Student Success First in family programme

First in family


What is First in Family?

The OfS (Office for Students) defines a first-in-family student as someone whose parents or guardians do not have any experience of Higher Education. 

The First in Family program looks to support students who responded "No" to having a parent or guardian with a HE qualification. We understand that students who are first in their family may not have access to resources and support. These students, may not understand why they could find the university journey more difficult but not having a support network should not be one of the barriers for them.   

At the University of Kent, around 4000 students share this experience. We understand that being a first-in-family student comes with challenges and difficulties, so we started this program.

Working across the institution we have designed First-in-Family to offer resources and tailored student support to ensure they get the most out of their degree and time at University. 

If you'd like to be involved or would like to request a badge please email us using the button below.

Email Us

What are we doing?

Staff and student badges are available to wear and staff with badges will be encouraged to partake in Moodle training to support and signpost students to resources they can access to help them excel at the University of Kent.

How can you get involved?

As a staff member, we'd encourage you to wear the badges and partake in the Moodle training. This way you can provide students with your own lived experiences and signpost them to relevant training and resources offered at the University of Kent.

How does this make a difference?

We understand that students who are first in their family may not have access to resources and support. These students, may not understand why they could find the university journey more difficult but not having a support network should not be one of the barriers for them. By identifying these students we can direct them to more programmes and resources to bring people together from different backgrounds and identities who all share one factor, being the first in their family to attend University. 

Other useful resources

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Expectations Survey

We want to know your expectations of the University, Check your email once you register and help us shape Students experience of University.

Find out more here

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Kent Financial Support Package

The KFSP is open to UK students who are new to Higher Education and have household income less than £30,000 as well as other criteria

Find out more here

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Academic Advising

Every year students are assigned academic advisors. First in Family students will benefit from having regular contact with their advisors

Find out more here

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Inspirations

We're currently developing our First in Family Inspirations page! Meet some staff and students who were first in their family and find out their top tips 

Find out more here