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1st Gen is a Theme Community for first-generation students: students who are the first in their family to attend college. In this close-knit 30-person community, students have opportunities to connect around their shared identity, showcase their individual strengths, and learn to navigate the University of Michigan together.

1st Gen is located on the sixth floor of Couzens Hall on Hill Campus. This location provides easy access to Mosher-Jordan Dining Hall, the Central Campus Recreation Building, the Nichols Arboretum, Palmer Field, the Natural History Museum, the university medical buildings, bus lines, and much more!

What makes the 1st Gen Theme Community unique?

Your Resident Advisor (RA) is also a first-generatixon college student, who is now in their junior or senior year at U-M. They’ve learned to navigate campus resources and they’re prepared to help you succeed as well.

First-generation college students may share similar experiences and it’s helpful to know your roommate and friends down the hall likely understand what you’re going through. Even if you don’t yet have the words to describe this identity and its impact on your college experience, your peers will “get it.”

1st Gen is supported by the First Gen Gateway, the central hub for first-generation resources on campus. This makes it simple for residents to get connected to support staff, study/meeting spaces, programming, and resources.

What types of events can you look forward to if you decide to join the 1st Gen Theme Community?

• Annual faculty & staff mixer (with faculty and staff who were also first-gen!)
• Study abroad panel
• Weekly study table
• Stress relief nights
• Resume and cover letter workshops
• Attending First-Gen Week events
• Attending events put on by the the student organization First-Generation College Students @ Michigan
• 1st Gen Friday: weekly newsletters advertising resources, events on campus, and opportunities to engage deeper with the first generation identity

In our own words: 1st Gen students encourage you to join this Theme Community:

“It’s been so useful to have people around me that understand my situation and can empathize with me. I know these people will always have my back.”

“You will grow close to these people, and they will be what helps form the beginning of your support network as you transition into college. They will likely be some of the first people you meet and you will in turn grow the closest to them.”

“You form friendships you wouldn't have made in classes and being a part of 1st Gen gives you an opportunity to build a small community in what can feel like a really large campus.”

“Knowing you're not alone helps you increase your confidence.”

“I would wholeheartedly encourage other students to think about joining this Theme Community next year. Being part of a theme community has been a great experience that has allowed me to widen my horizons and be part of a meaningful community.”

Learn more about 1st Gen and other Theme Communities:

To learn more, attend one of our upcoming virtual information sessions on 4/16, 4/20 or 4/27. Register here to join and get your questions answered! You can also read more about 1st Gen and the eight other Theme Communities open to first-year students on our Theme Community website!

Apply to a Theme Community:

Fill out the Theme Community application by the deadline on May 6, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. You can apply for up to two Theme Communities!