First-Generation Students Student Life
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Nationally, first-generation students have reached 51% in college attendance (Pascarella, Pierson, Wolniak, & Terenzini, 2004; Ward, Siegel & Davenport, 2012) and are overrepresented among African Americans, Latinx, and other racial/ethnic groups. First-generation students–the first to go to college among their parents–lean on their parents for emotional support to further explore personal identities and for other types of guidance. This population will rely on other resources to learn how to navigate the political, social and academic culture of the campus. It is extremely important that first-generation students connect with a community that will support their overall endeavors at UC San Diego.
Resources or Tips for Your Student
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Meet and connect early with professors and regularly visit them during office hours.
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Visit a Community Center – Black Resource Center, Raza Centro, Cross Cultural Center, Women's Center, Asian Pacific Islander Middle Eastern Desi American (APIMEDA), Intertribal Resource Center, and LGBT Resource Center.
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If your student is eligible for housing, consider living in an identity-related residence hall.
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Learn about various academic support, OASIS and Writing Center, and make an appointment with an academic advisor to discuss the path to complete the degree in two years (as a transfer) or four years (as a non-transfer). First-generation students should connect with Triton Firsts; an initiative to support first-generation students.
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Get involved, meet people, seek a mentor, and become a mentor to another first-generation student.
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Study Abroad for a quarter! It does not cost more to study abroad compared to remaining at UC San Diego.
Parent and Family Top Questions
Got questions? Use this resource to find answers to all your frequently asked questions.