It’s late August and if they have not already, college classes will start soon. For thousands of Black students, they will find themselves in an environment that can be hostile to their culture and unwelcoming to their presence. That kind of institution is what Black faculty and staff call Predominantly White Institutions or ‘PWIs’ for short.
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If a university is not an Historically Black College or University (HBCU), it is a PWI. And Black students on that kind of campus can find life especially difficult, particularly in light of current national turmoil.
It is not uncommon for Black students to feel unwelcome on a PWI. It is even more common for these students to experience imposter syndrome and wonder if they can excel academically in such an environment, with the added pressure of a turbulent national climate.
I have experience with that kind of environment. I attended PWIs through undergrad and went to two for graduate school. I currently teach at one now. Every fall, Black students come to my office asking for advice and guidance as they try to navigate a space that feels hostile to their presence.
Let me tell you what I tell them. I’ll give you five things you absolute must do if you want to thrive in that kind of environment.
Don’t be a passive student
Ask questions in class if you don’t understand something. Take up space in the room. Believe that you have something to contribute to the conversation…because you do.
Do the work
Never forget that you are in college to get an education. Not to find a partner. Not to join a fraternity or a sorority. You are there to get a degree. Prioritize your schoolwork. Never let anyone or anything get between you and your goals.
Ensure that the professors know your name
Many professors have hundreds of students that attend their classes. If the prof knows who you are, they will be more likely to treat you like a person and not a faceless person in their class.
Find where Black folks congregate on your campus
When I was in undergrad, the spot where all the Black students congregated was called Little Africa. At the University of Michigan, they meet up at Ambatana. Every university has a place where Black students meet and fellowship. Find that place at your university.
Build Community
Some join Black Greek Letter Organizations. Others join organizations like the Black Student Union or African American Student Association. Hear me on this. You need to join an organization where you will make friends who look like you and love the things you do. If you do it right, these will be your friends for life.
College can either be something you endure or the best time of your life. If you follow this advice, it will be the latter.
Straight From 
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