First in Family students
This page is for all students identifying as being first generation, or first in family to go to university. You might feel that you don’t have knowledge and experience of university to draw on from within your own family, you may want to get to know other students in a similar position to you, or you might just have queries about student life.
Our first generation students have told us that the experience can be daunting, and resources and guidance can help. We’ve drawn together useful tips from current first generation students at York, as well as links to information you might find useful.
Am I first generation?
First generation means that neither of your parents have been to university and got a degree. You count as being first generation to go to university even if the following people have gone to university: your foster parents, your care workers, your brother or sister, your biological parents (if you're adopted), or a parent with whom you’ve had no contact during your secondary and post-16 education.
Top tips from current students
The experiences of first generation students are broad and incredibly diverse. For many first generation students, the university experience will be similar to those students who are second generation or beyond. But some may experience a lack of advice or a knowledge network.
We asked our current first generation students what helped them with university life - here’s what they told us:
- Go to as many events as possible and join societies and sports clubs to try to find your interests and ‘your people.’
- University is what you make of it! Push yourself beyond your comfort zone but be honest about who you are, never feel pressured to do things that you don’t want to.
- Familiarise yourself with the Handshake and the opportunities they offer, including internships and part-time jobs on campus.
- Know your way around your department and make sure you're aware of opportunities that arise, including ambassadorships and representative duties. Make sure you're also familiar with the online resources provided by your department and the Library.
- Get involved with college stuff, especially your Junior Common Room Committee (JCRC) if you have a good idea for an event or how college life could be improved.
- Take advantage of the Global Opportunities. They run various programmes and offer some bursaries to ensure it is accessible to all.
- Get to know your STYCs and STYMs - they're a great source of advice and guidance!
Read on everything from dealing with academic pressure to being yourself and 'imposter syndrome'.
Coming from a lower-income family, cost was an issue and although I found taking out a student loan daunting, I know without it uni wouldn’t be an option. Budgeting was therefore important to me and I spent a lot of time looking at my income and how much I would be spending each week.
Sarah, 1st year Social Policy, Crime and Criminal Justice
Finding support
Our first generation students offer their tips on accessing the help and support you need:
- Never be afraid to ask for help. Everyone is nervous. Everyone's a little clueless at times. Never worry alone because you never are alone!
- Reach out to staff at the University if you need help. This can be college or university staff, academic staff or YUSU permanent officers. Use your academic advisor or college manager as a first point of call.
- Use campus support networks through the Student Hub or the Open Door team to make sure you are maintaining good mental health. If you feel more comfortable, use your STYMs or college staff.
- Download the Safezone app, operated by the University, which allows you to send out a distress signal if you're in danger. A porter will then come to your location. Similarly, the Nightsafe team are volunteers that walk around town at night ensuring that students are safe. Finally, Streamline Taxis operate a policy that allows students to have a free taxi ride home if they are without money, in exchange for a student card to be collected the next day with payment.
- Make sure you follow the first generation Facebook group and Twitter account to stay updated and be part of a growing network!
Check out our short course covering all aspects of what university life is all about - and learn tips for making the most of your university life and study.
At first, I often felt like an odd one out, as my life before university didn’t seem to match anyone else's. I worried this might be obvious to other people. Getting involved with student groups allows you to meet so many people, and students really do come from all walks of life. It can be intimidating, but putting yourself out there allows you to make real connections and build a network for yourself. Doing some research on the support the University has available is also a good idea - there is a range of support from your college to the Student Support Hub. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it!
Ellen, 2nd Year Archeology
Being away from home
Our current first generation students offer their tips on coping with living away from home for the first time:
- Finances can be a big issue, make sure you're familiar with how student finance works. Also, work on a budget to make sure you don’t overspend.
- Sort out your University accommodation in good time and be ready to start looking for your second year accommodation, it comes round quicker than you think!
- Get to know both the campus and the city to help you settle in - during your freshers week your college should organise time for you to do this.
- Make your room homely. The University organises poster and plant sales to help, so make your accommodation your own.
- Maintain contact with friends and family at home - York has long holidays and you will probably spend a lot of the year at home. Never feel bad for going home for a visit mid-term or for feeling homesick.
- Keep parents/carers up-to-date with what you are doing and try to have conversations with them about your studies and experiences. Be patient with them!
Finding out more
We've pulled together information and links on some of the topics our current first generation students told us they found most useful: