Being considered a 1st generation college student means that your parents have not completed a four-year college degree. You are not alone....~40% of undergraduates at UCSB at First Gen!

Although first generation students come from different cities and different cultures, they share a lot in common in terms of their experience of being the first.  First-generation college students and their families have worked hard for them to get here. Thus there is a great sense of strength and resilience, as well as community of support that is rooting for you. But being the first also comes with some challenges, such as learning the ropes about going to college as well as managing the pressure to make your family and community proud. Check out the articles below to read about these issues and learn how 1st gen students can capitalize on their strengths and their communities to build a bright future.

To be the first

It is common for first-generation students to feel pressure to be the first in their family to graduate college. Pressure to make your family and your community proud may lead to increased stress and fear of failure. Check out this article to learn more about about how to handle this pressure and talk to family more easily about your college experience.
@UCSBMentalHealthPeers First Gen Experience:
One goal, one mission...to be the first. #FirstInMyFamily #PrideAndPressure #ThatsALotOfPressure #1stGenExperience  #UCSB​
@UCSBMentalHealthPeers First Gen Experience:
Navigating college without a roadmap. #Help #Confused #WhatIsACampbellHall #1stGenExperience  #UCSB

Navigating College without a Roadmap

College is a new experience for both you and your parents. What that means oftentimes is that you are building the roadmap to navigate college from scratch. Seeking out resources can lead to more opportunities to discover and learn about how to manage college more effectively. This article highlights some foundational knowledge you will need to start off on your journey and also points you to the resources on campus that can form your support team.

Imposter Syndrome &

Knowing You Belong Here

As a first-generation college student, you may question whether you belong at UCSB and whether you will "make it". This feeling, known as imposter syndrome, can affect your self-esteem and lead you to feel isolated and alone. Check out this article for how to challenge these thoughts and own the fact that you do belong here.
@UCSBMentalHealthPeers First Gen Experience:
Do I belong here? #ImposterSyndrome #DoIHaveWhatItTakes #CanIMakeIt  #HowDidIGetIn #1stGenExperience  #UCSB​
@UCSBMentalHealthPeers First Gen Experience:
I need more than 24 hours in a day.  #SleepIsSweet #FirstGen #NoDaysOff  #1stGenExperience  #UCSB

24 hours is not enough

Between classes, work, and extracurricular activities, first-generation students live extra busy lives. With all that is on your plate, it is important to find time for yourself to take a break. This article includes tips about how you can schedule time for self-care while balancing your other responsibilities.

Home is Calling

As a first-generation student, you may be the first in your family to move away from home. You have likely played a significant role in your family (e.g, being a role model for younger siblings, supporting your parents), and the distance may make fulfilling those roles more difficult. Also, life as a busy college student can make it difficult to find time to call home and connect with family and friends, which might further heighten that feeling of distance.  Check out this article to learn more about how to balance your connection to home while still being present here at UCSB.
@UCSBMHPs First Gen Experience: You can’t put your family on hold. #FamilyNeedsMe #HomeAlwaysOnMyMind #CanYouJustTalkToYourBrother #1stGenExperience  #UCSB
@UCSBMentalHealthPeers First Gen Experience:
Only enough money for one. A student shouldn’t have to choose.  #RamenLunchAndDinner #Broke #NoMoneyMoProblemz #1stGenExperience  #UCSB

Stretched Financially

Many first-generation students struggle to pay for textbooks, groceries, and other college necessities. Some may also be contributing to financially supporting their families. Check out this article to learn more about the financial resources available to you on campus so that you don't feel so strained by your financial responsibilities.

If they only knew:

Social Consequences of 1st Gen Pressures

Your friends invite you to grab a coffee, go to dinner, or see a concert on Friday night, but it all costs money. It can feel stressful to want to join in the fun but also balance the need to limit costs and save money. Sometimes just having to explain this to friends can feel embarrassing and lead students to be more isolated or withdrawn socially. Check out this article to create a fun and engaged social life with friends while minding costs.
@UCSBMentalHealthPeers First Gen Experience:
$5 has to stretch a lot further than a latte. #LatteOrLightBill #FriendsButNoFunds #1stGenExperience  #UCSB
@UCSBMentalHealthPeers First Gen Experience:
Even if you’re the first in your family to go to college, it doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.
#UCSBEOP #UCSBMCC #UCSBONDAS  #UCSB

Assembling Your Support Team

Even if you’re the first in your family to go to college, it doesn’t mean you have to do it alone. Check out the ONDAS student center, the MultiCultural Center, and EOP! Each of these places has programming specifically geared toward first gen students and can help you to make your #1stGenExperience here at UCSB at good one. ​

Looking for More Information About

Navigating the Transition to College?


Check out our pages on the Freshman Year
transition  by clicking on the link below!

Please take a few moments to watch, read, and listen to our First Generation Experience presentation

Click here to listen along to the presentation.
Watch this video that one of our Mental Health Peers created after interviewing some of UCSB's First Generation Faculty