If you are the first in your family to go to uni, it can feel like everyone else got a secret rulebook that you never saw. People throw around words like UCAS, halls, and maintenance loan, and you are just trying to work out where to even start.
You are not behind. You are not less capable. You just have not had this explained yet.
This guide is for you if you are in the UK, or thinking about studying in the UK, but much of it will still help if you are elsewhere. You will walk through the big questions: what you actually want from uni, what all the confusing jargon means, how money works in simple terms, and how to spot good support for first‑generation students.
You can make a smart, confident choice about uni, even if no one at home has ever filled in an application form.
Key Takeaways: How First‑Generation Students Can Choose the Right Uni
- You do not need family who went to uni to make a good decision, you just need clear information.
- Learn the key uni and course terms so you can compare places fairly instead of guessing.
- Think about money, support, and teaching style as much as rankings or prestige.
- Use open days, online tours, and student chats to test how a place feels in real life.
- Look out for schemes for first‑generation or widening participation students that offer extra help.
- Build simple study skills and routines now, because how you learn often matters more than the “perfect” uni.
Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways: How First‑Generation Students Can Choose the Right Uni
- Start With You: What Do You Actually Want From Uni?
- Understand Uni Jargon So You Can Compare Places Fairly
- Money Matters: Fees, Loans, and Realistic Costs for First‑Generation Students
- Support for First‑Generation Students: How to Check If a Uni Will Have Your Back
- How To Make Your Final Uni Choice With Confidence (Even Without Family Experience)
- Frequently Asked Questions About Being First in the Family to Go to Uni
Start With You: What Do You Actually Want From Uni?
Before you worry about rankings or what sounds impressive, come back to one simple idea: this is your life for the next three or more years. You get to decide what it looks like.
Ask the right questions: course, place, and lifestyle
Grab a piece of paper or a notes app and answer a few straight questions:
- What subjects do you enjoy and usually do well in?
- Do you like reading and writing essays, or do you prefer practical, hands‑on work?
- Do you want to live at home, or are you excited to move out?
- Would you feel better in a big city campus, or in a smaller town or quieter area?
- How far from home feels safe but still a bit exciting? 30 minutes, 2 hours, a plane ride?
Split your list into:
- Non‑negotiables: for example, “must be within 2 hours of home”, “must have strong mental health support”, “must offer my course as a joint degree”.
- Nice to haves: “near the sea”, “big nightlife”, “on‑campus gym”, “cheap buses”.
Treat it like drawing your own map. When prospectuses and websites start to feel confusing, you can go back to this list and ask, “Does this place actually fit what I wrote down?”
Look beyond prestige: what actually matters for your future
It is very easy to get stuck on big names and league tables. Those things can matter, but they are not everything, especially if you are first‑gen and need solid support.
Pay close attention to:
- Course content: Do the modules look interesting? Are there topics you are excited to study for three years?
- Teaching style: Is it mostly lectures and exams, or seminars, labs, and projects? Which suits you better?
- Support services: Does the uni offer study skills help, mental health support, and good personal tutors?
- Placements and internships: Are there chances to get work experience as part of your course?
- Graduate outcomes: What sort of jobs or further study do students go into afterwards?
Your habits will matter a lot. Learning how to plan, revise, and stay consistent will help you wherever you go. For example, guides on how to be a successful student can give you simple routines that work at any uni, not just at one “top” place.
Understand Uni Jargon So You Can Compare Places Fairly
Not knowing the words people use about uni can make you feel like you do not belong. There is no shame in asking what things mean. Here is a quick translation into normal language.
Basic uni terms explained: campus, halls, faculty, and more
- Campus: The main area where teaching, libraries, and sometimes accommodation sit. Some unis have one big campus, others are spread across a city.
- Halls (or accommodation): Student housing owned or organised by the uni, usually where many first‑years live.
- Faculty / School: A big group of related departments, like “Faculty of Science” or “School of Humanities”.
- Department: The part of the uni that runs your subject, like the History department.
- Undergraduate: Your first degree, usually a bachelor’s.
- Postgraduate: Study after your first degree, like a master’s or PhD.
- Lecture: A large session where a lecturer talks and you take notes.
- Seminar: A smaller group session where you discuss, ask questions, and sometimes present.
- Tutorial: Very small group or one‑to‑one teaching, often more personal and in‑depth.
- Foundation year: An extra year before the main degree if you need to build up your skills or subjects first.
- Sandwich course: A degree that includes a full year working in industry.
- Placement: A shorter block of work experience as part of your course.
