Being the first person in your family to attend university can be a significant achievement.
It can also bring unique opportunities and challenges.
As a first-generation student, you may be navigating systems and experiences that nobody in your immediate family has encountered before. This can sometimes create additional pressure or uncertainty.
You may experience:
- uncertainty about university processes and expectations;
- concerns about fitting in or belonging;
- balancing family responsibilities alongside study;
- financial pressures;
- feeling responsible for succeeding on behalf of others;
- imposter syndrome or self-doubt;
- uncertainty about academic culture and language.
Many first-generation students describe feeling as though they are learning two things at once: their academic subject and how the university itself works.
These experiences are common and do not reflect your ability or potential.
Your Background Is a Strength
Students from first-generation, widening participation, and non-traditional educational backgrounds bring valuable perspectives, experiences, and resilience to university life.
The skills developed through navigating challenges, supporting family members, overcoming barriers, and adapting to new environments are strengths that can contribute to academic and professional success.
You do not need to change who you are to belong here.
Knowing Where to Ask for Help
One of the challenges some first-generation students describe is simply knowing where to go for information.
You may find yourself wondering:
- Who do I contact about my course?
- How do I access financial support?
- Where can I get wellbeing support?
- Who can help with accommodation issues?
- What should I do if I am struggling academically?
- How do University processes work?
Many students assume that everyone else already knows the answers to these questions. In reality, most students seek advice and guidance throughout their time at university.
You are not expected to navigate University life on your own.
Ask@WLV
Ask@WLV is the University's central student enquiry service and can help you access information, advice and support across a wide range of areas.
Whether you have a simple question or are unsure where to start, Ask@WLV can help connect you with the right service.
Areas of support include:
- Student administration
- Finance and funding
- Academic processes
- Student support services
- Wellbeing and welfare
- Accommodation
- General University enquiries
For more information, visit:
ASK@WLV - University of Wolverhampton
Belonging Is Not Something You Earn
Sometimes students from underrepresented backgrounds can feel they must prove they deserve to be at university.
You belong here because you have earned your place and have the potential to succeed.
Your background, experiences and perspectives enrich our University community.
Our Commitment
The University of Wolverhampton is proud of its commitment to widening participation, social mobility and educational opportunity.
We recognise that talent exists in every community and that people's potential should never be limited by their background, income, postcode, family circumstances or life experiences.
We are committed to creating a University where all students and staff can thrive, regardless of where they started their journey.
The Hidden Pressures of Being a First-Generation Student
Being the first person in your family to attend university can be a source of pride, opportunity and achievement.
However, it can also bring pressures that are not always visible to others.
Many first-generation students describe feeling a strong sense of responsibility to succeed, not only for themselves but also for their families. You may feel pressure to:
- make the most of opportunities that others have not had;
- justify the sacrifices made by family members;
- achieve success on behalf of those supporting you;
- avoid disappointing those who have encouraged you.
These feelings are common and can sometimes create significant pressure.
When University Changes How You See the World
Higher education encourages us to:
- think critically;
- question assumptions;
- evaluate evidence;
- explore different perspectives;
- reflect on our own beliefs and experiences.
For many students, this can be exciting and empowering.
However, personal growth and learning can sometimes create unexpected challenges.
As your understanding of the world develops, you may find yourself:
- viewing issues differently from family or friends;
- holding different opinions from those you grew up with;
- exploring new ideas, identities or aspirations;
- feeling caught between different worlds or expectations.
This is a normal part of personal and intellectual development.
Feeling Caught Between Two Worlds
Some first-generation students describe feeling that they no longer fully fit within spaces that once felt familiar, whilst also feeling uncertain about whether they belong within university environments.
This can sometimes lead to:
- feelings of isolation;
- imposter syndrome;
- guilt;
- loneliness;
- tension within relationships;
- a sense of being misunderstood;
- concerns about "changing" or leaving people behind.
Some students may experience comments from others suggesting they have:
- "changed";
- "become different";
- "forgotten where they came from";
- "think they are better than everyone else."
These experiences can be painful and confusing.
Navigating Relational Strain
For some students, attending university can place a strain on relationships with family members, partners or friendship groups.
This does not mean that those relationships are failing, nor does it mean that personal growth is a betrayal of your background or values.
Relationships often need time to adapt when significant life changes occur.
It is possible to remain connected to your roots whilst also developing new perspectives, ambitions and opportunities.
Support Is Available
You do not need to navigate these experiences alone.
The University's Mental Health and Wellbeing Team understands that university life can sometimes raise complex questions about identity, belonging, relationships and personal growth.
Support is available if you would like to explore:
- feelings of pressure or responsibility;
- imposter syndrome;
- family expectations;
- relationship difficulties;
- loneliness or isolation;
- questions of identity and belonging;
- adapting to change.
Sometimes simply having a space to talk things through can help make sense of experiences that feel confusing or overwhelming.
FirstGens
Being the first person in your family to attend university can sometimes feel isolating. You may be navigating experiences, expectations and opportunities that are unfamiliar to those around you.
FirstGens is a UK organisation dedicated to supporting first-generation students and professionals. It aims to help individuals build confidence, develop networks and access opportunities whilst celebrating the strengths and experiences that first-generation students bring.
FirstGens provides:
- Information and resources for first-generation students;
- Stories and experiences from others with similar backgrounds;
- Career development support;
- Networking opportunities;
- Advice on navigating higher education and professional environments.
Many students find it reassuring to connect with others who understand some of the unique opportunities and challenges associated with being the first in their family to enter higher education.
For more information, visit:
Supporting students who are the first-generation in their family to attend university | FirstGens
Growth Does Not Mean Leaving People Behind
Developing new knowledge, perspectives and skills does not mean rejecting your family, community or background.
Your experiences, relationships and identity remain an important part of who you are.
University is not about becoming someone else.
It is about developing the confidence, knowledge and critical thinking skills to become more fully yourself.