Navigating University Programme

Navigating University Programme

Sharing what hundreds of first-generation students wish they knew during their first year at university to help you overcome the unexpected hurdles, hit the ground running, connect with opportunities and succeed at university.

What’s the Navigating University Programme?

An award winning programme which sees students across UK Universities join to start a new journey, together. Delivered by accomplished students, for the next generation of achievers, you'll learn how to prepare you ahead of university, teaching you everything you need to know to navigate your first year of university with confidence.

This programme will fast-track you to succeeding as a first-year student. The programme is packed with authentic stories and practical strategies from other students who were the first in their family to attend university.

Who is it for?

Who is it for?

Being a first-generation student means that neither of your parents or legal guardians has attended university or completed a degree. It's important to note that even if your siblings or other relatives have graduated from university, you can still be considered a first-generation student.

How might this affect my university journey?

Becoming a first-generation student is an incredible accomplishment, but it also presents a distinct set of challenges and opportunities that can be daunting to face alone. • Restricted knowledge • Little or no professional network • Feeling like an imposter • Limited financial resources

How might this affect my university journey?

The good news is you don’t have to journey alone. Because we’ve got your back.

There are many funding, schemes, mentorship and opportunities tailored to assist first-generation students when joining university. We’ll tell you when and where you can find these opportunities, to avoid missing out.

The programme includes

• Join our series of masterclasses, designed with a structured, step-by-step roadmap. Start your journey the summer before university and gain the insight and undergraduate skills you need for your first six months on campus. • The University Survival Guides and templates, written by first-generation students. • Access to our first-generation mentors who will offer personalised advice on navigating university and how to break into careers you might be interested in. • First dibs on exclusive opportunities with graduate employers who are looking to meet you. • Join our nationwide community of students embarking on their academic journey. On a group chat, we share our successes, lessons, and valuable resources, collected from different universities, to support each step along the way.

The programme includes

Applicant Criteria

• Your parent(s)/guardian(s) did not complete a university degree, regardless of other family members'/siblings’ level of education. • A first-year student enrolling in September 2025. • UK home domiciled student.

Applicant Criteria

Timeline for applications

  • Applications open

    January 2025.

  • Applications close

    May 2025.

  • Programme begins

    July 2025.

Start your journey with us

Are you ready to learn how successful undergraduates work to get top grades, internships and extra funding?