If any word on a website or at an open day confuses you, ask someone to explain it in one sentence. That is their job.
Course language: modules, credits, contact hours, and assessments
When you read about courses, you will see lots of course‑specific terms:
- Module: One topic or unit you study, like “Victorian Literature” or “Psychology of Learning”.
- Credits: Each module is worth a number of credits. You need a set number each year to pass, usually 120 per year in the UK.
- Contact hours: The amount of timetabled teaching per week, such as 10 hours of lectures and 4 hours of labs.
- Assessments: The ways you are tested, such as essays, exams, coursework, group projects, or presentations.
This matters because it shapes your week. If you hate exams, you might look for a course that uses more coursework and projects. If you prefer lots of structure, you might want higher contact hours.
Think about how you like to learn right now. You can get extra help from resources on finding the best way to study for you, then look for courses that fit that style.
Admissions and offers: UCAS, conditional, unconditional, and clearing
The UK uses a central system called UCAS. You create one application, pick up to five courses, and send it all through UCAS.
You will usually need to provide:
- A personal statement: a short essay about why you want the course and what makes you a good fit.
- A reference: a short report from a teacher or tutor about you as a student.
When unis reply, you might see:
- Conditional offer: You have a place if you meet certain exam grades.
- Unconditional offer: You have a place whatever your final grades are (less common for school‑leavers).
- Firm choice: Your first choice uni.
- Insurance choice: Your back‑up, usually with lower grade requirements.
- Clearing: A system later in the year where you can find a place if you have no offers or change your mind.
Knowing these terms early makes the whole process less scary. It is a bit like planning revision; once you know the key dates, you can plan your time. Study strategies like spaced repetition can help you stay on top of schoolwork while you are applying.
Money Matters: Fees, Loans, and Realistic Costs for First‑Generation Students
Money is one of the biggest worries for first‑generation students. You are not being dramatic if this scares you. You just need clear facts in everyday language.
(This is general information, not personal financial advice. Always check the latest guidance for your country and situation.)
Tuition fees and student loans explained in plain English
Tuition fees are what the uni charges for teaching and facilities. In the UK, these are usually paid by a tuition fee loan rather than by you upfront.
Key points:
- The loan is paid straight to the uni, so you do not see that money.
- You also apply for a maintenance loan to help with living costs.
- You start paying the loan back only after you leave uni and earn over a set income level. Repayments are taken from your salary, a bit like tax.
Rules change over time and can differ between England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, so always check the official government student finance site for your area. The main idea is simple: fees should not stop you applying.
Maintenance loans, grants, and bursaries: what help can you get?
A maintenance loan is money paid into your bank account, usually in three chunks a year. You use it for:
- Rent
- Food
- Travel
- Books and study bits
On top of this, you might qualify for:
- Bursaries: money from the uni that you do not repay, often based on income or background.
- Scholarships: awards for things like academic talent, sport, music, or sometimes being first‑in‑family.
- Grants: money from charities or local groups, again usually not repaid.
Some schemes are for first‑generation students, care‑experienced students, low‑income families, or specific postcodes or schools. Offers can include help with rent, funds for travel, or a laptop.
Always search “[uni name] bursary” or “[uni name] scholarship” on each website. If anything is unclear, email the student finance team and ask. That is their role.
Realistic living costs: how to compare cities and campuses
The cost of living can vary a lot between cities and towns. When you compare unis, look at:
- Average rent in uni halls and in private housing nearby
- Cost of local travel passes or trains if you plan to commute
- Typical food prices and whether there are cheap supermarkets close to campus
- Social costs, such as club entry prices or sports membership
Check uni accommodation pages for rent ranges, and use student forums or social media for real‑life examples. This is also a chance to start simple budgeting, which will help with study planning too.
Part‑time work, commuting, and staying at home: how money shapes your choice
Your money situation might affect whether you:
- Work part‑time
- Commute from home
- Move into halls
Each option has pros and cons.
Part‑time work can ease money worries and build skills, but too many hours can eat into study time and energy. Commuting from home can save rent, but long journeys might make it harder to join in with societies or late‑night study.
Be honest with yourself about:
- How many hours of work you can manage while still studying well
- How much travel time will leave you tired
- How important it is to feel part of the on‑campus community
Planning ahead and keeping a simple weekly timetable can make it easier to balance all of this once you start.
Support for First‑Generation Students: How to Check If a Uni Will Have Your Back
You deserve a uni that sees you, not just your grades. Support starts long before you sit in your first lecture.
