Being a first-generation college student means you’re stepping into new territory, becoming the first in your family to earn a four-year degree. While the journey can come with questions and unfamiliar experiences, it’s also marked by resilience, determination, and a powerful sense of purpose.
Key Takeaways
- If your parents didn’t finish a bachelor’s degree, you’re considered a first-generation college student.
- Many colleges offer mentorship, scholarships, and campus resources designed specifically to help first-gen students succeed.
- First-generation students show strong motivation, resilience, and a clear sense of purpose as they work toward earning a college degree.
What is a first-generation college student? You’ve likely encountered that phrase on college applications, scholarship forms, or campus websites.
As you think about your own family history, you might wonder whether you’re considered a first-generation student. Maybe one of your parents took a few college classes but didn’t finish a degree. Maybe they earned a certificate or attended community college for a short time. Does that make you first-gen?
Let’s look at what a first-generation student is and how to determine if you belong to this group.
What Does ‘First-Generation College Student’ Mean?
If you’re a first-generation college student, it means your parent or parents didn’t complete a four-year college degree. You’re the first in your immediate family to pursue a bachelor’s degree, which is a meaningful milestone.
Even if a brother or sister went to college, you can still be considered a first-generation college student as long as your parents didn’t complete a bachelor’s degree.
What Are Common Challenges First-Generation College Students Face?
While every student’s path is different, there are a few common experiences first-generation students often share. Knowing about them can help you feel prepared about what college life may look like for you.
Learning How College Works
If you’re a first-generation college student, no one may have explained how professors structure their classes or how independent college life can be. That’s why many colleges offer additional support, mentorship programs, and orientation resources designed to help first-gen students feel prepared for college from the start.
Balancing Responsibilities
Many first-generation students work part-time, help at home, or feel a deep responsibility to make their family proud. The challenge comes when those responsibilities compete with the time and energy college requires.
Your family may fully support you but may be surprised how much time, focus, and consistency college demands each week. Learning how to balance your responsibilities takes planning and honest conversations about your time. Over time, you’ll develop routines that work.
Building Connection and Community
Some first-generation students feel a strong motivation to prove to themselves that they can succeed in college. You may focus heavily on academics because you want to honor your goals and show that you belong in college. That drive is powerful and positive.
At the same time, you might hesitate to get involved socially. You may wonder if joining a club or attending events will distract you from your studies. The truth is, connection supports success. Study groups, campus organizations, and friendships often strengthen your confidence and help you stay encouraged while in college.
What Strengths Do First-Generation College Students Bring to Campus?
Being the first in your family to earn a four-year degree shapes how you see opportunities, solve problems, and set goals.
1. A Strong Sense of Purpose
First-generation students often enter college with meaningful reasons for being there. Earning a degree can represent opportunity, progress, and pride for you and your family. That sense of purpose can shape the goals you set and the effort you give to your classes.
When coursework feels challenging, it helps to pause and reflect on what brought you to college in the first place. Reconnecting with your reasons can renew your focus and help you keep moving forward, one step at a time.
2. Resilience and Adaptability
As a first-generation college student, you may not have a clear roadmap for every step of the journey. You might be figuring things out as you go, from choosing classes to exploring career paths. That can feel like a lot of responsibility at first.
Many first-generation students build strong problem-solving skills by asking questions, using campus resources, and adjusting their plans when needed. These habits build resilience over time. Learning how to find answers, make decisions, and keep moving forward is a strength that can support you in internships, careers, and leadership roles long after college.
3. Drive To Change Your Future
First-generation students often feel a strong desire to shape their own future. College can feel like a turning point—a chance to open new doors for yourself and, in some ways, for the people who believe in you.
One example of this determination is Israel “Izzy” Wagner, who graduated from The University of Olivet in May 2025. He’s a first-generation college student from Charlotte, Michigan, who often heard that nobody important comes from small communities. Instead of accepting that message, he decided to challenge it.
Wagner shared, “I knew the goals I had for myself, and I knew I wouldn’t reach those goals if I did not go to college and push myself to get a bachelor’s and eventually a master’s degree.”
Like Wagner, you may not have every detail planned from the start. When you stay committed and keep learning, you build momentum. Your background can shape your determination, and that determination can lead to opportunities you may not have imagined before.
Are There Resources for First-Generation College Students?
Most colleges have support systems built specifically for first-generation students. These can include mentoring programs, academic advising, tutoring centers, and workshops that explain how to create a degree plan, apply for internships, or prepare for graduate school.
Many schools also offer scholarships for first-gen students, work-study programs, and campus jobs that can make college more accessible. If you’re not sure where to start to find these resources, an academic advisor or financial aid counselor can walk you through your options.
The University of Olivet Supports First-Generation College Students
At The University of Olivet, we welcome first-generation students by giving real support. Across campus, you’ll find staff who are ready to answer questions, point you to resources, and encourage your growth. The First Generation Student Support and First-Year Learning Community are just two of the ways you can connect with other first-generation students and share experiences.
This strong sense of connection helps students at The University of Olivet feel comfortable being exactly who they are while they discover their strengths and interests. Because we keep our classes small, you’ll learn from professors who know your name and take an active role in your success.
If you’re ready to become the first in your family to earn a degree, The University of Olivet is ready to walk alongside you. Take your next bold step forward and apply today to start building the future you’ve imagined.