First-Gen Longhorns
UT Austin actively celebrates and supports our first-generation (first-gen) community — including students, faculty, staff and alumni. The first-gen community is an integral part of our campus and UT Austin greatly benefits from their voices and experiences.
First-Gen Longhorns encapsulates the First-Gen Experience Program, the First-Generation Living Learning Community and celebratory campus-wide events. We strive to connect first-gen students to campus and national first-gen student resources. The first-gen community is encouraged to utilize First-Gen Longhorns as a support system and guide as they navigate through the higher education landscape.
First-Gen Experience
First-Generation Living Learning Community
Campus-Wide Events
First-Gen Resources
First-Gen Forward
UT Austin is a member of the First-Gen Forward Network, which identifies institutions within the United States that are prioritizing first-generation success.
What does it mean to be first-gen?
First-generation (or first-gen, for short) college students are students whose parents or guardians have not had the opportunity to complete a bachelor's degree in the United States. Many students whose parents have degrees from outside of the U.S. also identify as first-gen.
Upcoming Events
November: Celebrating Community
First-Gen Week
November 3-8, 2025
Location:
Description: November 8 is National First-Generation College Celebration Day. However, at UT Austin, we believe that one day could never be enough time to celebrate the determination, leadership and success of our first-gen community!
First-Gen Longhorns invites you to join in the celebration and show your support November 3-8 for First Gen Week 2025. As a First-Gen Forward Institution, we look forward to seeing how the campus works together to showcase our first-gen students, staff and faculty.
Career Connections
November 17, 2025
Location: Location TBD
Description: Explore your career path with us! This workshop is designed for first-gen students to strengthen essential professional skills like resumes, cover letters, and job applications. You'll leave with practical tools, guidance, and confidence to tackle the internship or job search process.
Harvest Party Potluck
November 20, 2025, 5 - 7 p.m.
Location: TBD
Description: Come together to share food, laughter, and community at our Harvest Party Potluck! We'll provide a variety of seasonal dishes, and you're welcome to bring a favorite snack or dish to share if you'd like. This is a chance to relax, connect with friends, and celebrate the spirit of giving and togetherness. Everyone is welcome, just bring your appetite and your first-gen pride!
December: Recharge & Reflect
Cozy Cocoa & Craft Night
December 5, 2025, 6 - 8 p.m.
Location: TBD
Description: Take a break from the semester and join us for a relaxing evening of crafts and cocoa. You can make fun seasonal projects, sip on a warm cup of hot cocoa, and enjoy time with friends in a cozy, festive atmosphere.
Final Study Session
December 10, 2025, 4:30 - 7 p.m.
Location: TBD
Description: Join us for a study session with snacks, coffee, and plenty of space to get your work done. If you need a relaxing place to focus or a supportive community to study alongside, we've got you covered. Take a break with friends, recharge, and prepare for finals in a stress-free environment.
Past Events
First-Gen Camp
Saturday August 23, 2025, Noon - 3 p.m.
Location: WCP Ballroom
Description: Start your journey on the Forty Acres at First-Gen Camp! Hear inspiring stories from first-gen faculty and student leaders, connect with your fellow Longhorns, enjoy FREE food and beverages, exclusive swag, crafts and more. Spots are reserved for first-year students.
Please RSVP here by August 20th. RSVP required.
First-Gen Camp After Dark
Saturday August 23, 2025, 4 - 6 p.m.
Location: GRE Gym Pool- Outdoor Event Space
Description: Swim or lounge by the Gregory Gym Pool to connect and socialize with your fellow first-gen longhorns! Enjoy refreshing aguas frescas, food, crafts and activities, temporary tattoos, photobooth and more.
We've Got Your Back and a Snack
Monday, August 25, 2025, 1 - 2 p.m.
Location: Student Services Building 1.100
Description: Join Legal Services for Students, Student Outreach and Support, First-Gen Longhorns, and the Basic Needs team for a warm welcome event to kick off the semester! Stop by for pizza and cookies, prizes, and the chance to connect with resources and staff you can rely on! Whether you're a new or returning student, come refuel, recharge, and feel supported as you start the year strong!
First-Gen Focus: Study Skills Workshop
Thursday, September 11, 2025, 5-7 p.m.
Location: SSB 3.200
Description: Work Smarter, Not Harder! Join us for an interactive workshop to cover strategies for printtime management, note-taking, test preparation and staying focused. Whether you're looking to improve your grades or reduce stress, this session will give you practical tools to succeed academically.
First-Gen Game Night
Friday, September 26, 2025, 6-8 p.m.
Location: SSB 3.200
Description: Take a break and have some fun with your fellow first-gen students at Game Night! Join us for board games, card games, snacks, and a chance to win prizes. It's a great chance to relax, meet new friends, and build community with other first-gen students.
Finances 101: Building your First-Gen Toolkit
Wednesday, October 15, 2025, 5-6:30 p.m.
Location: SSB 3.200
Description: First-gen and figuring out finances? Join us to learn easy tips on budgeting, saving, and making your money work for you! Snacks and engaging activities included!
Mindfulness Summit
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Location: Blanton Museum
Description: A retreat style mindfulness experience with different mindfulness-based guided activities, activities on your own, concluding with a community picnic with lunch provided. All are welcome, no experience necessary. Brought to you by Longhorn Wellness Center, First-Gen Longhorns and Blanton Museum of Art.
Spooky Social
Friday, October 24, 2025, 6-8 p.m.
Location: TBD
Description: Celebrate the season with your first-gen community! We'll have fall treats, Halloween-themed crafts, and a cozy movie screening to set the spooky mood. No costumes required- just bring yourself, relax, and enjoy a fun night with friends!