Look for widening participation, first‑gen, and access programmes
Many unis run widening participation or access programmes. These are schemes that try to include students who might not usually go to uni, such as:
- First‑generation students
- Those from low‑income families
- Students from certain schools or postcodes
- Care‑experienced or estranged students
Examples include summer schools, reduced grade offers, extra mentoring, travel support for open days, or special welcome events.
When you research a uni, search for “widening participation”, “first generation”, or “access programme” on their site. If you are unsure whether you qualify, email them and ask. It is fine to write, “I am the first in my family to go to uni and I want to know what support might be available.”
Student support services: mental health, study skills, and money advice
Most unis offer several support services, such as:
- Study skills centres that help with essays, revision, and time management
- Counselling and mental health support
- Disability and neurodiversity services
- Careers and employability centres
- Money and budgeting advice
Using these services is a strength, not a weakness. They are built into what you are paying for.
If you worry about stress or burnout, it can help to read about simple ways to protect your energy, like the tips in how to stop school or college from completely burning you out.
Community, belonging, and confidence when your family has not been to uni
The emotional side of being first‑gen is real. You might:
- Feel like an outsider
- Worry about not sounding “academic enough”
- Be scared of asking “obvious” questions
When you look at unis, check what communities exist:
- Societies for first‑generation, commuter, or mature students
- Cultural or faith societies that match your background
- Peer mentoring or buddy schemes for new students
Remember your strengths. Getting this far without a family guide shows independence and determination. Confidence grows over time, like a muscle you train.
Use open days, taster events, and online tours to test the vibe
Open days and virtual events are your chance to test how a uni actually feels.
Prepare a few questions to ask students and staff, such as:
- “What support is there for first‑generation students?”
- “How easy is it to get help if you are struggling with work or money?”
- “What does a typical week of work look like on this course?”
Notice:
- Do people talk to you clearly, or throw jargon at you?
- Do staff seem used to answering questions from students who are new to uni life?
- Can you imagine yourself walking around this campus every day?
Take notes on your phone after each visit. Later, when emotions calm down, you can compare places more fairly.
How To Make Your Final Uni Choice With Confidence (Even Without Family Experience)
By this point, you will have a lot of information. The goal now is not to find a “perfect” choice, but a good fit for you right now.
Compare your shortlist: a simple way to weigh up your options
Pick your top three to five unis. For each one, jot down:
- Course content and teaching style
- Location and distance from home
- Money picture (rent, travel, likely work hours)
- Support and community
- Your gut feeling
You can score each from 1 to 5 if that helps, but do not overcomplicate it. Pay attention to the place you keep thinking about when you imagine your future.
Ask for help, even if your family did not go to uni
You might not have parents who know UCAS inside out, but you can still ask for support from:
- Teachers and tutors
- School or college careers advisers
- Trusted adults, such as older cousins, neighbours, or coaches
- Online student communities and forums
Ask them to talk through your options with you. You are still the one who decides, but you do not have to decide alone.
Wherever you end up, building simple habits around motivation and consistency will matter. Guides on study motivation and keeping a routine when it stops working can help you stay on track once you arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Being First in the Family to Go to Uni
Feeling unsure at this stage is completely normal. You have already shown a lot of courage by reading this far and asking questions.
Here are some quick answers to common worries.
How do I know if I count as a first‑generation student?
Most unis say you are first‑gen if your parents or main carers have not completed a university degree. It usually does not matter if siblings, cousins, or extended family went to uni. If you are unsure, email the uni and ask how they define it.
What if my parents want me to stay close to home but I want to move away?
Start with an honest chat. Explain why moving away matters to you, such as independence or course choice. Show that you have thought about money, safety, and support. You could also look at options within two hours of home as a middle ground.
Is it bad if I choose a lower ranked uni that feels better for me?
No. Rankings are only one piece of the puzzle. A slightly lower ranked uni where you feel supported, safe, and able to work well can be better for you than a famous name where you feel lost.
What if I change my mind after I start my course?
Students change course or uni every year. You can speak to your personal tutor or student support team about transferring or restarting. It is better to adjust early than to stay miserable for three years.
How can I prepare myself for uni if no one at home knows what it is like?
You can read student blogs, watch “day in the life” videos, and ask questions at open days. Build basic skills like time management, active learning, and simple budgeting. Motivational resources such as study motivation quotes to boost focus can help you stay encouraged while you prepare.
You are doing something brave and important, not just for yourself but for your whole family. Asking questions, seeking support, and making informed choices are signs of strength, not weakness. You belong in higher education just as much as anyone whose parents went before them.
