First-generation College Students
First in your family, never on your own.
Celebrate First-Gen Week, -13
Nov. 8 is National First-Generation College Celebration Day, and we're spending the whole week honoring the first-gen students, faculty and staff who make NIU stronger.
Show your pride with a #FirstGenHuskie email signature or Teams and Zoom background, and join the national conversation with #CelebrateFirstGen.
#FirstGenHuskie
More Than Half of Our New Freshmen Are First-Gen
If you're the first in your family to go to college, you'll find plenty of Huskies who know the path, including many of the faculty and staff you'll meet.
Being first takes courage. It can be challenging and life-changing for you and the people who care about you. We'll help you find your footing, connect with people who get it and build the life you want, on campus and after graduation.
Am I First-Gen?
You're a first-generation student if your parents or guardians haven't earned a four-year bachelor's degree. That applies to undergraduate and graduate students.
Upcoming Events
Huskie Spotlights
Hear From Huskies Who Went First
Students, faculty and staff across campus know the first-gen journey firsthand. Here's what they want you to know.
“A college education is very important to me because I'm a first-generation college student. My parents never got the opportunity to attend college, and my whole life they told me to focus on school.”
“My first year I did not know anything about any of these resources, but now I do, and I think it is so important for everyone to know about them.”
“I had a very uphill, non-linear path through school, and I want to help all students feel that sense of belonging and the confidence to succeed in school and beyond.”
Support for Every Step
These offices are here for every Huskie, and our Huskie Guides cover the unwritten rules of college, like how office hours work and how to email a professor. Don't wait until you need help to find them.
Get Involved
Where to Go
- Huskie Hub: Find student organizations and campus events.
- UNIV 101: A course that helps you adjust to campus.
- First-year Success Event Series: Practical workshops for your first year.
- Diversity and Cultural Resource Centers: Community and connection.
Huskie Guides
Academic Resources
Where to Go
- Undergraduate Advising: Plan your classes and stay on track to graduate.
- Huskie Academic Success Center: Tutoring and study support.
- Writing Center: Help with papers at any stage.
- Mathematics Assistance Center: Drop-in help with math courses.
- UNIV 301: A leadership and career success course.
Huskie Guides
Paying for College
Where to Go
- Student Financial Advising Services: Guidance on ways to afford college.
- Financial Aid and Scholarship Office: Help with financial aid and scholarships.
- Office of the Bursar: Answers about paying your bill.
Huskie Guides
Support and Wellness
Where to Go
- Center for Student Assistance: Help when life gets complicated.
- Counseling and Consultation Services: Mental and emotional health support.
- Health Services: Medical care on campus.
- NIU Recreation: Exercise facilities and more.
- Office of the Ombudsperson: Confidential help resolving concerns.
Huskie Guides
We're Committed to Your Success
NIU is a member of the FirstGen Forward Network, which recognizes colleges and universities for their commitment to first-generation student success. Throughout your time here, you'll find a community of peers, faculty and staff who support and encourage you.
Show Your Support
Are you a first-gen student, a first-gen graduate or a champion of first-gen student success? Add a #FirstGenHuskie image to your email signature or use one as your Teams or Zoom background.
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If you're thinking about NIU, we'd love to help you take the next step.
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