next steps.
Studying in college is different. Your old methods will stop working
A practical look at why high‑school tactics stop working in college and how to adapt with confidence.
Is college worth it? How to think about ROI without obsessing over salary
Learn how to assess whether college is worth it by looking beyond earnings and considering long‑term value.