“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.
Wehelpstudentstohitthegroundrunning,navigateuniversityandsuccessfullycompletetheirdegree.
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 began sharing all the things no one had told us. There were so many unexpected moments in the university journey that we only figured out once we were already in them.
For many of us, going to university was the first step towards doing something we cared about.
It opened doors to better jobs, new opportunities and new ways of thinking. But it was also unfamiliar. We didn’t always know who to ask, where to look, or how to keep up. That’s when we realised we had something valuable. Our lived experience could become someone else’s guide. Together, we pulled together the advice, stories and tools we had needed ourselves, and turned them into something useful.
NavigatingUniversityProgramme
Supporting Through Your Next Chapter
You’ll be part of the 2025 cohort and get access to 6 months of:
● Monthly online events and panels with first-gen students, graduates and professionals from sectors including business, law, tech, healthcare, education, finance and more. ● A group chat and online Q&A sessions with other first-gen students — a safe space to ask questions and share what you’re figuring out ● A monthly newsletter with tips, reminders and upcoming milestones to help you stay on track ● Information about funding options, including scholarships and bursaries that don’t need to be repaid ● A digital platform with videos, guides and resources to help you make confident choices, right when you need them
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. Even if your siblings or extended family have, your experience still counts. ● Be starting your first year of university in September 2025 ● Live permanently in the UK. We ask for a small level of commitment throughout the programme so you can get the most out of it, but everything is designed to fit around your life.
Key Dates
May 2025 - Applications open
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. We recommend applying early to secure your space.
July 2025 - Programme begins
You’ll receive all the details and get welcomed into the community.
December 2025
You’ll finish with new connections, confidence, and support that lasts beyond your first year.
Hear from students who’ve been there
“I was planning to defer or dropout of my first term at university until I had a 1:1 with the team while on the Navigating University Programme. They gave me hope and signposted me to the right university departments. I now feel empowered to stay on my course.”
Mia, Graphic Design Student
“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
Hear from students from our previous 23-24 cohort
Discover FirstGens' Youtube channel for more student testimonials.
Join the Navigating University Programme Today
Any questions?
Email us at firstgens@navigatinguniversity.co.uk - We are happy to help.