First generation resources

Are you a first-generation college student? If so, you’re in good company. Roughly 31 percent of Berkeley students are first-generation college students, and we work hard to ensure that you have the support and resources to thrive as a scholar, as a leader, and as a vital member of the Berkeley campus community.

Being a first-generation college student is more than coming from a background where your parents or guardians did not graduate from college. Like you, these exceptional students are forging new ground as they venture into the unknown world of higher education. We think this is something to be proud of.

Start here to find a supportive community that can help you succeed throughout your campus journey, including academic programs, leadership opportunities, comprehensive career services, expert tutoring and more.

Learn more about some of our amazing first-generation college students from the University of California.

Read the press release announcing Berkeley’s inclusion in the FirstGen Forward Network.

Academic Achievement and Mentorship Services
- Academic Centers - Whether you would like extra help with coursework, need to talk to someone about choosing a major, or just want a place to study with your friends, the Academic Centers located in the residence halls are the place to go.
- Berkeley Connect - Matches you with a graduate student mentor and connects you with professors, alumni, and students sharing similar interests.
- The College of Engineering’s First-generation Mentor Program aims to mitigate the challenges often faced by first gen students in this a year-long, two tiered program where (1) first-generation upper-division engineering students mentor first-generation lower-division engineering students and (2) alumni, faculty, and graduate students mentor first-generation upper-division engineering students.
- Biology Scholars, Chemistry Scholars, and Data Scholars - Advising, mentorship, academic support, and more for underrepresented students in specific fields.
- Cal NERDS (New Experiences for Research and Diversity in Science) - Works with nontraditional STEM students to provide opportunities in leadership development, undergraduate research, tech training, preparation for grad school, career planning, and more.
- EOP (Educational Opportunity Program) - Academic counseling, mentoring, and a support system for first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students.
- Student Learning Center - Academic consultations, tutoring, workshops, study groups, and more. Available to all students.
- Undocumented Student Program - Guidance and support to undocumented undergraduates at Cal.
Student Life and Community Resources
- Dean of Students Office - A hub office that advocates for the needs of students. They help community members navigate UC Berkeley, promote diversity, and prepare students to contribute to a changing world.The office also aims to support student health and well-being by facilitating belonging, community, and leadership development. Above all, they foster compassion and care.
- Bears For Financial Success - For most college students, money can be an overwhelming and stressful topic. This peer-to-peer financial wellness program offers workshops and one-on-one appointments to make sure students understand the basics of financial literacy and have the knowledge and tools to manage their personal finances in college and beyond.
- Financial Literacy and Economic Justice Conference - The Financial Literacy and Economic Justice Conference is an annual, student-organized event drawing together faculty, administrative offices, community partners and student leaders in facilitating workshops on financial literacy and economic justice to the greater student body. Workshop topics include filing taxes, planning personal budget, saving for retirement, and more.
- LEAD Center - The LEAD (Leadership, Engagement, Advising, & Development) Center is UC Berkeley’s hub for student involvement, leadership development, and co-curricular advising.
- Residential Theme Programs - Close-knit living and learning communities of students sharing a common thematic and academic interest.
- Student Clubs & Organizations - Join one of 1,200 student clubs and organizations on campus. From the B-Side music magazine to the Cal Quidditch Team, from the Latinx Pre-Law Society to Virtual Reality at Berkeley, Berkeley has it all.
Transfer Services
- Cal Veterans Student Center - Providing programs and services in support of the academic and personal success of student veterans
- Re-entry Student Program - Support for students who are entering Berkeley at the age of 25 years or older.
- Student Parent Center - Provides holistic support towards the success of a highly motivated population of undergraduate and graduate students who are engaged scholars, as well as devoted parents at UC Berkeley.
- Transfer Student Center - Services to assist students who transfer to Cal from other colleges and universities with navigating the academic and cultural landscape of this research university.