“Sometimes I feel lost and don’t know where to start. I’m not able to get this guidance at home as they didn’t go to university.”
1st year student
Relatable advice, real-life stories, from people who’ve been there.
We help students to hit the ground running, navigate university and successfully complete their degree.
The Why Behind it All
It started during lockdown, when hundreds of first-generation students from across the UK came together online. What started as casual conversations quickly became something more. We remember the moments when we didn’t know who to ask, where to look or how to navigate university life. We began sharing all the things no one had told us.
There were many unexpected moments in the university journey that we only figured out once we were already in them.
Together, we pulled together the advice, stories and tools we had needed ourselves, and turned them into something useful. Today, FirstGens brings together first-generation students, graduates and professionals across 76 UK Universities who share knowledge, experiences and opportunities to help each explore a world of possibilities.
Supporting Through Your Next Chapter - Join FirstGens First-Year Membership
When you join FirstGens, you’ll become part of a growing community of first-generation students and graduates across the UK. From doctors and lawyers to entrepreneurs, researchers, creatives, educators and changemakers, first-generation graduates are shaping the world in countless ways.
Your free membership gives you access to:
💬 A community that understands A supportive group chat to connect with other first-generation students, ask questions, share experiences and meet people who understand your journey. 🎤 Live events and conversations Hear honest advice from students, graduates and professionals across industries including law, business, technology, healthcare, education and more. 📖 The Navigating University Handbook Your roadmap to Access practical advice on the things we wish we had known sooner. 🤝 Funding and scholarship opportunities Discover scholarships, internships, career opportunities and experiences designed to help you progress. For example, we’ve teamed up with global law firm A&O Shearman to offer six £15,000 bursaries to first-generation students studying law or aspiring to become lawyers. Subject to eligibility criteria.
Who can apply:
To take part in the Navigating University programme, you need to: ● Be a first-generation student. This means your parent(s) or guardian did not complete a university degree (Bachelor’s). Even if your siblings or extended family have. ● Be starting your first year of university in September 2026. ● Live permanently in the UK.
Hear from students who’ve been there
“FirstGens exposed me to corporates. Access to the community led me to scholarships I never knew existed. I now work in a top 5 magic circle law firm. Most importantly, FirstGens has taught me to be resilient and proud of my background and experiences.”
ThaliaWarwick University Student
“The work FirstGens delivers is vital for all students who are the first in their family to navigate university. As a first-generation student with two parents in non-professional careers, I often recognise differences between the support and resources available to my friends with parents who aren't first-generation students. For example, contacts for work experience, or even just a parent being able to read an essay or application and provide feedback.”
KateInternational Relations and Politics Student
“I came across FirstGens by accident yet immediately felt a strong sense of community, support and like-mindedness. With the extraordinary insight provided by FirstGens, I was able to join the right opportunities. ”
Andrea Enning University of South Wales Student
Hear from students from our previous 23-24 cohort
Discover FirstGens' Youtube channel for more student testimonials.
Sign up today
Any questions?
Email us at Community@firstgens.co.uk - We are happy to help.