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 online course designed to help you navigate your first year of university with confidence.

Delivered by accomplished students, for the next generation of achievers. 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.

Focusing on topics such as adjusting to higher education workload managing finance and accessing bursaries, mentorship, networking, LinkedIn, managing stress and avoiding burnout, second-year housing and goal setting. 

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.

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.

Restricted
knowledge

Little or no
professional network

Limited financial
resources

Feeling like
an imposter

See what’s possible👀

The programme includes:

  • Series of 7 masterclasses across 6 months. Following the First To Do It Roadmap. a structured a step-by-step process built by experiences undergraduates

  • The University Survival Guides and templates, written by first-generation students

  • Access to our masterclass experts for personalised advice

  • The opportunity to access exclusive opportunities

  • Join our national community of students chartering the same journey and connect with first-generation professionals who landed careers in top graduate jobs in your field of study or career area you wish to explore

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 2023.

  • UK home domiciled student.

A student used our infamous LinkedIn message template to get in touch with a professional in the industry she aspires to enter.

Instead of having to figure it all out by yourself, we guide you through the key university milestones, empower you to foresee and overcome the unexpected hurdles, connect you with the right networks and arm you with the knowledge and resources to hit the ground running and succeed at university.

Transformative impact…We’ve got proof 🚀

Timeline for Applications

  • Applications Open

    7th August 2023

  • Applications Close

    4th October 2023

  • Programme Begins

    2nd October 2023

Navigating New Paths, Together: Start Your Journey With Us 🤝

Whether you’re a slightly daunted, excited but unsure of what lies ahead or confident but want extra insider knowledge, we have the tools to not only help you hit the ground running, but to ensure that you build the foundation to prepare you for second yea and beyond.

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

Sign up below!

By submitting your application, you consent to our GDPR Terms and Conditions.

If you have any questions or would like support with your application, please email us at Navigatinguniversity@firstgens.co.uk.

Our team are here to help!

Kate, LLB, The University of Sheffield

“The work First Gens delivers is vital for all students who are amongst the first in their family navigating university.”

Megan, Politics and International Relations, Newcastle University

“The virtual coaching sessions brought the power of mentoring and networking to my attention. I didn’t have a professional network at the time and decided to put the advice to the test. Shortly after, the practical advice resulted in making connections with a Circuit Judge, a Senior Civil Servant and a young professional with a shared background with me. Since this, I have been exposed to numerous opportunities and insights that have been useful to help me navigate university and my career options.”

Andrea, Information Communication Technology, University of South Wales

“I came across Firstgens by accident yet immediately felt a strong sense of community, support and like-mindedness. I learn't about social mobility and higher education inequality research, and the effects of not having the right instruments to hit the ground running. With the extraordinary insight provided by Firstgens, I was able to network and join the right networking opportunities.”

Your burning questions answered

  • The programme will be digitally delivered with digital resources accessible at your finger-tips.

    There will be an in-person celebration event so that we can connect and celebrate our personal and professional development together.

  • The programme currently available to home students. However, we are working behind the scenes to develop support for international students.

    In the meantime, please check out these useful spaces. 

    -Firstgens international student community group is accessible via membership > https://www.firstgens.co.uk/become-a-member 

    Vantage - Vantage connects you with legal employers. https://www.vantageapp.io 

    1000 black interns - providing students with work experience. https://www.10000blackinterns.com 

  • Those who complete a minimum of 6/8 of the live sessions will have access to follow on support.

    You also have lifetime access to our national network of first-generation undergraduates and professionals. Our network is now your network!

  • The course is spread across term 1 and term 2 during your first 6 months of university. We start the journey in October 2023 and finish March 2024.

    The reason for us running for 6 months is because we give you a break in December and January so that you can concentrate on your studies.

  • Our live sessions and guides offer a unique blend of authentic stories, personal practical strategies.

    Our programme team have decades of combined experience shared from former 1st year students who successfully navigated university and/or landed a graduate job. Facilitators are well qualified to show you how to do it too!

  • Feel free to email us on Navigatinguniversity@firstgens.co.uk