SIUE Campus Resources

First Year Advising partners closely with campus offices to ensure first-generation students receive coordinated, proactive support.

• Success Coaching - Support with time management and study skilsl development.
• The HUB (Student Diversity & Inclusion) - Community-building, identity-based support, and engagement opportunities.
• Student Financial Aid - FAFSA guidance, scholarships, financial literacy, and understanding aid eligibility.
• Tutoring & Learning Support Services - Course tutoring, study strategies, and academic skill enhancement.
• Career Development Center - Major exploration, internships, resume building, interview preparation, and career readiness planning.
• ACCESS (Disability Support Services) - Academic accommodations and accessibility resources.

Your advisor can help you determine which resources align with your academic goals and personal needs and refer you. 

National & External First-Generation Resources

These organizations provide additional guidance, research, and support specifically for first-generation college students.

• Center for First-Generation Student Success – Research, advocacy, and national initiatives supporting first-generation student achievement.
• College Advising Corps – Support for first-generation and underrepresented students navigating admissions and financial aid.
• College Board Blog – Articles on academic preparation, financial aid, and college transition.
• Collegiate Parent Timeline – A planning guide for high school students and families preparing for college.
• FirstInTheFamily.org – Checklists, practical guidance, and student success stories.
• I’m First (ImFirst.org) – Personal narratives and online resources for first-generation students.
• Nine Tips for First-Generation Students in Their First Semester – Practical, first-term guidance.
• Psychology Today: 22 Tips for First-Year College Students – Strategies for adjustment and transition.
• U.S. News & World Report: What to Know as a First-Generation College Student

Share Your Story

First-generation students strengthen the SIUE community through resilience, leadership, and determination. Your experience matters and your story can inspire future Cougars.

We invite SIUE students, alumni, faculty, and staff who identify as first-generation to share their journey in higher education. If you are connected to SIUE as a student, graduate, faculty member, or staff member, we would be honored to highlight your story.

Consider sharing:

• What motivated you to pursue a degree
• Challenges you navigated
• Resources that made a difference
• Advice for incoming first-generation students

Submissions may include a short paragraph, video, reflection, or photo.