First Generation Students

First generation students are the first in their families to attend college or an American institution of higher education. Liberal Studies welcomes all students who identify as first generation and will provide guidance about the resources available to you at LS and NYU.

First generation students bring a unique background and diverse experiences to the college environment. As such, you will experience and navigate college through a unique lens. As you acclimate to NYU and New York City, LS academic advisors, faculty mentors, and student leaders are a resource for you. Together, we hope to make your college experience as inclusive, meaningful, and memorable as possible. This is accomplished through creating supportive networks, establishing personal and academic goals, and connecting with campus resources and services.

Liberal Studies Peer Mentoring Program

Through the Liberal Studies Peer Mentorship Program, first generation students enrolled in Liberal Studies will be paired with an upper-level peer mentor to help them transition to college life, while providing academic and personal connections and support. For more information, contact ls.studentaffairs@nyu.edu.

First Generation Student Welcome

During Welcome Week the Liberal Studies Office of Academic Advising and Student Services provides all first-year first generation students with helpful information and resources to ensure a successful start to life at NYU. Students that begin their studies at our Washington Square campus have an opportunity to participate in many student success events and activities during Welcome Week, including our Liberal Studies First Generation Student Social and numerous events and workshops hosted by student success departments throughout the NYU community.

• Semester Events
  • First Generation Student Welcome – hosted during Welcome Week in the fall semester and in the month of February during the spring semester.
  • First Generation Student Celebration Day – annually celebrated on November 8th and is open to all Liberal Studies first-generation students and our staff and faculty that identify as first-generation students.

Resources for Families

We understand the significance of support from family members throughout the college experience, especially for first generation students. NYU provides resources for parents and guardians of students so they can stay connected and be apart of the educational experience. For more information about resources for parents and guardians of NYU students please visit our Parent Resources page or contact the Parent Helpline for assistance at 212-998-4219 or by email at parents@nyu.edu.

Transitioning to college is exciting, but at times, it can also be overwhelming and challenging. To help ease the pressures of adjusting to campus and learning in a new environment, we encourage you to utilize the resources and contacts that are available to you.

Find support specific to first generation students

• Proud to be First – this program includes mentors and advocates throughout NYU that support our first-generation student population. Programs are offered throughout the semester, including the “Secrets to Success” panel in the fall semester with several current students and professors at NYU and the Proud To Be First LEAD student leadership program.
• First Generation to College Founders Fellowship - provides training and mentorship to undergraduate student entrepreneurs at NYU, who will also have the opportunity to apply for $5,000 scholarships.
  
• Center for Multicultural Education and Programs – FOCUS Mentorship Program
• Wasserman Center for Career Development – First Class
• Residential Life & Housing Services

Get involved in student life programming and events

• Office of Student Affairs - Liberal Studies Student Life
  
• Center for Student Life
  
• Office of Community Engagement
  

Find assistance with wellness, learning, or professional development

• Wellness Exchange
• Moses Center for Student Accessibility
• University Learning Center
• Center for Multicultural Education and Programs (supporting diverse communities)
  
• Office of Global Services (supporting international students)
  
• Wasserman Center for Career Development