First Gen Student Resources

5 Tips for Success for a First Generation Student by a First Generation Student

  • 1. Connect with your Advisor

    Your advisor can help you with many things, including answering questions and giving academic advice.

  • 2. Attend Campus Events

    These events are designed to help incoming students navigate campus and college as a whole!

  • 3. Know your Resources

    There are so many offices and resources on campus to help you succeed academically and personally. A Glossary of terms is also helpful to understand college language.

  • 4. Get Involved

     KU has many organizations on campus for you to connect with! Attend the free events throughout the semester hosted by the Office of Student Involvement.

  • 5. Stay Organized

    With classes, clubs, work and everything in between, it is important to stay organized and keep track of it all. Planners, calendars, phone reminders, and other phone apps like the MyKU Mobile App, can be very useful! Also, don't forget your email!

Male student Kelvin Regalado smiling in front of Old Main

Kelvin Regalado

Kelvin is a First Generation college student graduating from KU in Spring of 2022. Kelvin is currently majoring in Psychology with a minor in Spanish. He is from the Dominican Republic but lives in Philadelphia, PA. Kelvin is Vice President and Workshop Chair of the Newman Council. He also works on campus for the New Student Orientation Program as a facilitator. His advice to First Gen students is to remember to be yourself. He believes the Kutztown University has given him the opportunity to feel comfortable as himself.

female student Van Ahn Thi Nguyen smiling in front of Old Main

Van Ahn Thi (Aris) Nguyen

Aris Nguyen is a First Generation college student graduating from KU in 2022 from Vietnam. Aris is currently majoring in Political Science and Communication Studies. She is involved with New Student Orientation, Pre-Law societies and the Honors Club. Her advice to First Gen students is: Be mindful of what you do during your college time because you can be role model to anyone. Being a First Gen student empowered me to be more responsible for what I do.

Susan Mangold faculty headshot

Susan Mangold

Susan Mangold is a First Generation faculty member here at KU working as the Student Assistance Coordinator. Susan has been at KU for 30 years! Her advice to First Gen students is: Get to know your professors and don't be afraid to ask for help. Work with CASA and other support services to make a weekly schedule and a semester schedule to stay on task with your academics so you don't fall behind. Go to class; buy your textbooks. It can be easy to fall behind without someone like a parent or teacher to keep pushing you, so you need to rely on yourself to stay on track. Get involved in activities/clubs on campus.

Dr. Joleen Greenwood staff headshot

Dr. Joleen Greenwood

Dr. Greenwood is the Department Chair of the Anthropology and Sociology department. She was a First Generation college student who now holds a Ph.D. and has been working here for 10 years. Her advice to First Generation college students is: Do not be afraid to ask questions. Participate in class, ask questions in class, and get to know your professors. Your professors want you to succeed in college and are there to help you. Visit professors during office hours and be sure to have good communication with them, whether it is through email or face-to-face.

Male student Kelvin Regalado smiling in front of Old Main
female student Van Ahn Thi Nguyen smiling in front of Old Main
Susan Mangold faculty headshot
Dr. Joleen Greenwood staff headshot
  • How to Pay for School

    Contacting the Office of Financial Aid Services with any questions and concerns can help you feel more confident about paying for school. Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year is necessary if you want financial aid. Keep a copy of all necessary documents, make sure you research what it means to receive financial aid, and look into the financial aid packages you are given.

    As a first-generation college student, you may also be eligible for first-generation college student Scholarships. 

  • Setting the Stage for Career Goals

    Networking is an area where many first-generation students have little experience, but it all changes here at KU!

    There are plenty of campus resources that we encourage students to become familiar with throughout their time here at KU. The Career Development Center offers hands-on career advising and resume critiques that assist students in highlighting their involvement and skillsets.

  • Graduate School and Beyond

    There are many routes a student can take after graduation. Graduate school is a popular option after graduation. 

    When thinking about graduate school, it's important to remind yourself of all the great accomplishments you've achieved thus far. Stop by the Boxwood House on Main Street to learn more.

Check out these resources and articles about navigating college as a first-generation college student: